Cue the Behavior Chaos & Reward the Calm Nothing
Counter-intuitive? AF! Don’t get upset. Let me explain first.
SCENARIO: You have a behavior from your Dog which makes no sense (always train one at a time unless you are with the circus) = CHAOS. Cue it. Mark it. Click it. Tell them what that (barking, spinning, jumping, scratching) behavior is USING A NEW WORD and that this behavior is not negative = Just inconvenient at this time. We will circle back. No pun intended for spinny PomPoms and tail chasers. Yes – this new protocol will work for them as well.
Mark this vocalizing, spinning, bumping – But do not reward it in any way, nor punish // suppress in any way. Say a word like BARKING or THANK YOU or WHAT’S THAT to be re-called and used at a later, more appropriate time. No rewards tho. Not yet.
When you get a nano-second of quiet. REWARD QUICKLY! Verbal reward like WOW or GREAT QUIET or THANK YOU. Has to be a new word to go with the new QUIET behavior. I’m not a fan of treats. If you find you have to use treats, make sure they are the favorite and wean off quickly.
The new calm behavior and YOU should always be their greatest rewards.
Then and when they bark again… compose yourself first and repeat your new words for CUEING THE CHAOS. If and when they are totally ignoring you and escalating… take a giant step back. If that doesn’t work; take another step back and add a new sound like shhhht. Some sound that will get their attention – they will get quiet for a NANO-SECOND and you get a chance to reward that quiet, calm nothing! Right then and there where you are 2 giant steps AWAY FROM THE CAUSE OF CHAOS. If you are using treats, get eye contact then drop the treats at your feet. You are the safety zone. Remember that.
Starting to make sense? Wash. Rinse. Repeat.
When you and they get the basics down and your timing is getting better on cueing the Chaos and Nothing behaviors; try this concept on jumping. Or humping. Or bumping. Don’t ask for too much too soon. And, personally, I think “Sitting” is overrated. We have to think REWARD and sitting in stressful or excited times is NOT a reward. My opinion - it is a reward for the person – but sorry – this should always be secondary to the Animals’ happiness. Agree to disagree.
TEST THE DOGMA: Ask for a bark using your new word. Maybe it is midnight and you hear a rustle outside. Go for it. Get a bark. And then ask for and get a nothing. They will be extremely proud of themselves! Mark that!
MONEY BACK GUARANTEE ON THIS FREE ADVICE = if you are not happier with their better manners in 5 days = call me = I will put a check in the mail. Pronto. Enjoy your Pups!
