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Positive Dog

🍪 Building Value!

Published 8 months ago • 1 min read

What's With All The Cookies? 🍪

In training, whether we're teaching a brand-new behavior or working to change an old habit, the first step is always the same: build tons of value in the behavior we do want to see. That means... lots of cookies!

I just uploaded a fun throwback video featuring Riker learning how to stay calm instead of "fun policing" the other dogs when they start to run. In those early sessions, I kept the expectations low and the rewards high—that’s how you create a rock-solid foundation.

Once that foundation is in place, you can start raising the bar and easing off the cookies. And if things wobble? No worries—you’ve got that strong base to return to.

🎥 Watch Riker Learning the Relaxation Protocol​

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In this video, the other dogs are behind a gate so I can focus on Riker. Watch for the moments when I realize the task is a bit too tough—or when he nails it and I decide it’s time to level up. This was Riker’s first time in this setup, so I used a super high rate of reinforcement to set him up for success!

✨ Ready to dig deeper and get real tools for managing leash reactivity?​
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Join the Leash Reactivity Deep Dive and start turning frustration into progress.

Other Free Resources

FB Reactivity Group

FB Puppy Group

Relaxation Protocol

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Podcast

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2738 Holden Corso Rd, Nanaimo, BC v9x 1n5
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Positive Dog

Christina Young, BSc, CDBC, PCBC-A

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