Back Chained Release Cue

The following are my notes from a ClickerExpo 2016 session by Sarah Owings

Back-chained release cue:

• All stationary behaviors need SOME release cue (either trained release or cue next behavior)
• Trained release cue tells dog to move
• Teach one cue for explosive release (start line, dock diving, retrieve, etc.)
• Teach another cue for calm release (go say hi, out of crate, through a door, etc.)
• RELEASE CUES ARE “CLICKS” Only cue release when dog is doing something you like!
• Zen Bowl Steps (calm release)
  • Put food in bowl, say release cue, THEN move bowl down to make food available in a way that the pup has to move to get the food. Repeat till pup anticipates moving when cue is heard. *** Cue THEN move, not simultaneous***
  • Get a brief stationary behavior, then mark that with the release cue then present the bowl.
  • Get some duration, mark with release cue then offer bowl
  • Add bowl/handler movement as a distraction
  • Have dog wait while bowl is placed on the floor
  • Ask dog to work nearby, then release to the bowl.

• Explosive release:
  • Use a high value moving reward (water from hose, tossed toy, dragged tug, flirt pole, etc.)
  • Restrain pup, say cue, release pup just before you move the reward
  • If possible, have reward farther from pup so he is running before the reward moves
  • Build in stationary behavior/wait so restraint is not needed
• Go Sniff!
  • Stand with dog on short leash next to mat (scrunched up towel) with good smells on it (odors of food, other dogs, other people, critters, etc.)
  • After eye contact, release to “go sniff” (the mat)
  • Click/reward dog for eye contact with you and use reward to pull dog away from the mat
  • After eye contact, repeat till dog is bored with the mat
  • Ask for a few behaviors before giving “go sniff” cue and toss reward into the towel
  • Repeat in real life environments where dog wants to sniff
• Uses for go sniff:
  • Teaches on-duty/ off-duty cue
  • Reinforces check ins without nagging
  • Gives dog opportunity to “ask to work” when ready/able
  • Stronger recalls (environment isn’t the forbidden fruit)
  • Allows dog to get info about the environment, dogs, people, critters
  • Can reinforce behavior (premack)
  • Relieves pressure/stress