115+ Terms

Dog Training Glossary

The essential vocabulary every puppy parent needs. From positive reinforcement to threshold theory — understand the science behind modern dog training.

6 terms

Adolescent Dog

The developmental stage between puppyhood and adulthood, typically from 6 to 18 months depending on breed. Adolescent dogs often test boundaries, show increased independence, and may seem to forget previously learned behaviors. Hormonal changes drive new behaviors like marking and heightened reactivity. This phase is temporary—maintain consistent training, increase enrichment, and be patient rather than punitive. Many dogs surrendered to shelters are adolescents whose owners weren't prepared for this challenging stage.

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Agility

A dog sport that involves directing your dog through an obstacle course including jumps, tunnels, weave poles, and contact equipment. Agility builds confidence, strengthens the human-dog bond, and provides excellent physical and mental exercise. Many puppies can begin foundation agility training after basic obedience is established. It teaches impulse control, body awareness, and handler focus—skills that benefit all dogs.

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Alpha Theory

An outdated concept claiming dogs need to be dominated by their owners to establish hierarchy. Modern behavioral science has debunked this theory—wolf pack dynamics observed in captivity don't apply to domestic dogs. Forceful dominance techniques damage trust and can worsen behavior problems. Science-based training focuses on positive reinforcement and clear communication instead of intimidation.

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Anxiety

A state of apprehension or worry that affects many dogs, especially during developmental stages like fear periods. Symptoms include panting, pacing, destructive behavior, and avoidance. Understanding anxiety helps owners create safe environments and use desensitization techniques. Early socialization and predictable routines can prevent anxiety; professional help is recommended for severe cases.

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Arousal

The level of excitement or stimulation a dog experiences. Moderate arousal aids learning, but high arousal—from overexcitement, fear, or frustration—impairs a dog's ability to think and respond to cues. Training below threshold means keeping dogs calm enough to learn. Managing arousal is key for reactive dogs and during high-stimulus situations like meeting other dogs.

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Aversive

Any stimulus or consequence that a dog finds unpleasant, used to decrease unwanted behavior. Aversives include prong collars, shock collars, yelling, and physical corrections. Force-free trainers avoid aversives because they can cause fear, aggression, and suppressed warning signals. Positive reinforcement achieves lasting behavior change without damaging the human-dog relationship or the dog's welfare.

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8 terms

Behavior Adjustment Training (BAT)

A systematic approach developed by Grisha Stewart for helping reactive, fearful, or aggressive dogs. BAT uses functional rewards—allowing the dog to move away from triggers—rather than relying solely on food treats. The dog learns they can control their environment through calm behavior instead of barking or lunging. BAT respects the dog's choice and builds genuine confidence, making it particularly effective for leash reactivity and fear-based behaviors when guided by a certified professional.

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Behavior Modification

A systematic approach to changing unwanted behaviors using science-based techniques like desensitization, counter-conditioning, and positive reinforcement. Unlike quick fixes, behavior modification addresses underlying emotional states and creates lasting change. It's essential for fear, aggression, and reactivity. Work with a certified behavior consultant or veterinarian for serious behavior issues.

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Biddability

A dog's willingness to work for and respond to their handler. Highly biddable breeds like Golden Retrievers and Border Collies are eager to please and learn quickly. Lower biddability doesn't mean a dog is stubborn—it often reflects independent thinking or different motivations. Understanding your dog's biddability helps you choose effective rewards and training approaches.

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Bite Inhibition

A learned skill where a dog controls the force of their bite. Puppies learn bite inhibition through play with littermates who yelp when bitten too hard. Owners reinforce this by reacting to mouthing and redirecting to toys. Bite inhibition is a critical safety behavior—even if a dog bites in self-defense, proper inhibition prevents serious injury. Teach it during the sensitive socialization period.

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Brain Games

Interactive activities that challenge a dog's problem-solving abilities and provide mental stimulation. Examples include puzzle feeders, hide-and-seek, scent work, and trick training. Brain games tire dogs out faster than physical exercise alone, reduce boredom-related destructive behaviors, and strengthen cognitive function. Especially valuable for puppies during development, high-energy breeds, and dogs on restricted physical activity.

