Continuous Motion Sequences Training for Dogs

This is a training sequence which rewards the "wrong move" just as much as the "right move". It seems counterintuitive to reward a dog for not doing a complete behavior, however in the case of shy, fearful dogs doing anything can often be a huge accomplishment. So I developed this technique to build confidence, which I have used with my own dogs and client dogs.

What does continuous motion mean?

Continuous motion sequence means training where there is some motion involved making the technique more successful. It is best used with shy/fearful dogs or dogs who have a lowered sense of confidence, but works with puppies, rescue dogs and confident dogs. Continuous motion sequences would be seen in agility obstacle work, catch, get it, distance exercises, jumps, find it, etc..

How to use the technique?

To use this technique when training how to catch, for example, if a dog isn't a great catcher, but is trying, you reward for the TRYING just as heavily as rewarding for the actual catch. Make a big deal out of actual catches, but continue to reward for trying to catch. This increases the dog's confidence and makes him try even harder. The reward for trying is a positive, enthusiastic voice, pet. The reward for the actual completion of the sequence is a food reward, or favorite toy along with enthusiastic voice praise. Dogs don't like to make mistakes, their survival depends on doing the right things, however some dogs who are less confident than others, may stop trying altogether if they sense you are not happy with what they are doing.

Training frisbee using continuous motion sequences.

Continuous motion sequences work especially well in training frisbee. Just tossing a frisbee in the air and expecting your dog to catch it doesn't always work. Some dogs will ignore the frisbee, others with natural ability might go after it but not catch it. So you start with a continuous motion of teaching the dog look at the frisbee and praise for not doing anything with it. Praise more if they show some interest as you hold it in your hand, and praise for any effort to touch it. Put it on the ground and praise for grabbing it and running away with it. Not exactly what you want, but you are building confidence with the object. Refinements can come later. Then roll the frisbee on its side on the ground and praise the dog for anything they do with this action. When you finally train flight, do it at short distances first and praise everything, even not catching it. Use a lower, but enthusiastic tone, and for a catch show your excitement and reward heavily. It is a process of building confidence to do an unnatural sequence. By continually moving the object in different ways, the dog starts to learn in a step-by-step process and doesn't have to worry about failing, thereby learning quicker.

Off lead walking and real life encounters.

Another time to use continuous motion sequence training is in off lead walking or meeting another dog.

If you keep moving your dog will follow. This will prevent stand still encounters"among dogs and people. Stand too long and there might be altercations. So keep walking, if you want your dog to keep moving.

Providing distance shows your dog that the chance meeting of other dogs on a trail are OK, they can say hell-o, but their family is moving on. You praise for proper meeting of the strange dog, say your dog's name and a "move on" cue, and keep walking. Use a "let's go" cue as you head away. Praise enthusiastically and reward with food or toy for compliance. You are continuing to move and teaching your dog the right thing to do in this case. Again, this works especially well for shy, fearful dogs and builds their confidence that it is OK to move away from encounters with strange dogs.

With loose dogs and off lead walking on trails or in dog parks, you'll need strong voice control. The keep moving sequence done in a calm, enthusiastic manner keeps things in perspective for the other dog also and while they might follow, they usually get the message and move on with their own family.

The key whether you are using this with agility obstacles, distance exercises or catch is to keep the motion continuous to get the end results plus reward for trying or even making mistakes. This also makes learning fun as you are engaging with your dog. This makes learning less intimidating and they then can progress to seeing skill training as a positive way to please you.

When your dog is making good decisions on their own, is becoming more confident after positive training sequences, this means you have gained their trust and you can attempt more complicated skills.