Dog training has so many different factors when it comes to behaviors. We have the desired behaviors and the problem behaviors. We use training to help solve the problem behaviors, these are jumping, barking, leash pulling, and recall to name a few. When we start to train a cue we typically add a verbal cue to pair it with. When a verbal cue no longer means anything to the dog it has become poisoned. Replacing a poisoned cue is a simple process.
Why does this happen?
This is when an owner repeats a cue and does not follow through in the behavior being paired with the cue. It is not the dog’s fault. It is the owner’s responsibility to properly teach and follow through with these behavioral cues we want from our dogs.
Example
One example that comes to mind is Recall or “Come”. When you want your dog to come to you, you say “Dogs Name, Come”. This is followed by your dog not coming. Especially if they are off-leash and sometimes make it a game. As soon as you decide to not make the dog physically come to you, you have just poisoned that word. This is why recall is one of the main obedience cues many owners are failing at. Once we know that the verbal cue “Come” is poisoned we need to replace the verbal cue with a new one. This can be anything you want.
How does replacing a poisoned cue?
Simply put you need to choose another verbal cue to pair with the desired behavior. It can be any word as long as everyone involved uses it and follows through on the paired behavior. If not you run the risk of poisoning another cue. When a new verbal cue is established you need to retrain the cue and pair it with the behavior. Repetition and clarity are important when teaching or re-teaching a cue.
If you are struggling to have your dog come when called or have any other behavior issues please contact me today to set up some training sessions.
