Make Dog Training Easy! Quick Guide To Antecedent Arrangements #245
Nov 15, 2023
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Learn how to increase desired dog behaviors while reducing unwanted ones through antecedent arrangements. Discover why punishment doesn't work in dog training and why 'the thing before the thing' is crucial. Explore the stimuli that trigger behavior and the importance of training in different environments. Find out how past experiences influence your dog's emotional state and why varying routines is ideal for training success.
Modify antecedent arrangements to prompt desired behaviors in dogs effectively.
Create incompatible behaviors to address and eliminate unwanted behaviors in dogs.
Deep dives
The importance of antecedent arrangements in dog training
In this podcast episode, Susan discusses the significance of antecedent arrangements in dog training. While many people focus on consequences and reinforcement, Susan emphasizes that understanding and altering the antecedent arrangements before a behavior occurs can be more effective. She explains that antecedent arrangements can include stimuli like smell, sight, routine, past experiences, emotional states, and motivators. Susan encourages listeners to eliminate or modify antecedent arrangements that lead to undesired behaviors and instead create antecedents that prompt the desired behaviors in dogs. By doing so, Susan believes it is possible to achieve more efficient and successful training outcomes.
The importance of creating incompatible behaviors
Susan also highlights the significance of creating incompatible behaviors to address unwanted behaviors in dogs. One example she gives is teaching dogs the 'It's Your Choice' game, where they learn to make better choices and understand that good choices lead to positive consequences. Additionally, Susan recommends using crate games to create a designated space for dogs, such as a crate, which keeps them away from places like the kitchen counter. By consistently reinforcing and generalizing these incompatible behaviors, dogs learn to make the desired choices and avoid engaging in unwanted behaviors.
The need to modify antecedent arrangements for specific behaviors
Susan provides specific examples of modifying antecedent arrangements for particular behaviors. She suggests identifying the antecedent arrangements that trigger the behavior and gradually eliminating or altering them. For instance, if a dog steals food from the counter, Susan advises placing the food in a bowl on the counter and gradually moving it further away, eventually eliminating the stimulus that prompts the behavior. She also highlights the importance of generalizing behaviors across different settings and training in various environments to prevent dogs from becoming reliant on specific antecedent arrangements.
Recently, a professional dog trainer told me her favorite Shaped by Dog episode is 16, where I explain the simple concept of “antecedent arrangements” as one of the most effective, animal behavior science solutions to ANY dog training problem. Although it’s an all-time favorite of my students and dog training professionals, it’s a hidden gem to the general public. So, I’m revisiting the topic of how to increase brilliant dog behavior – while decreasing undesired ones – with one easy focus shift. As my mentor, Bob Bailey, says, “When dog training is right, it’s easy.” Enjoy this game changer!
In this episode you’ll hear:
• How to increase desired dog behaviors while reducing unwanted ones. • The ABC’s of learned behaviors in the animal kingdom. • What some dog owners and trainers focus on to fix behaviors. • Why “get a bigger meatball” and punishment don’t work in dog training. • That knowing “the thing before the thing” is your dog training salvation. • What “antecedent arrangements” are in triggering behavior. • The stimuli that make a behavior desirable for dogs. • Why lure training makes dog behavior a negotiation rather than a desire. • What sensory stimuli get attached to behavior triggers. • The importance of training in different environments at different times. • Why varying your dog’s daily routine is ideal. • How past experiences influence a dog’s emotional state. • About your dog’s motivations and distractions. • An example of how to stop counter surfing. • How “ItsYerChoice” teaches dogs to choose the right behavior. • About incompatible behaviors. • What “Hot Zones” are and how they help your dog choose wisely. • When dog training is right, it’s easy.