This is one way we can help our dogs feel better about their triggers. It also encourages them to focus on us around their triggers.
Think of it like this:
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The trigger is the “movie” and your treats are the “popcorn”.
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You’ll feed your dog popcorn while they watch the movie.
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When they can “ask” for popcorn by looking at you, they’re probably doing well! They can keep watching the movie.
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If the movie gets too intense (they can’t ask for popcorn, they can’t eat their popcorn, or they start to vocalize, etc.) we help them take a break from the movie.
How to Use Popcorn & a Movie
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When your dog looks at their trigger, mark (say “yes” or click) and then feed them a cookie.
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If your dog doesn’t look at you when you say “yes”, that’s okay, put the cookie to their mouth.
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Wait for them to look again.
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Mark and feed!
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Your goal is to have your dog calmly watching the trigger or disengaging and being a dog.
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Over a few repetitions, you should notice that your dog is beginning to look at the trigger and then look at you. This is what we want to see!
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If your dog doesn’t begin to look at you after a few repetitions, assess their body language: Are they too tense? Do they need to move further away?
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If your dog can’t take the food, they need more distance.
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Continue to mark and feed when your dog looks at the trigger. If they’re relatively calm, it’s okay to let them look for longer, too!
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If your dog looks at you after looking at the trigger and you didn’t say “yes”, that’s okay! Still feed them! What a good pup!
Remember to work Under Threshold and to give your dog distance if they need it. Email your trainer if you have questions or need help troubleshooting!