TREAT TOTE
Keep treats accessible
but out of sight with this
pouch, which has water-
proof lining, a one-handed
magnetic closure, and an
adjustable belt. TO BUY:
Ruffwear Treat Trader
Bag, $30; ruffwear.com.
PERFECT-TIMING TOOL
To reinforce good behavior,
click within a second after
it happens, then immedi-
ately offer a reward. This
helps your pet pinpoint
what you want him to do.
TO BUY: PetSafe Clik-R Pet
Clicker, $4; chewy.com.
CONTROL
MECHANISM
A front attachment for
the leash makes it easier
to control your pup with-
out hurting his neck.
TO BUY: 2 Hounds Design
Freedom No-Pull Harness,
$31; amazon.com.
The Tools
OUR EXPERTS
MIKKEL BECKER, LEAD ANIMAL TRAINER AT FEAR FREE PETS IN SPOKANE, WASHINGTON
MICHAEL SHIKASHIO, DOG BEHAVIOR CONSULTANT AND OWNER OF COMPLETE CANINES
KRISTA SIROIS, DVM, RESIDENT IN CLINICAL BEHAVIORAL MEDICINE AT FLORIDA VETERINARY BEHAVIOR
SERVICE IN WEST PALM BEACH, FLORIDA
TRAINING DOESN’T HAVE TO BE TRYING. WE ASKED EXPERTS WHAT
WORKS (AND WHAT JUST MAKES UNWANTED BEHAVIOR WORSE).
By Juno DeMelo
Pet Tricks
Stay Positive
Most professionals believe
that rewarding your pet
when he behaves well, a.k.a.
positive reinforcement, is
the best way to train. Food
is usually the most effective
reward, though some pets
prefer playtime, affection,
praise, or access to a favorite
toy or the outdoors. Kibble
can work for very food-
motivated pets, but others
may need higher-value treats.
Just reduce portions a bit
at mealtime to balance out
your pet’s total food intake.
Structure
Your Sessions
Whatever behavior you’re try-
ing to teach, start small and
go slowly. To train your dog
to come when called, practice
with a short leash somewhere
free from distractions (not
in an off-leash dog park).
To work up to trimming your
cat’s nails, begin by rewarding
her just for letting you touch
her paw. Sessions can be
as short as 30 seconds or as
long as 20 minutes; most
pets can’t pay attention lon-
ger than that. Wrap up before
your pet gets frustrated or
loses focus. If she does, switch
to a trick she knows well to
end on a positive note.
Ignore Undesired
Behavior
Scolding can backfire, so give
the cold shoulder. If your dog
jumps on you, don’t pet him
until all paws are on the floor.
Does your cat yowl to be fed
at 4 a.m.? Ignoring her teaches
her to wait for breakfast. (If a
behavior seems sudden or out
of character, see a vet.) Pre-
vent unwanted behavior when
possible: Don’t leave food
within reach; use double-stick
tape to deter sofa scratching.
If that fails, interrupt your
pet with a loud but nonscary
sound, then redirect her
toward a positive activity.
GETTY IM
AGES; PRODUCT IM
AGES COURTESY OF M
ANUFACTURERS
84 REAL SIMPLE SEPTEMBER 2019
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