Generalize to a New Environment
This week you'll train in a new space, your driveway, front yard, or the street. Choose your environment wisely. Select a quiet space where you can easily move away from unwanted distractions.
Under / At / Over Threshold
Under-threshold: dog is focused and engaged. At-threshold: dog is distracted, stress whines, or struggles to take food. Over-threshold: no connection or communication, move farther away or remove from the environment.
P.A.C.E. Your Training
Be flexible and have a Plan B. Reinforce every 3–4 seconds. Use breaks to help your dog process the environment. If your dog goes over-threshold, move 10–50 feet farther away or go back inside.
Don't Force Sits and Downs
If your dog goes over-threshold, drop criteria to check-ins. It's more important to set your dog up for success than to maintain strict position work in a challenging environment.
Training Plan
4 sets with 1-minute breaks in an environment where your dog shows strong focus. Some dogs may need continued practice in the living room, while others can work on the driveway or in front of the house.
Expose your dog to mildly challenging environments. Plan for times with more activity outside. Aim for your dog to be under-threshold 80% of the time and at-threshold 20% of the time.
Join the live Q&A or watch the replay, submit your question in advance to reserve your spot. Sessions held Wednesdays at lunchtime, free to any enrolled On-Demand student. 10-minute limit per question.