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Breed Detection

Technology that identifies a dog's breed composition through DNA analysis or AI-powered image recognition. Breed detection helps owners understand their dog's genetic predispositions, including energy levels, trainability, and potential health concerns. Knowing your dog's breed mix informs training approaches—herding breeds need different strategies than terriers. Apps and DNA kits have made breed identification accessible to all dog owners.

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Breed Identifier

A tool or service that determines a dog's breed or breed mix, typically through DNA testing or visual analysis powered by artificial intelligence. Understanding your dog's breed heritage provides insights into natural behaviors, exercise requirements, and training preferences. Breed identification is especially helpful for mixed-breed and rescue dogs whose background is unknown, helping owners set realistic expectations and tailor their training approach.

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Breed Scanner

An AI-powered tool that analyzes a dog's physical features through photos to estimate breed composition. While less accurate than DNA testing, breed scanners provide quick insights into potential breed traits that influence training needs. Understanding whether your dog has herding, sporting, or guardian breed tendencies helps you anticipate behaviors and choose appropriate training strategies and enrichment activities.

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10 terms

Calming Signals

Subtle body language dogs use to communicate peaceful intentions and defuse tension. Identified by behaviorist Turid Rugaas, these include lip licking, yawning, turning away, sniffing the ground, and slow movements. Dogs use calming signals with other dogs and with humans. Recognizing these signals helps owners understand when their dog is uncomfortable and needs space, preventing escalation to fear or aggression.

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Canine Cognition

The study of how dogs think, learn, remember, and solve problems. Research shows dogs understand pointing gestures, follow human gaze, and can learn hundreds of words. Understanding canine cognition helps owners set realistic training expectations and use methods that align with how dogs actually process information. Puppies' cognitive abilities develop in stages, making age-appropriate training crucial for success.

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Capture

A training technique where you reward a behavior the dog offers naturally, rather than luring or shaping it. You 'capture' the moment with a marker word or clicker. Capturing works well for behaviors like lying down, stretching, or going to a mat—actions dogs do anyway. It builds engagement as dogs learn to offer behaviors in hope of reinforcement.

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Certified Dog Trainer (CPDT-KA)

A professional credential from the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers, requiring at least 300 hours of training experience, a knowledge assessment, and adherence to humane training practices. CPDT-KA trainers use evidence-based methods grounded in learning theory. When seeking professional help, this certification indicates verified knowledge and commitment to ethical, science-based training. Always verify credentials when choosing a trainer for your dog.

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Classical Conditioning

A learning process where a neutral stimulus becomes associated with a meaningful one, creating an automatic emotional response. Pavlov's dogs salivating at a bell is the classic example. In dog training, classical conditioning underlies counter-conditioning—pairing a feared trigger with treats to change the emotional response. Understanding classical versus operant conditioning helps owners choose the right approach for different training goals.

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Clicker Training

A precise form of positive reinforcement that uses a handheld clicker to mark the exact moment a dog performs a desired behavior. The click bridges the gap between behavior and reward, enabling clear communication. Clicker training accelerates learning for complex behaviors and helps shy or sensitive dogs by removing ambiguity. The clicker becomes a conditioned reinforcer through pairing with treats.

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Cooperative Care

Training a dog to be a willing participant in grooming, veterinary procedures, and handling through choice and consent. Dogs learn to offer a chin rest or hold still voluntarily, with the option to move away if overwhelmed. Cooperative care reduces stress during nail trims, ear cleaning, and vet exams. Starting this training in puppyhood creates a dog who accepts handling calmly throughout life.

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Counter-Conditioning

A technique that changes a dog's emotional response to a stimulus by pairing it with something positive. For example, a dog who fears other dogs learns to associate their presence with high-value treats. Over time, the previously scary stimulus triggers anticipation instead of fear. Counter-conditioning works alongside desensitization for lasting change in fear-based behaviors.

