Using Timing in Training Your Dog

Darlene Taylor - Edmonton Alberta
k9behave@interbaun.com

Regardless of the type of training method used, timing is critical. It is your way to communicate what you want from your dog. But what is good timing?

You use timing every day. When you rush to answer the phone, you know you have to answer before the fourth ring so the answering machine doesn't pick up the call, if it's a call you've been waiting for.

Timing is like getting through the intersection before the traffic light turns red. You evaluate the distance to the light, road conditions, traffic conditions and how hard you'll have to hit the brake in order to stop. Also, factor in if you've got groceries in the trunk and you don't want the eggs to scramble when you hit the brake.

Timing is like moving with your partner when you dance. Timing is delivering the punch-line to a joke at just the right time. Timing is starting cooking a meal where each item is ready at the same time to arrive at the table piping hot. Timing is singing with a group. Timing is yelling "surprise!" when the guest of honour arrives.

So, somehow you need to communicate to your dog when they have done something right or something wrong. No matter what you decide to use, it's your timing that is going to deliver the right message to the dog.

However, the first, second, and maybe even third or fourth time will be such a surprise to the dog he may not "get” it. So, don't you be surprised. The dog will soon "get” it and you will be communicating on a regular basis with your dog.

Let's say you decide to say "yes" every time your dog does something good, or is demonstrating behaviour that you like. I strongly recommend that this is the best way to practice communication with your dog. The "yes" will "mark" the behaviour you liked in the dog.

But, at this point he doesn't know what "yes" means and he doesn't know whether it was a good thing or a bad thing that was done. He only knows that he got your attention for a moment.

So, you need to follow up the "yes" with something. Anything. A pat along with saying "good dog" over and over. Or, a bit of a play session with a favourite toy. Or, a piece of food. Anything to communicate to the dog "I really like what you were doing there and if you do it again I will continue to like it!"

Now, you might say "my dog doesn't know anything" - but he does. And there are things that you want to tell him are good things. Maybe up to this point you ignored these things but now is the time to "mark" them.

For example:
lying quietly - this can ultimately lead into telling the dog to settle down or lay down
sitting watching you - leads to paying attention, being quiet, settling down
doing "business" outdoors - leads to going outdoors, going on command (especially in situations where you are in a "hurry" for the dog to do his business).
chewing or playing with their toy - leads to eating appropriate items and possibly retrieving
anything that entertains you - licking your face hand, lifting a paw (shake a paw), barking then stopping, stretching (bow), shake (especially good so the dog shakes outside or while still in the bath), and more.

So, start watching your dog and "mark" those good behaviours!

Tip: Having trouble with your timing? Need practice? While watching TV -especially a talk show or news report - decide to "mark" a particular action. For example, every time the reporter looks at his papers snap your fingers or say "yes". Or, every time the host licks his lips, blinks their eyes, lifts their right hand or any number of things.

Another way of improving your timing is to bounce a ball and say "yes" every time it hits the floor.

The better your timing, the quicker your dog will get the message.

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