SMART x 50 Dog Training Method | Pupford
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SMART x 50 is an extremely simple and powerful dog training technique that will help you improve your dog's behavior.
This method "forces" you as the pup parent to capture and reward naturally occurring good behaviors.
The acronym of SMART stands for See, Mark, And, Reward, Training. SMART.
WHO CREATED THE SMART x 50 METHOD?
This training method originated from Kathy Sdao.
Learn more about her book "Plenty in Life is Free" here ✅
AUDIO VERSION
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VIDEO VERSION
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RECAP OF HOW TO DO THE SMART x 50 METHOD
Here is exactly how you can do the SMART x 50 dog training method.
STEP 1 - GET TREATS READY
Grab 50 treats (check out these) and place them in a bowl, Tupperware, or another container in a central location of your home. Of course, keep them out of your dog's reach.
Picking your treats: Because, you will be rewarding your dog 50 times, it really is important that your treats are low-calorie and high-value. Your dog has to actually want the treats you are offering them. Our treats are only very low calorie and come in a variety of flavors.
Check out Hepper's review of Pupford Training Treats:
"The training treats are small, non-greasy, less than one calorie per piece, and have a ton in each bag, which is perfect for frequent rewards during training of tricks or behaviors. Puppies would be the classic kiddos to grab these for, but if you’re training any age dog, whether at classes or at home, these are the treats you need."
STEP 2 - SEE POSITIVE BEHAVIORS
Actively look for instances when your dog does something that you want them to do without asking.
Here are some examples:
- Laying down next to you while you watch TV
- Not barking when someone passes the window
- Sitting down instead of jumping
- Going to their crate or bed on their own
Those are just ideas... the options are endless.
🐶 Want more expert training advice, videos, and guidance? Sign up for the free 30 Day Perfect Pup Class here! 🐶
STEP 3 - MARK AND REWARD
When you see your dog doing one of those positive behaviors, mark and reward.
You can mark with a clicker, or by saying 'yes' as a marker word.
Then immediately give a treat.
Related Reading: How to Use a Clicker to Train a Dog
STEP 4 - REPEAT 50x EACH DAY
Repeat steps two and three 50 times each day.
YUP, 50 times!
Hence, SMART x 50 😃
WHY YOU'LL LOVE SMART x 50
The amazing thing about this method is that it forces you to find the good things your dog is doing.
Too often we get hung up on all the "bad behaviors", naughtiness, etc. and we forget to reward the positive behaviors.
The bottom line is... What gets rewarded, gets repeated.
If you want your dog to lay calmly by your side, you'd better reward that when they do!!
Try this out and let us know your results in the comments below ⤵️
🐶 Want more expert training advice, videos, and guidance? Sign up for the free 30 Day Perfect Pup Class here! 🐶
29 comments
Leave a CommentIf he eats kibble, hold back some for training rewards.
Hi! I found Ruffwear make a great one. Pricey but awesome design. We use ours every day.
So my puppy was spayed on Tue & is not supposed to jump on furniture (I tried to reward/ mark when she sat facing couch & let me carry her up). But day 4 she is jumping up/down furniture framing me out. How do I get her to stop? If I put her in pen, she crys, whines, which drives me insane. She wont go into crate during day, only to sleep. Meds do not sedate her. Her zoomies freak me out bc I dont want her to pull her stitches. Help!
This is such great information! As a trainer I try to teach this to all of my clients – reward them for offering great behavior rather than waiting until it’s not so great. Kathy’s book is also a highly recommended read!!
We have a 4 month old blk Lab, that comes after my husband and me when we sit on the couch..she both licks and bites us and is hyper. I get her to sit on the floor and reward her when she does her commands, but still wants upand over reacts with us…I understand it has something to do with being on her level, but how do we change this behavior!