Build Bonds & Boost Good Behavior
Do you ever feel overwhelmed with all the dos and don'ts of dog training?
Even as a pet professional, I feel this too. While I love staying updated on the latest science-based, force-free methods, the sheer amount of information can feel overwhelming—even paralyzing—at times. This challenge is compounded by the fact that the animal training industry is sadly unregulated, which means anyone can call themselves a trainer. As a result, there’s a lot of misinformation out there, and it can be hard to know what advice to trust.
Now, add a newly adopted or foster dog to the mix, or a dog with big emotions or challenging behaviors, and it’s easy to fall into avoidance or inaction.
Unfortunately, when we don’t intervene, those pesky (or downright scary) behaviors our dogs practice often get stronger and harder to change.
Simplify to Succeed
But here’s the good news: training doesn’t have to be complicated.
The more I learn, the more I see the value in simplicity. It’s tempting to jump ahead to the latest trick, skill, or method (guilty ✋), but skipping over the basics often sets us back.
That’s why I’m thrilled to share (or reintroduce) Kathy Sdao’s SMART protocol from her must-read book, Plenty in Life is Free.
What is SMART?
SMART stands for See, Mark, And Reinforce Training. It’s a simple, yet profoundly effective way to teach your dog the behaviors you want while strengthening your bond.
Here’s how it works:
Notice the behavior your dog is offering.
- Do you like it?
- If yes, move to the next step.
- If no, avoid reinforcing it with attention (remember, eye contact, talking, and even shouting count as attention!).
- Instead, redirect your dog’s attention and be ready to reward a behavior you like.
Use a verbal “Yes” or a clicker to let your dog know you liked their behavior. For example:
- Mark your dog for standing calmly instead of jumping.
- Standing is polite and often incompatible with nuisance behaviors like jumping, pulling, or barking.
Reward the behavior with something your dog loves:
- Attention or affection.
- Food or toys.
- Life rewards, like clipping on the leash for a walk or opening the door to go outside.
SMART in Action: Behaviors to Reinforce
Some behaviors to look for and reward:
- Peeing or pooping outside.
- Glancing at your face.
- "Octopus paws" (four on the floor).
- Moving floorward (sit, down, or bow).
- Chewing dog-appropriate toys.
- Relaxing in place.
- Walking with a loose leash.
- Backing up a few steps.
- Holding a toy in their mouth.
Training Tip: The Kibble Jar
Make reinforcement easy by using your dog’s daily kibble. Count out 50 pieces into a small jar and reward a piece each time your dog offers a behavior you like. By the end of the day, the jar should be empty!
Encourage everyone in your household to participate—this teaches your dog that all humans reinforce good behavior, which helps those behaviors stick!
Why It Works
SMART training isn’t about being perfect—it’s about consistency and positivity. By focusing on the behaviors you want, you’ll not only encourage those actions but also build trust, confidence, and connection with your dog.