adding distractions to foundational skillsWhen they are in unfamiliar or demanding environments, many dogs find it challenging to exhibit learned behaviors. While a dog may settle reliably and quietly at home, the same behavior may appear to be entirely forgotten in a bustling café or brewery surrounded by people, other dogs, loud noises, and enticing aromas. Does this scenario sound familiar to you? The key to teaching your dog to maintain a behavior consistently, no matter the environment, is to practice the behavior with distractions present. Before you begin to train with distractions, first ensure that your dog can perform the settle behavior fluently at home (don’t forget to train in different rooms of the house to help your dog generalize the behavior). Once your dog is skilled with this behavior in a controlled setting, gradually introduce and reward him for maintaining his composure amid distractions that mimic real-world scenarios.
In this video, KPA CTP Amber Quann is teaching a guardian and her dog, Penny, how to achieve a reliable settle behavior in a brewery setting. Amber starts by introducing common distractions, such as someone pulling out a chair or walking nearby, while the guardian rewards Penny for staying calm and focused. As Penny learns to associate staying on the mat amid distractions with a rewarding experience, Penny’s guardian practices disengaging from Penny by taking a sip of a drink or engaging in conversation with a dining companion. This exercise teaches Penny that when her guardian is engaged in other activities, she can stay relaxed and settled on her mat.
Teach your dog to go out and about safely in any environment with Raise the Bar: Reliable Dog Behavior Anywhere with Amber Quann. This KPA LIVE group virtual class equips you with the skills you need to instill rock-solid behaviors both inside and outside the home. Classes will be on Zoom, with a coordinated video-based curriculum that guides you each week beginning March 12.
Happy Training!LEARN MORE ABOUT THIS WITH LIVE!Hurry, sale ends tonight at 11:59 pm (ET)LIVE group virtual classes are 4-6 weeks, and feature real-time training and coaching with fabulous teachers.
Join us to dig into this topic and more!LEARN MORESave 20% during Train Your Dog Month!Offer ends this Wednesday, January 31, at 11:59 pm (ET).Learn how to create show-stopping canine freestyle routines with our online Canine Freestyle course. Use coupon code TYD2024 and save $65!LEARN MORESAVE 20% DURING OUR BACK-TO-SCHOOL SALE!The sale ends on Friday, September 30, at 11:59 pm (ET).Learn how to create show-stopping canine freestyle routines with our online Canine Freestyle course. Use coupon code BTS2022 and save $65!LEARN MOREDOG SPORTS ESSENTIALSLearn the essentials for dog sports competition in our online course.LEARN MORESave 20% During Train Your Dog Month! Learn the foundations of a well-behaved dog in our online course, Dog Trainer Foundations.LEARN MORE
The post Adding Distractions to Foundational Skills appeared first on Karen Pryor Academy.
Adding Distractions to Foundational Skills
