Clicker Training NJ

When that new puppy smell starts to wear off, and the initial excitement and cuteness of puppy destruction, puppy nipping and puppy potty habits wear off, many owners will find them selves confronted with the harsh reality of the adolescent dog. This is when that solid foundation of clicker training becomes extra important. Dealing with growing dogs, is a lot easier with some solid basics.
You'll find yourself going back time and time again to basic commands like sit, go to bed, target, and walk nicely on a leash. It is neccessary in these early stages to find lots and lots of opportunities to reward the "good" behaviors, because having that positive reinforcement history will come in handy time and again. Replacing negative behaviors isn't a matter of "no" this and "no" that. Many owners find that the word "no" is completely ineffective, despite many repititions. A better choice is to carry treats with you as you go through your day and reward the good behaviors. When you do see bad behaviors ask yourself the following questions.
Am I giving the dog the opportunity to perform this behavior? Could I change that opportunity?
How is the dog being reinforced for performing this behavior? Can I remove the reinforcer?
What behavior would I like to see instead?
Sometimes, it is a lot easier simply to limit the opportunities to perform a behavior. Is your dog counter surfing? Block access to the kitchen. You can also remove the reinforcement, by never leaving unattended food on the counters. If you'd like your dog to not enter the kitchen, or to go to his bed in the kitchen, or to stand on all four paws while in the kitchen, be sure to provide ample reinforcement when your dog is performing these behaviors. Seek out opportunities to reinforce. You don't have to spend your whole day stalking your dog throughout his day, but be sure to take note of "good" behavior and make a big deal out of it.
You'll thank yourself in the long run, when your adult dog isn't interested in counter surfing, because he knows that not countersurfing is a LOT more rewarding.
Good luck and happy training!