What Is The 90 10 Rule Dogs?

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The “90/10 rule” in dog training is a guideline stating that you should aim for your dog to be successful approximately 90% of the time during training sessions. The remaining 10% represents opportunities for learning and growth, where the dog might encounter challenges or make mistakes. It’s not a rigid, mathematical formula, but rather a useful principle to keep in mind to ensure effective and enjoyable training for both you and your dog.

The rationale behind the 90/10 rule is rooted in behavioral science and learning theory. Dogs learn best when they experience consistent positive reinforcement. Success builds confidence and motivates them to continue engaging in the desired behavior. If a dog is constantly failing or struggling, they can become frustrated, confused, and even develop negative associations with the training process. This can lead to resistance, avoidance, and a decrease in overall motivation.

Here’s how to apply the 90/10 rule in practice:

Start Simple: Begin with easy exercises that your dog can readily understand and perform. This might involve basic commands like “sit,” “stay,” or “come” in a familiar and controlled environment.
Break Down Complex Behaviors: If you’re teaching a more complicated trick or behavior, break it down into smaller, manageable steps. Each step should be achievable for your dog, allowing for frequent successes and positive reinforcement.
Increase Difficulty Gradually: As your dog masters each step, gradually increase the difficulty. This could involve increasing the duration of a “stay,” adding distractions to a “come” command, or introducing a new element to a trick.
Observe Your Dog’s Body Language: Pay close attention to your dog’s body language during training. Signs of frustration, confusion, or anxiety (such as lip licking, yawning, or a tucked tail) indicate that the exercise might be too difficult or that you need to adjust your approach.
Adjust Your Training: If you notice your dog is struggling consistently, take a step back. Revisit earlier, easier exercises to rebuild their confidence and reinforce the desired behavior. Adjust the environment by reducing distractions, or modify your training technique.
End on a Positive Note: Always end your training sessions with a successful exercise and plenty of praise and rewards. This leaves your dog feeling positive about the experience and eager to learn more in the future.

The 90/10 rule isn’t about avoiding all challenges. The 10% failure rate is crucial for learning. Mistakes provide opportunities to identify areas where your dog needs more support and to refine your training techniques. It’s important to allow for mistakes without punishment or frustration. Instead, use them as teachable moments to guide your dog towards the correct behavior.

By adhering to the 90/10 rule, you create a positive and encouraging learning environment for your dog. This fosters a strong bond between you and your canine companion, making training more effective and enjoyable for both of you.