In this episode, we explore strategies to achieve faster and more precise behaviors in dog training. I discuss how clarity, timing, and reinforcement techniques can improve your dog's response times, reduce hesitation, and build confidence. Tune in for practical tips to keep your training sessions clean and effective.

Key Points:

- Clear communication prevents slow or hesitant behaviors in dogs.
- Reinforcement clarity is crucial, even when using a high rate of rewards.
- Capturing and reinforcing the initial signs of a behavior leads to quicker responses.
- Consistent timing with marker cues enhances behavior speed.
- Minimizing duration requirements can accelerate behavior performance.

For full show notes and transcript, visit: www.hannahbranigan.dog/podcast/187
This episode is supported by Patreon: www.patreon.com/DFTT

In this episode we discuss:

• Speed vs. Latency:
  • Speed is how fast a behavior is completed from the time it starts.
  • Latency is the response time, or the time elapsed between when the cue is perceived and when the behavior starts.
• Motivation:
  • While motivation is essential, it is just one piece of the puzzle.
  • Overemphasizing motivation can lead to frustration, which might not always yield the desired outcomes.
• Natural Behavior Efficiency:
  • Given a stable training environment, behaviors naturally trend towards faster, more efficient performance over time.
• Training Environment:
  • The importance of considering training conditions (e.g., environment, timing, footing) to ensure optimal speed without inducing frustration.
  • Pay attention to when, where, and under what conditions your dog already moves faster

For full show notes and transcript, visit: www.hannahbranigan.dog/podcast/186
This episode is supported by Patreon: www.patreon.com/DFTT

In this episode, we discuss the practice of avoiding situations as part (or all) of a training plan. Often avoiding certain situations can be an important strategy, helping to prevent mistakes and reduce stress for both the dog and the handler. But it’s usually not a long-term solution by itself and misconceptions about avoidance can result in teams getting stuck and unable to make progress.

We also discuss:
- Definition and role of avoidance in dog training.
- Common client misunderstandings about avoidance.
- Benefits of avoidance: preventing mistakes, reducing stress, and allowing time for skill development.
- Challenges of avoidance: risk of over-reliance and restrictive lifestyle.
- Practical applications - sometimes.
- Long-term strategy: balancing avoidance with skill-building and controlled reintroduction.

For full show notes and transcript, visit: www.hannahbranigan.dog/podcast/185
This episode is supported by Zero to CD: www.zerotocd.com