Generalization in dog training means, teaching your dog to do a behavior in any situation and environment. That is in regards to your lifestyle, and what works for you.
Dogs do not generalize
This can make it very difficult for us to understand what they are going through. Especially when we ask them to do a behavior they already know in a scenario that they are unfamiliar with. An example of how dogs do not generalize well is: You may think to yourself, “my dog knows sit”. But if you stand with your head buried in the corner of the room and ask your dog to sit, he most likely won’t. Also, if your dog only fetches a ball and you throw your car keys for your dog and say “Fetch”, most likely your dog will look confused and not pick them up. Sometimes simply taking two steps to the right in the training session when your dog is learning something new, will throw your dog off and make it seem like he has no clue as to what you were asking for.
How to Avoid Getting Stuck with Generalization
You need to be increasing criteria constantly and begin generalizing a behavior to other scenarios as soon as you can. Once you have gotten a behavior on cue, it’s time to move on to having your dog perform the behavior on different surfaces, in different locations, with different distractions, and in different positions in relation to yourself.
Do What Works for Your Life when dealing with Generalization
Generalize behaviors to the level you need. Simply proof to the level you need, and then have no expectations for your dog to preform the behaviors in situations you have not yet trained in. ALWAYS proof emergency behaviors as much as you can, for example your recall. Teach your dog to generalize the recall to all situations by proofing as many training scenarios as possible. Can your dog come back when someone else is feeding him? Can he come when there is a rabbit in the field, when he is playing with other dogs, when he’s running, eating cat poop or during loud noises?
Generalizing Tips
- Practice the behavior in the place you first trained it right before you ask for it in the new location to keep the behavior fresh in your dog’s mind.
- Use high value rewards (Freeze dried treats)
- Act more excited about training in the new place.
- DON’T just assume your dog should do it. Mix the new behavior with play and easy behaviors that your dog knows well.
- Practice attention games. When you have your dog’s full attention, you can start generalizing the new behaviors.
- Lower criteria when you begin to generalize a behavior to a new environment or different position in relation to you.
