The Chain Game

Step 1: Low-Value Chain

• Have your low-value treats ready.
• Cue your dog to perform 3 known behaviors, one at a time. Mark and treat with a low-value treat after each individual correct response. (For example: sit – treat – down – treat – spin – treat)
• Release your dog after the last behavior.
• Repeat at least once more with low-value treats.

Step 2: High-Value Chain

• Switch to your high-value treats.
• Cue your dog to perform 2 behaviors in a row.
• When your dog is successful at the first behavior, praise your dog (do not mark with “yes”/”click”) and then cue the next behavior. (No treat yet.)
• When your dog does it, mark and treat! Then, release your dog.

Step 3: Rotate between Low-Value Chains and High-Value Chains

• As your dog is successful (at least a “B” student!), you can start to increase the length of the chains. The High-Value chains should mostly be shorter. (For example: a Low-Value chain of 3 behaviors and a High-Value chain of 2 behaviors.)
• You may need to adjust based on your dog’s frustration levels. We want to keep them engaged and focused, and not frustrated.
• If your dog is getting frustrated, reduce the number of behaviors you require from your dog on the next repetition.
• Once your dog is up to 4 or 5 behaviors in a row, start to vary how many you ask for. Throwing in some shorter chains helps keep your dog motivated.