Field notes · Dog training in Angier & Raleigh, NC
Should I let my nervous dog back away?
Yes. Without room to retreat he just freezes. But backing off is not the end of the exchange: he comes back, and he does the thing.
In the trainer's words
What we need is for him to make a more natural choice where he decides to respond to a cue. We can only get that by cultivating some openness and allowing him space to retreat, but then also still requiring that he does come back and do the thing.Kelton, Head Trainer, Angier K9 Consultants
Seen with 1 dog: Finn
1 recorded moment, each one linked to the exact second it happens in a full training session published unedited. Trainers call this space to retreat, obligation to return.
5:42
Space to retreat, and still required to come back and do the thing
Related questions
Recognize your own dog in this?
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