09/04/2023
If you understand the core skills, you realize they are blueprints. You can run with it.
Classical is a two part process. Pay unconditionally, no matter what, in step one. This is the linking phase. The brain needs to link two things together. (Ring a bell… means dinner!) Or in this case, alarm means high value treatin the crate. Just link them in step one.
Step one creates step two. Behaviours emerge seemingly out of thin air.
In step 2, swap to rewarding those behaviours that suddenly “appear”. Get them right. Get them tight.
To teach your dog a fire drill plan ( and so they don’t hide when they hear the alarm) set the crate in a location that fits with your escape plan. No running about! Get out!
If ever there is a real fire that blocks your animal from reaching the crate, do not… repeat… do not put yourself at risk.