positive reinforcement
How to Effectively Train your
Finnish Lapphund
Finnish Lapphunds are known for their intelligence, adaptability, and affectionate nature. Originally bred as herding dogs, they thrive on companionship and mental stimulation. Positive reinforcement leverages the principles of reward-based behaviourism to shape desirable behaviours in our dogs. This evidence-based method has gained significant traction in canine training communities for its effectiveness and dog-centered loving approach. Positive reinforcement training is particularly effective with Finnish Lapphunds, who are a sensitive breed, allowing you to nurture their innate skills, capture and motivate their good behaviour and develop a strong bond with your dog. This article discusses the basic principles of positive reinforcement training for Finnish Lapphunds, so you have the tools to realise your Lappy’s full potential.
WHAT IS POSTIVE REINFORCEMENT?
Positive reinforcement is a form of operant conditioning that involves rewarding desired or good behaviours to shape behaviour and increase the likelihood of their recurrence. Unlike aversive techniques, which can create fear, anxiety or aggression that negatively impacts a dog’s learning experience. Instead, positive reinforcement fosters a cooperative relationship between the dog and trainer based on good communication, mutual benefit, trust and love. This approach is absolutely essential for Finnish Lapphunds, who are a very sensitive breed and eager to please - particularly when there is a reward involved!
Benefits of positive
reinforcement training
Strong Bond
Positive reinforcement fosters a trusting and loving relationship between you both. As your Lappy learns that good behaviour is rewarded, they become more eager to please and more likely to offer up our desired behaviours, strengthening the emotional bond.
Enhanced Learning
Dogs trained with positive reinforcement show improved retention of learned behaviours. It’s more effective! The excitement of receiving a reward creates a positive emotional experience, making learning enjoyable and effective.
Flexibility and Adaptability
Positive reinforcement training is very flexible, as the trainer is attuned to shape canine behaviour and reads the context of each situation to determine the most effective reward. This training method can be tailored to suit any Finnish Lapphund, even if they are not highly food motivated or have had limited training in the past. Trainers can simply adjust the rewards and techniques used to match the individual needs of each dog, in their context and environment.
Reduced Behavioural Problems
By focusing on reinforcing desirable behaviours (rather than punishing undesirable ones), trainers can significantly reduce issues such as aggression, anxiety, and other destructive behaviours. Positive reinforcement encourages your Lapphund to consistently find alternatives to unwanted actions, because the motivator of receiving a reward for good behaviour is a strong influencer of future behaviour.
Canine-Centered Approach
It's also important to realise that behaviours we consider undesirable or destructive are often natural instincts for dogs. As they navigate a predominantly human environment, positive reinforcement training offers a compassionate way to address this discrepancy with fairness & humility. Rather than reacting with frustration or anger to unwanted behaviours, focus on ignoring them instead. Then guide your dog toward the desired behaviour by using rewards and shaping their actions to achieve a positive outcome. This approach not only respects their instincts but also fosters a stronger bond between you and your dog.
Positive reinforcement fosters a trusting and loving relationship between you both. As your Lappy learns that good behaviour is rewarded, they become more eager to please and more likely to offer up our desired behaviours, strengthening the emotional bond.
Enhanced Learning
Dogs trained with positive reinforcement show improved retention of learned behaviours. It’s more effective! The excitement of receiving a reward creates a positive emotional experience, making learning enjoyable and effective.
Flexibility and Adaptability
Positive reinforcement training is very flexible, as the trainer is attuned to shape canine behaviour and reads the context of each situation to determine the most effective reward. This training method can be tailored to suit any Finnish Lapphund, even if they are not highly food motivated or have had limited training in the past. Trainers can simply adjust the rewards and techniques used to match the individual needs of each dog, in their context and environment.
Reduced Behavioural Problems
By focusing on reinforcing desirable behaviours (rather than punishing undesirable ones), trainers can significantly reduce issues such as aggression, anxiety, and other destructive behaviours. Positive reinforcement encourages your Lapphund to consistently find alternatives to unwanted actions, because the motivator of receiving a reward for good behaviour is a strong influencer of future behaviour.
Canine-Centered Approach
It's also important to realise that behaviours we consider undesirable or destructive are often natural instincts for dogs. As they navigate a predominantly human environment, positive reinforcement training offers a compassionate way to address this discrepancy with fairness & humility. Rather than reacting with frustration or anger to unwanted behaviours, focus on ignoring them instead. Then guide your dog toward the desired behaviour by using rewards and shaping their actions to achieve a positive outcome. This approach not only respects their instincts but also fosters a stronger bond between you and your dog.
UNLEASH THE LOVE
getting started
Key Principles of Positive Reinforcement
- Positive Mindset: Always approach training and learning with a positive mindset and a positive response to your Lappy’s involvement. There are no wrongs, mistakes or corrections: you want to enjoy the activity and to have your Lappy to do the same.
- Timing: Capturing the desired behaviour with an immediate reward is crucial for establishing reinforcement. This helps your Lapphund make the connection between the desired action and the reward.
- Consistency: Consistent cues and reinforcement methods build clear expectations for the dog on what we expect to see from them. Finnish Lapphunds thrive in structured environments and so consistency is very important for their learning.
- Variety of Rewards: Not all dogs are highly food motivated and using a variety of rewards, based on the situation, can keep training sessions engaging and effective. Feel free to use different rewards, such as treats, praise, toys, cuddles, attention or playtime.
