Episode 260: Transitions, punishment and getting out of your own way

Dog training is a journey, underscored by significant transitions through distinct learning phases, each showcasing your dog’s growth and understanding.

Initially, in the Introduction and teaching phase, your dog doesn’t understand the expected behaviour. However, as they begin to recognise the task or command, they naturally transition into the Learning and Association phase. This shift becomes noticeable as your dog starts associating your command with the corresponding action, albeit inconsistently. For example, when you say “sit,” they might occasionally comply.

Gradually, your dog moves into the Refinement and Consistency stage, which is another crucial transition. Here, your dog’s understanding deepens, characterised by improved accuracy and more consistent responses. Now, when you say “sit,” they will more frequently and correctly respond to your command, indicating a clear grasp of the association between the command and the action.

Finally, the most rewarding transition occurs, leading your dog into the Proofing phase. At this point, your dog instinctively responds to your command, indicating that it has become second nature. When you say “sit,” they immediately and correctly respond, regardless of the environment or distractions, signalling a successful transition to mastery.

These transitions form the crux of dog training. Your patience, understanding, and consistent reinforcement will guide these transitions, facilitating your dog’s progression from one phase to the next. Recognising and appreciating these subtle shifts can significantly enhance your effectiveness as a trainer and deepen the bond with your dog.

And of course, we took a bee line into other territories of punishment and other topics that people avoid as it doesn’t appease their audience.

Have a look at an earlier episode we did, Episode 239: Incompatible behaviour & positive punishment

Further details

looking for great dog trainers and supporters of the canine paradigm? Below is a vast array of people and business’s who stand by us, donate to our running costs and do great things for the canine community.

Glenn runs and has almost everything canine related at, Canine Evolution or Pet Resorts Australia

Pat has a full range of coaching and dog training services at Operant Canine

You can support our show and get extra content right here on our Patreon page. Everything goes into keeping the show running and we love all the wonderful people who are part of that community. If you’re not sure how, just ask us.

You can get our full range of our Merch at our Teespring store here

You can help us by spreading the word amongst the canine community or even suggesting a special guest to interview.

If you need to find out how to listen to our podcast, go here

We have a YOUTUBE channel that you can subscribe to now

If you enjoyed the podcast, please review us on Itunes, spotify and any other podcast directory

Details on joining the IACP can be found here. If you’re not in it you should be! Understand?

Check out Dogs Playing for Life! A rescue process changing dogs lives across the USA

For more details on how to help our friends at Peggy’s Promise, you can find all the details on how to do that on their website. They are our rescue charity of choice.

Support our supporters

Narelle Cooke’s raw feeding guide for dogs here. Narelle has her own podcast on all podcast directories called Natural Health for people and pets. Check it out in person.

Looking for the best, human grade supplement range for your dogs? Check out Canine Ceuticals. You can also see her on Pooches at play with Lara Shannon SHOW SPONSOR

Jason Firmin Einzweck Dog quip SHOW SPONSOR

The motorcycle dog kennel by Rowdy Hound SHOW SPONSOR

Professional dog training services DanKroft K9 SHOW SPONSOR

Daycare and training from the heart dog training SHOW SPONSOR

Dog training all styles in Adelaide Dog Club SA SHOW SPONSOR

Our beloved friend and regular contributor, Birdy O’Sheedy can be found at birdyosheedy.com and you can see her baby puppy on her instagram

HUGE thanks to all our contributing artists. Please support their works

Jane Stuart
Avery Keller
Zoie Neidy