Many people get frustrated when they want there dog to do something and the dog just doesn’t seem interested. It may be that they are stressed from over training or they really would rather be doing something else!
The Premack Principle is a concept that if used properly, will help your dog maintain focus on the behaviors YOU want, by convincing your dog that they ALSO want to be doing those behaviors. It sounds like mind control but it really is just phycology!
Premack Principle: What does she like besides food, what does she choose to do, instead of what you want her to do?
- use the action she chooses to do as a reward for the action you prefer.
1. Ask for a simple behavior that you want.
-Cue for: Jump over a hurdle
2. Release and send her away, walk in the opposite direction or sit down in a chair facing away from her.
When she finishes sniffing or chasing butterflies she will suddenly notice your back turned and wonder why you are no longer desperately trying to get her attention. When she returns to you, ask for the simple behavior again, then again send her away. Do this until she seems to be “asking” to do the jump cue.
At this point add a second behavior (jump – tunnel) then again release her and send her away. Keep repeating this sequence adding on behaviors you want. Soon you will find that when you “send her away” she no longer wants to go! Instead she follows you to your chair and simply begs to be allowed to do more training!
