Small, trembling, with big ears and glowing eyes. The Russian Toy Terrier is not just a dog, it's a personality the size of a cat, but with the character of a tiger. Praise for such a pet is not just a pat on the head. It's the key to upbringing, a medicine for fears, and the number one motivator. If you don't know how to praise a toy, it will either become a neurotic or a home tyrant. That's because the toy is a breed with a delicate psyche. Let's learn to praise correctly. Why Praise for the Toy is More Important Than Treats Toy Terriers are social dogs. They were bred as companions. They need the owner's approval desperately. Treats are nice, but a «well done!» and a pat for them often mean more. Why? Because the toy constantly seeks contact with a person. If you scold it, it will worry for hours. If you praise it, it will bloom. It has been experimentally proven (owners of toys know this): a toy that hears a kind word, even without a treat, will repeat the action for which it was praised again and again. Because for it, the reward is your attention and love. But there's a nuance. The toy is very sensitive to intonation. Fake praise («ah-ah-ah, you're so good» mindlessly) doesn't work. It feels the falseness and gets upset. Praise should be sincere, emotional, with a rise in voice at the end. How to Praise the Toy: Key Rules Firstly, praise immediately. Dogs have a short memory for actions. If the toy pees on the blanket and you praise it a minute later, it won't understand why. The time between the action and the praise should not exceed 1-2 seconds. Secondly, use a marker. This is a word or sound that means «now there will be praise.» For example, a clicker or the word «yes!» Clicked - and immediately give a treat or a pat. The toy remembers: «click» = I'm good. Thirdly, vary the praise. Don't say «well done» a hundred times in a row. Mix: «smartie», «good», «bravo», «excellent», «keep it up.» So the toy doesn't get used to one word. Fourthly, reinforc ... Read more