- Gradual Progression: Start with simple commands and gradually introduce more complex tasks, remember patience is key.
Create a Positive Environment
Before initiating training, establish an environment that will be conducive to learning. This includes:
Identify What Motivates Your Finnish Lapphund
Many Lappies respond well to high value food treats (such as boiled chicken, cheese or sausage), but others may prefer praise, games, cuddles, attention, toys or playtime. Experiment to find the most effective motivators for your dog, and be prepared to switch rewards based on your Lappy’s preferences and the context of the training situation.
Before initiating training, establish an environment that will be conducive to learning. This includes:
- Reducing Distractions: Choose a quiet space for training sessions where your Finnish Lapphund can focus.
- Get Comfortable: Ensure your Lappy is comfortable and in an area that provides a secure shaded space with access to water and a toilet area.
- Clear Commands: Start with a single simple command using clear consistent non-verbal hand signals. These are particularly beneficial for Finnish Lapphunds, who are visual learners. You can progress to verbal commands later, once your Lappy has learnt the desired behaviour or skill.
Identify What Motivates Your Finnish Lapphund
Many Lappies respond well to high value food treats (such as boiled chicken, cheese or sausage), but others may prefer praise, games, cuddles, attention, toys or playtime. Experiment to find the most effective motivators for your dog, and be prepared to switch rewards based on your Lappy’s preferences and the context of the training situation.
TRAINING TECHNIQUES
Basic Commands
Start with fundamental commands such as "sit," "stay," and "down." Next choose a bridge word which marks the desired behaviour as correct. Many people use the word ‘yes’, or if you’re clicker training this is the time to “click”as a marker. Here’s how to apply positive reinforcement effectively:
For example:
This demonstrates the use of positive reinforcement training using basic commands. More complex commands and skills follow the same formula and build on this early foundation. However canine learning & obedience training is a very advanced field and the application can be a lot more complex. We highly recommend you engage with a canine obedience class or a canine trainer who only uses positive reinforcement based training methods. The practical skills & support you receive from an experienced trainer is invaluable in being able to target, shape and condition the desired behaviours, from the unwanted behaviours. Always engage a professional you trust who teaches using positive techniques and scientifically proven canine behavioural methods.
Start with fundamental commands such as "sit," "stay," and "down." Next choose a bridge word which marks the desired behaviour as correct. Many people use the word ‘yes’, or if you’re clicker training this is the time to “click”as a marker. Here’s how to apply positive reinforcement effectively:
- Identify the Behaviour: Determine the specific behaviour you want to encourage (e.g. sit, drop, stay).
- Mark the Behaviour: As soon as the behaviour is performed, mark with your bridge word immediately.
- Deliver the Best Reinforcer: Follow the bridge word with the instant reward that's the most motivating for your Lapphund. Lets stay adaptable and flexible as the reward can vary even during the same training session, to keep your sessions engaging.
For example:
- Sit:
- Hold a treat above your dog’s nose and move it back over their head. As their head moves up, their bottom will naturally lower. As soon as they sit, mark this with the bridge word (“yes” or “click”) and immediately reward them.
- Stay:
- Ask your dog to sit. Show your palm in front of them, say and take a tiny step back. If they hold the position, return immediately mark this with the bridge word (“yes” or “click”) and then reward them.
- Down:
- Place a treat near your Lappy’s nose and lower it straight to the ground and slightly in towards their front paws. Wait with the treat on the floor until they are laying down. Immediately mark with the bridge word (“yes” or “click”) as you give them the reward.
This demonstrates the use of positive reinforcement training using basic commands. More complex commands and skills follow the same formula and build on this early foundation. However canine learning & obedience training is a very advanced field and the application can be a lot more complex. We highly recommend you engage with a canine obedience class or a canine trainer who only uses positive reinforcement based training methods. The practical skills & support you receive from an experienced trainer is invaluable in being able to target, shape and condition the desired behaviours, from the unwanted behaviours. Always engage a professional you trust who teaches using positive techniques and scientifically proven canine behavioural methods.
Challenges
While positive reinforcement is a highly effective training method, it’s important to acknowledge some potential challenges that owners may experience:
- Over-Reliance on Treats: To prevent your Lappy from only responding to treats, gradually phase out food rewards over time by replacing them with praise or play once each behaviour is learned.
- Inconsistency: Ensure all family members apply the same training techniques, including non-verbal and verbal commands and using high value rewards, to avoid confusing your Lapphund.
- Timing is everything: Reinforcement must be immediate to be effective. Delayed rewards can lead to confusion about which behaviour is being reinforced or whether they got rewarded at all!
conclusion
Positive reinforcement training is an effective, caring and evidence-based approach to training your Finnish Lapphund while building a strong, trusting and loving relationship. By employing these techniques to create a positive learning environment, you not only teach your Lappy essential skills but also become more efficient and effective in your training. Establishing a strong foundation through positive reinforcement training with your puppy will pave the way for a smoother experience during their adolescent stage. It is during this time that you'll truly notice the benefits of reward-based operant conditioning and the positive impact it has on their behavior. Remember that every dog is unique, and patience, consistency, and creativity are your best tools in this rewarding journey together. Embrace the fun of training, and watch your Finnish Lapphund flourish into a well-behaved and much loved companion.
