Request, response, reward. The 3 R’s. Continuing off of my "Cue vs. Command" blog post, the 3 R’s are another example of utilizing kinder words and training techniques! This technique also helps create clear communication between the human and animal.
Let’s use the cue “sit pretty” for this example. If I ask Raina {pictured above} to sit pretty (request), I will then wait to observe the behavior she performs (response). If Raina performs the correct behavior I would then provide her with payment which could be food, attention, or toys (reward). What if Raina does not sit pretty and instead she jumps up on me or barks? I then would simply ignore that behavior and pause for a few seconds (times will vary depending on the individual animal, but should be kept short). At this time the reward would also be withheld and in other words not provided. After the short pause, I would then come back and request “sit pretty” again. This time she responds appropriately then receives her reward.
Rather than repeating the request several times if a dog does not respond to it, you can take these short pauses from the situation and come back to try again. This can help build a clear and calm way to communicate with each other. This strategy can also help in avoiding anger or frustration
If a dog does not respond to your request, you can also stop and ask yourself if there are any other variables at play such as:
1) Does the dog know this cue/request I am asking of her/him?
2) Did the dog hear my request (or see it if it was a visual cue/hand signal)?
3) Was I clear with my cue/request?
Remember that every situation has its own context and every animal is an individual that has unique needs!
