We all know training a new puppy can be tiring, frustrating, and time-consuming. Knowing how to communicate with your puppy can be confusing, but it is a skill we can all master! We believe one of the most influential training tools is the 10:1 rule. The 10:1 rule is based on the psychological principle of classical conditioning. Essentially, you will use the 10:1 rule to subconsciously condition your puppy to learn/associate certain behaviors with your commands.
For example, you may have a puppy that plays “keep away” when you walk up to put their leash on or pick them up. This can be so frustrating, and even dangerous for you and your pup at times! More times than not, we have actually unintentionally conditioned them to associate this behavior with being put in their crate – which explains why they would want to play keep away! To correct this behavior, we are going to use the 10:1 rule. Begin by calling your command, maybe it is “come” or “here” or whatever you choose – just make sure you will use this same command every time. Then, show your pup a treat in your hand. Allow them to come sniff the treat, and grab their collar at this time. Command them to sit and be patient for the treat, then you may give them the treat. You now have physical control and can choose to pick them up, attach a leash, or release them to play.
Here is where the 10:1 rule will be used. For training purposes, start working on this during play time. Every 2-3 minutes, use a treat and call to them, following the steps in the previous paragraph. After they wait and take the treat, release them to go on to play. Then, on the tenth time, attach the leash or put them in the crate. You want to associate calling to them to grab their collar with play time and treats; not with going in their crate! Once they see you grabbing their collar as a good thing, “catch me if you can” should be over!