Say Please
Contrary to the old-school focus on commands and obedience, it’s not always necessary to tell your dog what to do. Automatic, volunteered behaviors (Defaults) are an important feature of a well-behaved dog, and ideally they start in puppyhood. But don’t stop reading if your dog is all grown up and not very polite. It’s not too late!
If you routinely ask your dog to Sit before handing over a treat, toy, or meal, attaching the leash, opening the door, etc., you can—and should—just wait for it. When your dog realizes that getting what she wants depends on her own good behavior, she will soon be throwing herself enthusiastically into Sits. And paying attention more easily and often.
Getting our dogs to volunteer desirable behaviors is easy: Simply reward every time they choose to do them on their own, as well as when you do ask for (cue) them.
This type of training, called capturing, is kind of the opposite of obedience. The dog initiates the behavior, and all we have to do is notice and reward whenever it happens. Two excellent Defaults are the Sit (though some prefer to lie down) and the Check-In (eye contact). Rewards that are valuable to the animal are called reinforcers: They make the behavior stronger.
Defaults can be whatever behaviors are reinforced the most, whether good or bad! For many dogs, excited jumping up or barking always get attention, so they persist. These can be replaced with good Defaults.
Note that Defaults are not cued. They are offered when dogs want something from their humans. We can think of them as a way to communicate, to say Please or I need your help. A bonus effect is that the Default will also happen when your dog isn’t sure what to do—instead of those rude or unruly behaviors.
Capturing is ridiculously easy and effective! For any behavior you want more of,
1. See it
2. Mark it (with a click or YES!) and
3. Praise and reward with something your dog loves, like a small yummy treat.
Dogs are smart. They can take some responsibility for their own behavior in everyday life. Here are some extra benefits of good Defaults, once established:
—No need for nagging: “Sit, Sit, Sit . . . Staaay, Staaaay” every time you provide something she wants. Just wait for it.
—Waiting silently will prompt your dog to think, which requires her to calm herself down.
—Getting your dog’s attention becomes a lot easier with Default Check-ins.
—Default Check-ins are super-useful on walks and for getting more cooperation.
Copyright Lisa Benshoff 2021