learning opposite behaviors
Can you teach your dog to offer two opposite behaviors? How… and why?
Teaching paired, opposite behaviors accelerates the learning process by helping the dog understand a behavior in context. It also teaches the dog a concept that can be applied to future learning.
To begin, choose two behaviors that are opposites (forward/backward, over/under, on/off, push/pull, in/out, take it/leave it). Teach each of the two behaviors separately. Once your dog is offering each behavior reliably, begin reinforcing each behavior, alternating between them.
In this video, KPA CTP Emily Lucas is teaching Biscuit to step forward and step backward. Note how she is reinforcing each behavior in turn so that Biscuit can distinguish between the two cues. “I find that, once the dog has learned the basics of a new skill, introducing a few different techniques can help build skill strength much faster,” says Emily.
For more tips on how to train better and have fun with your dog, check out KPA’s Dog Trainer Comprehensive course!
Happy Training!