Are R+ Trainers Frauds? Can A Dog Come When Called Around Wildlife Without Using Punishers? #305
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May 16, 2025
Explore the debate over reinforcement-based training and its effectiveness against high prey drive behaviors. Learn about the Canine Predatory Motor Sequence and how it can transform dog communication. Discover why suppressing behaviors isn't true training, and uncover effective strategies like predatory redirection. Hear real-life success stories of dogs overcoming distractions and chasing instincts through relationship-building games. Plus, get insights on utilizing tools like head halters for better focus during walks!
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Myth of Reinforcement Limits
Some dog trainers believe reinforcement-based training can't stop high prey drive dogs from chasing without physical correction.
Susan Garrett asserts this is false and explains why reinforcement-based methods do work effectively.
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The Canine Predatory Motor Sequence
The canine predatory motor sequence includes alert, orient, locate, stalk, chase, grab bite, and kill stages.
This evolutionary sequence explains dogs' prey behavior and is key to understanding their chasing impulses.
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Predation Disables Learning
Trying to stop a dog deep in their predatory sequence means they're not in a thinking brain.
Dogs in this state don't learn or respond to correction, necessitating reliance on tools like e-collars.
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Can you really stop a dog from chasing deer or anything else without an e-collar? Yes, and I’m sharing how. There’s an ongoing commentary that it's impossible to train certain dogs, especially those with high prey drive, to come when called using only reinforcement-based methods. Now, those of us who are reinforcement-based trainers know that it's absolutely possible. The secret lies in understanding the Canine Predatory Motor Sequence. Rather than trying to stop dogs at the end of the sequence when it's way too late, we focus on the early stages and what we want our dogs to do.
In this episode, you’ll hear:
• Why some say reinforcement-based training alone can’t stop high prey drive dogs. • How the canine predatory motor sequence works and why it matters for your dog’s behavior • Why suppressing behavior isn’t training, and what I do instead. • The three common ways people deal with behavior problems and which one really works. • How I use predatory redirection to interrupt chase drive. • A real-life example of Prophet ignoring deer just 15 feet away. • How we changed Tater Salad’s behavior using relationship-building games. • Special opportunity to join my Home School the Dog program. • Why head halters can act like emergency brakes when you need them. • How I redirect Kim’s rescue dog Waffles from distractions to focus back to me and what you can take away from it.
Join Home School the Dog: To join Home School the Dog at a special discount, write to us at wag@dogsthat.com with the subject line: Prey Drive
Hand Target and More Foundational Games Get the Hand Target Game and more foundational training games in our free Connected Dog Season of Nuance Video Series running for a limited time - https://learn.doggyflix.com/
Shaped by Dog with Susan Garrett