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SMART x 50 Dog Training Method | Pupford

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SMART x 50 Dog Training Method | Pupford

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.

SMART x50 training method | Pupford

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

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M
Mary01/26/2025

Sounds like a great plan I have an 18 mo old border collie who has no off switch I’ll give this a really good trial and will check back next week with Rascal’s progress thanks

T
Team Pupford01/26/2025

Most puppies have a lot of energy, so you want to redirect their energy and reward her when she is doing things you like! Here is a post on calming down a hyper dog. https://pupford.com/calm-down-hyper-dog/

P
Pat01/26/2025

How did it go?

L
Linda Zimring01/26/2025

Great idea…I will try it.
Pupford should sell a small container to carry around with the treats that is easy for a person to reach in and grab a treat…no cap or top…more like what we use for toddlers starting to feed themselves. Create one that works with your small treats.

M
Marcia Belair01/26/2025

Training treat bags. Some with magnetic closure so easy open auto close

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