Reinforcement Zones
I didnt see you, because you were in my blind spot.
What
A reinforcement zone is the area in front of us where the dog gets rewarded.
As puppies dogs quickly learn that humans can only see them when they are a 130° in front of them. and above waist hight.
Infact if you look straight forward you cant see what shoes youre weraing and when the puppies try to get our attention by moving around our feet we often end up tripping over them or accidentally stepping on them.
All the rewards, pats praise and affection we give them starts off in this zone. so Its no wonder that when they want our attention they jump up and walk into our lign of sight. or try to climb up to our face. They just want to be seen.
Changing your reinforcement zone involves rewarding your dog in a different area at your side, or even behind you teaching them that when they are in that area good things happen.
You will often notice service dogs and working dog who learn to position themselves in these zones when on the job to enable their human to move and function optimally.
Why
- Understanding Reinforcement zones allows you to be a better trainer by using the correct zone for the right task. For example, a front reinforcement zone is great for building focus and eye contact, a side reinforcement zone is great for movement, and a back or middle reinforcement zone is great for protective behaviours.
- A side reinforcement zone is great for loose-leash walking
- A side reinforcement zone for little dogs means you won't trip over them
- It is great for dog sports and agility.
- It allows you to run and walk with your dog
- It can help redirect jumping
How
- When rewarding your dog with a treat, deliver the treat as normal, and while doing so, twist your body to the side so that your hand is at your side and the dog is on the outside left or right of your thigh.
- Now, take a step forward and deliver another treat in this position.
- Use the same technique when patting your dog or feeding them their dinner.
- Games like Puppy Stations and a well-conditioned Hand Target can help with this as well.
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