Say Cheese! A Delicious Approach to Dog Training
Your dog is ready (even if you aren't) for some cheese training! photo: AdobeStock
Have you ever wished for a magical solution to help your dog relax and stay put? Well, get ready to say "Cheese" because I've got a treat for you!
As a dog behavior expert and enthusiast, I'm excited to share Cheese Time, an easy training game that has transformed my dogs' behavior and could do the same for yours. It's an activity that fosters closeness, teaches calmness, and improves your dog’s "stay" skills – all wrapped up in a delightful cheese-flavored package.
Before we dive into the how-to’s, let's chew for a moment on why this approach is so valuable. Consider how we humans incorporate calming activities into our own daily routines to combat stress proactively. Often labeled self-care, these practices are crucial for our well-being, helping us manage stress and maintain balance in our lives. Just as we need these moments of Zen, so too do our dogs to help them thrive behaviorally and emotionally.
In fact, Cheese Time is not just about behavior modification; it’s about nurturing your dog's overall well-being. And here's the cherry (or grated Parm) on top: when you engage in this game with your dog, it becomes a form of self-care for you, too. The joy and connection you'll experience while playing Cheese Time will boost your spirit and lift any tension between you and your dog.
The Science Behind the Cheddar
While the name may sound cheesy, this training game actually combines operant and classical conditioning principles. The game is crafted with a dual purpose: it reinforces the desired behavior of staying in place (operant conditioning) while simultaneously fostering a specific emotional state in your dog during this behavior (classical conditioning). By concurrently rewarding the physical action and shaping the emotional response via cheese, we're establishing a robust, positive association that transcends simple obedience.
By regularly practicing Cheese Time, you're giving your dog a reliable opportunity to experience calmness, thereby promoting more appropriate responses to their environment.
Why Cheese? The Melt-Down on Our Key Ingredient
To get this game rolling, you'll need some cheese readily available in your fridge. It can be any kind, but I find string cheese works best. Here’s why:
Cheese is a high-value treat for most dogs.
String cheese is ideal because you can slowly tear it into tiny pieces.
The ability to create numerous small rewards from a single stick of cheese is key to the game's effectiveness.
Of course, if cheese doesn't sit well with your dog's digestive system, don't let that curdle your enthusiasm. Any high-value food can serve as a suitable replacement in this exercise. Just remember that portion control is important.
Some dogs don't need an entire piece of string cheese (or salami or whatever you’re using). When I'm practicing, I often split a single piece of string cheese between two dogs. It's all about finding the right amount that works for your individual pup without having them tip the scales too much.
Setting the Stage for Cheese Time Success
Before you jump into the cheesy goodness of this technique, make sure your dog has these basic skills:
The ability to sit or lie down on cue.
The capacity to hold this position for at least 10 seconds.
These foundational skills function as the bread for your Cheese Time sandwich and are essential for holding everything together.
How to Play: A Step-by-Step Guide
Ready to get this party started? Here's how to play Cheese Time with your dog.
Announce "Cheese Time!" in the kind of enthusiastic voice that would make a cheesemonger proud.
Head to the fridge and grab your cheese of choice (as noted above, string cheese works great).
Choose a consistent spot in your house for this activity, your cheese headquarters, if you will.
Have your dog sit or lie down in their preferred spot.
Ceremoniously open the cheese packet while your dog watches with eager anticipation.
Begin to peel off small morsels of cheese – think the size you’d feed a mouse.
Offer your dog a piece. If you have multiple dogs, offer each dog a piece in turn, changing the order in each round.
Continue feeding your dog tiny pieces of cheese, peeling them off the string cheese stick until it's all gone.
Stay present and focus on your dog's body language, imprinting those signs that suggest relaxation and happiness. Observe and reflect as you’re doing this. Notice what your dog's body language suggests they're feeling, and take a moment to notice how you feel in response to your dog's state.
Once all the cheese is gone, show your dog the empty wrapper (or your empty hand if you’re not using a product with a wrapper). This clear signal helps your dog understand that Cheese Time is over.
Remember, this isn't an obedience "stay" exercise where you're trying to increase the time between food rewards. The point is to treat your dog at a generous level that makes them think this is the best thing that's happened to them all day.
Gouda News: The Benefits of Cheese Time
As Cheese Time becomes a regular part of your routine, you'll notice several positive changes that extend beyond the game itself. Here are some benefits you can expect to see.
A Powerful Verbal Cue. When you say "Cheese Time," your dog will likely perk up, perhaps even meet you at the fridge or your usual play spot. You'll have established a verbal cue that can shift your dog’s mood. This can be particularly helpful if your dog is feeling uneasy for any reason–you now have a tool to help shift their mood. Is your dog concerned about the noises the neighbors are making? It’s Cheese Time!
Improved Settling Skills. With regular Cheese Time, your dog will become more comfortable sitting or lying down for extended periods, remaining happily in place and relaxed. This skill is invaluable in everyday life. As your dog becomes a Cheese Time pro, you'll find it easier to use this technique in situations where your dog needs extra help staying calm and settled. Is your dog having a hard time settling around your visitors? Just say cheese!
A Deeper Emotional Connection. Cheese Time isn't just about behavior modification. It's a way to connect emotionally with your dog, which is crucial for effective training and behavior work. When you enjoy spending time with your dog, training becomes more successful and rewarding for both of you.
Cheese Time is a fun game for you and your dog. But it also represents a modern dog training philosophy, focusing on proactive behavior shaping rather than reactive problem-solving. By incorporating this simple yet powerful technique into your daily routine, you're not just training your dog; you're nurturing a deeper connection and creating a more harmonious living environment for both of you.
So why not give it a try today? After all, every dog deserves a chance to say “Cheese”!