Outsmarting Distractions: How To Use Environmental Reinforcement in Dog Training #197

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The expression about Vegas casinos that "the house always wins" is like the one about dog training: The environment always wins. But it doesn't have to be true when you learn to use the environment to your advantage. Mastering reinforcement means understanding what your dog values most, and there are many things dogs value. Once you know where the reinforcement is for your dog, you can build yourself into that reinforcement so that it is you, not the environment, winning your dog's focus.

In the episode you'll hear:

• The role environments play in your dog's reinforcers.
• How "jackpot" dopamine creates value for dogs.
• How a negative prediction error encourages dogs to repeat and escalate behavior.
• Where counter surfing really starts (and it's not at the counter).
• Why you need to be aware of the thing before the thing.
• How to neutralize distracting environments to win your dog's focus.
• Why training puppies and dogs in the bathroom is ideal in the beginning.
• How to grow the environment in your dog training.
• What to do when you know your dog will ignore you, with the example of playing with other dogs.
• Why and when to give your dog surprise high value rewards.
• Tips for building yourself into all the reinforcement your dog receives.

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Resources:

1. Podcast Episode 196: Why Mastering Reinforcement Is The Linchpin To Reinforcement Based Dog Training - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/196/
2. Podcast Episode 174: Dopamine In Dog Training: Anticipation, Rewards, And The Transfer Of Value - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/174/
3. Podcast Episode 172: How To Teach Your Dog Anything With My Training Plan - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/172/
4. Podcast Episode 33: How Do I Stop My Dog Counter Surfing?! - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/33/
5. Podcast Episode 162: Dogs Swimming: 5 Must Do Steps For Dogs Who Hate Or Love The Water - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/162/
6. Podcast Episode 16: The Thing Before Your Dog's Thing - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/16/
7. YouTube Video: Understanding Your Dog's Reinforcement Zone (RZ) with Susan Garrett - https://youtu.be/OaUAScgaFAg
8. ItsYerChoice Game - https://recallers.com/iycsummit-join/
9. Crate Games Online - https://get.crategames.com/
10. Podcast Episode 191: Get Your Dog To Calm Down With This Common Sense Protocol For Relaxation - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/191/
11. Podcast Episode 166: Puppy Freedom: How Much Is Too Much? - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/166/
12. YouTube Playlist: Dog Training Games with Susan Garrett - https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLphRRSxcMHy2TzttCtZVFwzwMGayAsaYe
13. YouTube Video: Training Your Dog In New Places: Create Success With Environmental Manipulation - https://youtu.be/MPmOnTSOUJ0
14. Watch this Episode of Shaped by Dog on YouTube - https://youtu.be/u5Mi_DwU35A