What is “concept” training for dogs?
Concept Training for dogs has been used for years in true service dog training and has recently become more popular for pet and sporting dogs. The idea is that rather than train for obedience (human gives a verbal or physical movement command and the dog obeys the command each and every time - think sit, down, stay, come), we are shaping and reshaping the dog’s brain so that they choose appropriate behaviors even if we are not around. There are so many levels to concept training but let’s start with some of the key concepts below.
Concepts are the Building Blocks of your dog’s brain
As we play games that help build the concepts in your dog’s brain, you will see bad behaviors transform to good behaviors because your dog realizes they have the option to choose calm, confident, connected behaviors.
At Casa Luna Canines, we prioritize Calm and Confident so that you are Connected with your dog, then develop the other concepts depending on the needs of your dog.
“As we play games that help build the concepts in your dog’s brain, you will see bad behaviors transform to good behaviors because your dog realizes they have the option to choose calm, confident, connected behaviors.”
Calmness - A calm dog is a well-behaved dog that is able to make great choices. We stress Calmness because all too often we find that lack of calmness is the root of most behavior struggles. A dog that cannot be calm or understand how to regulate their emotions will have a difficult time in any situation that asks them to think clearly or not respond at all. For example, your dog is on a walk and typically reacts poorly when they see another dog. However, if your dog has embraced the concept of calmness, they are better able to make the right decision because they have a window of opportunity to regulate themselves in the moment. Calmness will change your life.
Confidence - Confidence is your dog’s ability to handle novelty and change in their world with a quick recovery rate and without overthinking it. Coupled with Optimism, and your dog with happily approach whatever obstacle stands before them.
A Calm, Confident dog will be able to Connect with you. Dog can be by your side, disengage with the environment, engage with you and not be bouncing, biting or prompting you for attention.
Other key concepts are:
Flexibility - Flexibility helps your dog “go with the flow” and adapt to changes in routine or the environment. It is critical in growing confidence.
Focus - Focus is your dog’s ability to listen to you, even in the most distracting of situations. You can help your dog develop into one who can stay on task, stick with their job and not wander off to find something more exciting.
Grit/Duration - Grit is how long your dog will work without reinforcement (rewards) but knowing it could happen at any time. This is where we turn our dogs into great gamblers who are willing to work and listen because when the reward comes, they know it will be great. Dogs with grit don’t give up!
Independence - Independence is key to helping your dog be happy and calm in their own company. This is key to have them relax in their crates or in a room away from you, to stay on their bed and remain calm or to work at a distance (off-leash). Independence means they can be left alone, NOT that they ignore you.
Proximity - Proximity creates a dog who chooses to hang out with you! Why? Because you are cooler than that cat. Better than a ball. More mysterious than a mouse! Basically, you’re the best friend a dog could have.
Self-Control - When your dog develops self-control they are able to listen, think and respond to you because they are not ruled by reactions and instinct. This is where your dog looks to you to ask if a behavior is ok or permission to do something they love. Self-control is vital in order to disengage from the environment and engage with you.
If you’re in the Grass Valley Area, check out our Semi-private, Group Classes to learn more!
