Week 1: Building Engagement & Reinforcing "Yes!"
Focus: Strengthening the bond with your dog and creating a positive association with the command “Yes!” while rewarding engagement.
In addition to the 10 Minute Daily Training, reinforcing what they are learning at any opportunity is a great way to cement the information. If you add tiny things to their daily routine, the training will have a much greater impact.
Daily Breakdown:
Day 1:
Hand-feed part of their meal to start building focus and engagement with you. Use the opportunity to reinforce eye contact.
Every time your dog makes eye contact with you, mark it with “Yes!” followed by a reward (treat, praise, or toy).
Day 2:
Continue hand-feeding and reinforce eye contact with the “Yes!” marker.
Practice calm sitting before putting the food down. Ask your dog to sit before placing the food, rewarding calmness.
Say their name before feeding. If they respond, mark with “Yes!” and reward.
Day 3:
Continue hand-feeding and rewarding eye contact.
Practice saying their name before each meal. If they respond, mark with “Yes!” and reward.
Introduce a small waiting period before feeding, where you ask your dog to sit, rewarding calmness and patience.
Day 4:
Hand-feed at least part of the meal. Focus on engaging with your dog and encouraging eye contact.
Reinforce calm behavior by asking for a sit before every meal. Mark “Yes!” when your dog responds and reward.
Day 5:
Continue hand-feeding with a focus on engagement. Every time your dog looks at you, mark with “Yes!”
Before putting the food down, ask for a calm sit and mark with “Yes!” when they sit.
Practice name recognition by saying your dog’s name before feeding and reinforcing the response.
Day 6:
Hand-feed part of the meal, keeping the focus on eye contact and reinforcing with “Yes!” when your dog engages.
Practice name recall before each meal, rewarding them for responding.
Reinforce calmness by asking for a sit before putting food down.
Day 7:
Continue with hand-feeding and mark every engagement (eye contact) with “Yes!” and a reward.
Before feeding, say your dog’s name. If they respond, mark with “Yes!” and reward.
Reinforce calmness by requiring a sit before putting down the food.
Why This Matters:
Hand-feeding creates a stronger bond and focuses your dog’s attention on you.
"Yes!" acts as a conditioned marker, helping your dog learn that good behavior (like eye contact) is immediately rewarded.
By requiring a calm sit before meals and during interactions, you’re teaching your dog impulse control and patience.
The consistent use of your dog’s name and the "Yes!" marker helps them associate both with positive outcomes, reinforcing their attention on you throughout the day.
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