Setting Up Pup

A dog when it is young has so many new experiences and those actions which pay off the most will likely be repeated.  So if you pat your dog every time he nuzzles you it’s paid off for him and will possibly have a pesky nuzzler.  But there are other types of behaviour and sequences where we can create learning opportunities.  Susan Garrett describes how it’s a practical idea to set things up rather than simply leaving them to chance.

She uses an example with the rubbish bin.  How about the dog knocks it over and gets a lovely surprise of finding remnants of last nights dinner.  Well there’s one reason to try it again.  Then how about a dog who manages to find a way out of the yard and has an absolute blast with his freedom for the day?  See you later pal.  Susan discusses operant conditioning and positive or negative outcomes from a behaviour or activity.

So why take the gamble and see if the learning coincidences are on your side or not?

You can check out this and other great information on her website at

http://susangarrettdogagility.com

Leah & Angela OMeara

Hound Dog Day Care (Specialists in Dog Minding & Dog Boarding, Pet Sitting Brisbane & Doggy Day Care Brisbane)