“Good”: Teaching a Praise and Petting Marker

Video Tutorial Coming Soon: A video demonstration will be added to accompany this written guide.

“Good” is a warm praise marker that lets your dog know you approve of what they are doing. In this exercise, you will pair the word with gentle petting and positive interaction, so it develops a pleasant, familiar meaning.

You can also use “good” to encourage your dog while they continue a behavior, such as resting on their mat or holding a sit. It does not release them from that behavior. Use a separate release cue, such as “free,” when the exercise is finished.

Helpful Cues to Know Before Practicing

No previous obedience cues are required. You can introduce “good” through everyday interactions before teaching formal obedience.

A reward marker, such as “yes,” is helpful but optional. If you use both words, keep their meanings consistent. “Yes” identifies a successful moment and predicts the reward you have established. “Good” provides calm encouragement and can predict enjoyable petting.

A release cue will be helpful later. When you begin using “good” during sustained behaviors, a separate release word makes it clear when your dog may move.

What You Will Need

Choose a quiet, comfortable setting where your dog willingly interacts with you. You will primarily use your voice and gentle petting, so treats are not required.

Before beginning, identify the type of touch your dog enjoys. Some dogs prefer gentle strokes along the shoulder or chest. Others enjoy contact along their side. Avoid assuming that every dog enjoys head pats, hugs, or prolonged handling.

Keep the first sessions approximately one to two minutes long.

Step 1: Confirm That Your Dog Enjoys the Petting

Invite your dog to approach you without pulling them closer or holding them in place. Pet them gently for two or three seconds, then pause.

If they remain close, lean toward you, or seek more contact, you can continue. If they move away, turn their head away, duck, or become tense, stop and give them space.

Petting only functions as a reward when your dog enjoys it in that moment. If they consistently avoid touch, use another reward they value and build comfort with handling separately.

Step 2: Pair “Good” With Gentle Petting

When your dog is relaxed and receptive, say “good” once in a warm, calm voice. Immediately follow it with a few seconds of petting in an area they enjoy.

Pause, allow your dog to choose whether to remain engaged, then repeat.

At this stage, you do not need to ask for a sit or another behavior. You are teaching your dog that the word predicts pleasant interaction.

Step 3: Use “Good” During a Simple Behavior

After several brief pairing sessions, begin saying “good” when your dog offers a behavior you want to encourage.

For example, if your dog stands beside you with all four paws on the floor, say “good” and gently pet their shoulder or chest.

If they already know “sit,” you can practice while they sit near you. Keep your touch brief and calm so it is easier for them to remain in position.

Step 4: Encourage Continued Behavior

Once your dog is familiar with the word, use “good” while they continue a simple, comfortable behavior.

For example, ask for a familiar sit. While your dog remains seated, say “good” softly and offer brief petting if they enjoy it and can comfortably maintain their position.

Begin with only a second or two of continued behavior. End with your established release cue when appropriate.

If petting causes your dog to stand, wiggle, or leave position, make the exercise easier. Use shorter contact, practice with a more comfortable position, or reward that exercise with food instead.

Step 5: Practice in Everyday Situations

Use “good” during appropriate daily moments, such as when your dog calmly stands for their leash, settles beside you, or greets you with their paws on the floor.

Continue pairing the word with enjoyable interaction regularly. Your dog may value petting at home but prefer food or another reward in a busy environment. Choose the reward that works for the situation.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Petting when your dog does not want contact: Affection is not automatically rewarding. Observe your dog’s response and respect their choice to move away.

Using an overly excited voice: Enthusiastic praise may encourage jumping or movement. Use a calm, warm tone when reinforcing calm behavior.

Repeating “good” continuously: Give clear, occasional feedback instead of talking throughout the exercise. Allow your dog time to continue the behavior.

Treating “good” as a release: Keep its meaning consistent. If it means “continue doing that,” use your separate release cue to end the exercise.

Expecting praise to replace every other reward: Petting and praise can be useful, but their value varies between dogs and situations. Continue using food, play, or other rewards when those better support learning.

When to Progress

Begin using “good” in familiar training exercises when your dog responds comfortably to the word and willingly accepts the petting that follows.

When practicing sustained behaviors, increase duration gradually. Your goal is a dog who understands your encouragement, remains comfortable, and continues the behavior until released.