The 4 Essential Phases for Teaching Your Dog Any Behavior (with Practical Exercises)

Phase 1: The Acquisition Phase - Laying the Foundation for Success (AKA The "Aha!" Moment)

The acquisition phase is where your dog's learning journey begins. The new behavior will be presented to the dog. Here's how to make the most of this critical stage:

• Introduce the new behavior you want your dog to do, using positive reinforcement techniques

• Utilize treat luring to guide your dog into desired position

• Speed is NOT important in this phase.

• Hold the commands for now. We're keeping it simple and sweet.

• Reward consistently to build a strong association between action and positive outcome. It should be raining treats, hallelujah! 🌧️🦴

Exercise Example: Teaching "Sit"

1. Stand in front of your dog and have him on a leash.

2. Hold a treat close to your dog's nose.

3. Slowly move the treat up and slightly back over their head.

4. As your dog's head tilts back to follow the treat, their bottom will naturally lower.

5. The moment their bottom touches the ground, say "yes!" and give the treat.

6. Repeat this process several times without using the word "sit" yet.

Phase 2: The Skill Phase - Building Confidence and Speed (Time to Level Up!)

As your dog becomes more familiar with the new behavior, it's time to step up the pace:

• Your fur baby starts showing off their new skills like a pro.

• We're picking up the pace – it's time for rapid-fire success!

• Try and phase out the lure slowly.

• Keep those rewards coming. Every. Single. Time. You want your pup thinking, "This new trick is my ticket to the good life!"

Exercise Example: Refining "Sit"

1. Start with your dog standing.

2. Use the hand motion from Phase 1 to cue the sit.

3. As soon as your dog sits, say ‘good boy’ and reward quickly.

4. Reset by encouraging your dog to stand up or move around.

5. Repeat the process, aiming for quicker responses each time.

Phase 3: The Management Phase - Introducing Verbal Cues (Adding the Magic Words 🪄)

Now that your dog is consistently performing the behavior, it's time to add verbal commands:

• Find a suitable command you want to use to mark the behavior. It's like giving your dog's trick its own hashtag! It doesn’t matter what word you use, call it ‘spaghetti’ if you want. Just be aware this will be the word you’ll use for the rest of their lives to make them sit 😉 

• You've got two ways to teach your dog:

  1. Classical conditioning: Drop the command right before you lure your pup into position. It's like saying "Abracadabra!" before the magic happens.

  2. Operant conditioning: Say the command when you see your dog's about to do the behavior on their own. You're basically reading their mind!

• Be consistent with your chosen method to avoid confusion

• Gradually phase out the hand signal, saying "Sit" and waiting a moment before giving the visual cue.

Exercise Example: Adding the "Sit" Command

1. Say "Sit" in a clear, upbeat tone.

2. When your dog sits, say ‘good boy’ and reward.

3. Try and use the verbal cue only. If it doesn’t work, help your dog by luring him into the right position.

4. Gradually phase out the hand signal, saying "Sit" and waiting a moment before giving the visual cue.

Phase 4: The Enforcement Phase - Cementing The Behavior (Making It Stick)

The final phase ensures that the new behavior becomes second nature to your dog:

• Rinse and repeat until this behavior becomes as automatic as your dog's tail wagging when they see you.

• Mix up your reward game. Sometimes they get the jackpot, sometimes just a "good dog!" Keep 'em guessing!

Exercise Example: Proofing "Sit"

1. Practice "Sit" in different rooms of your house.

2. Take the training outside to your yard.

3. Ask for "Sit" before everyday activities like mealtime or going for a walk.