SMART x50: A Simple Secret to Best Behaviour
Many people think dog training only happens during dedicated training sessions. In reality, your dog is learning from every interaction they have with you and the world throughout the day.
SMART x 50 is a positive reinforcement training technique developed by animal behaviour specialist Kathy Sdao. SMART stands for See, Mark and Reward Training, and the concept is simple: instead of waiting for unwanted behaviours to occur, actively look for the behaviours you would like your dog to repeat and reinforce them. By rewarding desirable behaviours as they naturally occur, you can help your dog make better choices more often, creating calm, confident habits that last.
Why use SMART x50?
Dogs repeat behaviours that are rewarding. When calm, polite or appropriate behaviours consistently lead to something your dog values, such as food, praise or play, they become more likely to offer those behaviours again in the future. SMART x 50 encourages owners to use their dog's daily food allowance as training rewards throughout the day. Rather than feeding all meals from a bowl, a portion of their food can be used to reinforce good decisions whenever they happen organically. This provides valuable mental enrichment while turning everyday moments into learning opportunities.
Getting started:
1. Set aside your rewards
Measure out your dog's daily food allowance and place it in one, or many, easily accessible containers or jars. This food will become your training rewards throughout the day. If your dog requires higher-value reinforcement for certain situations, small, healthy, high value treats can also be used. Remember to account for any additional treats within their daily calorie intake. You can place your one container somewhere easily accessible, or place multiple jars throughout the home, maybe one in each main living area.
2. Look for behaviours you like
Throughout the day, notice the behaviours your dog is already offering without being asked.
Examples include:
Relaxing calmly on their bed
Choosing not to bark at sounds outside
Approaching people politely without jumping up
Walking quietly beside you around the house
Going to their mat or crate independently
Looking at you instead of becoming distracted
The goal is not to ask for these behaviours, but to recognise them when they occur naturally.
3. Mark and reward
When your dog performs a behaviour you would like to encourage, immediately mark it with a consistent marker word (such as "Yes" or “Good'“) or a clicker, followed promptly by a piece of food. The timing of the marker is important, as it tells your dog exactly which behaviour earned the reward. Dogs learn through association, so marking the behaviour at the precise moment it occurs helps them clearly understand what they did correctly. A delay of even a few seconds can make it more difficult for your dog to identify which behaviour is being reinforced and therefor is preferred.
4. Repeat consistently
The more opportunities your dog has to be rewarded for making good choices, the more those behaviours become part of their everyday routine. Consistency is far more important than lengthy training sessions. Even a few moments of reinforcement spread throughout the day can have a significant impact over time.
Why "50"?
The "50" simply serves as a reminder to look for approximately 50 opportunities each day to reinforce desirable behaviours. While reaching exactly 50 isn't essential, aiming for frequent reinforcement helps shift your focus from correcting unwanted behaviours to recognising the behaviours you want to see more often.
SMART x 50 is suitable for dogs of all ages, from young puppies learning household manners to adult dogs refining their behaviour. By rewarding the behaviours you value most, you can strengthen your relationship with your dog while encouraging calm, confident and desirable choices in everyday life.
