This four-module course is aimed at teaching aspiring dog trainers the detail and theory of how dogs learn. It covers what learning actually is, the key elements of effective learning, how you know when a dog has learnt something, why positive training works (and punishment doesn’t), why good training is like gambling, and how to solve any training problem you’ll meet.
Module 1 looks at what learning is and the distinction between learning and performance, discusses the importance of motivation, and explores the four stages of learning.
Module 2 looks at the five ways in which dogs learn, why you should use SMART goals when planning training, the seven internal or inherent factors that influence learning, discusses learning theory and asks if it’s useful or not.
Module 3 explores the murky world of rewards and punishers in more detail, examines the key elements of effective training, as well as noting some problems with operant conditioning.
Module 4 considers why dogs should be gamblers, notes what all dogs should know, discusses two important problems in training and examines the key elements of effective training. I also provide a checklist to help you solve any training problems you might meet.