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Crate Training

Teaching a dog to view their crate as a safe, comfortable den. Done properly, crates provide security, aid housetraining by capitalizing on dogs' natural den instinct, and enable safe transport. Never use the crate as punishment. Build positive associations through gradual introduction, treats, and keeping sessions short. A well-crate-trained dog can relax in confinement during travel or at the vet.

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Critical Period

The developmental window, roughly 3 to 14 weeks of age, when puppies are most receptive to new experiences and socialization has the greatest lasting impact. Positive exposure to diverse people, animals, surfaces, and environments during this period builds lifelong confidence. Missed opportunities or negative events during the critical period can create lasting behavioral challenges. Maximize positive exposures while respecting your puppy's comfort level.

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8 terms

Desensitization

Gradually exposing a dog to a feared or reactive trigger at low intensity until they no longer respond negatively. The key is staying below threshold—the point where the dog reacts. Combined with counter-conditioning, desensitization is the gold standard for treating fear and reactivity. Rushing the process can worsen the problem; patience and professional guidance are essential.

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Digital Clicker

A smartphone app or electronic device that produces a consistent marker sound for training. Digital clickers offer adjustable volume and multiple sound options, making them convenient alternatives to mechanical clickers. They're always in your pocket via a smartphone, which supports spontaneous training moments throughout the day. The function is identical to a traditional clicker—marking the exact moment of desired behavior for precise communication with your dog.

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Displacement Behavior

A seemingly out-of-context action a dog performs when conflicted, stressed, or uncertain. Common displacement behaviors include sudden scratching, sniffing the ground, yawning, or shaking off when not wet. Recognizing displacement behaviors helps owners identify stress before it escalates to fear or aggression. If your dog shows displacement behaviors during training, the session may be too challenging—reduce difficulty and offer a break.

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Dog Body Language

The system of physical signals dogs use to communicate emotions and intentions, including ear position, tail carriage, body posture, and facial expressions. Reading body language accurately prevents misunderstandings—a wagging tail doesn't always mean happiness. Learning to read your dog helps you identify stress, fear, and joy, enabling you to respond appropriately and build a stronger bond based on trust.

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Dog Park Etiquette

Guidelines for safe and respectful off-leash socialization, including supervising your dog at all times, understanding body language, intervening before play escalates, and removing stressed dogs. Not every dog enjoys dog parks—forcing reluctant dogs can create lasting negative associations. Puppies should only visit after completing vaccinations. Good etiquette prevents conflicts and ensures positive experiences for all dogs and their owners.

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Dog Whistle

A training tool that produces a high-frequency sound, often partially or fully ultrasonic, used primarily for distance recall and field work. Whistles carry farther than voice commands and remain consistent regardless of the handler's emotion. Whistle training pairs the sound with positive reinforcement to build reliable responses. Some digital apps offer whistle functionality. Whistles are a communication tool, not a correction device.

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Dominance

In outdated training, dominance referred to a need to assert authority over dogs. Modern science shows domestic dogs don't form the same hierarchical relationships as wolves. What looks like 'dominance' is often resource guarding, fear, or lack of training. Trying to dominate your dog damages trust. Focus on teaching desired behaviors through positive reinforcement instead.

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Duration

The length of time a dog holds a behavior, such as staying in a sit or down. Duration is built gradually—reward for two seconds, then three, then five. Teaching duration strengthens impulse control and is essential for behaviors like 'stay' and 'place.' Always release your dog from duration exercises with a clear cue like 'okay' or 'free.'

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4 terms

Enrichment

Activities and environmental modifications that provide mental and physical stimulation. Enrichment includes puzzle toys, sniff walks, frozen Kongs, training games, and novel experiences. A well-enriched dog is less likely to develop boredom-related behaviors like chewing and barking. Enrichment is essential for puppies' cognitive development and for dogs left alone during the day.

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Escape Learning

Learning that a behavior removes or avoids an unpleasant stimulus. While technically a form of learning, escape and avoidance are associated with negative reinforcement and can create anxiety. Force-free training avoids putting dogs in situations where they must escape. Instead, we set up success and reinforce desired behaviors proactively.

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Extinction

The gradual disappearance of a behavior when it no longer receives reinforcement. If a dog barks for attention and you stop responding, the barking may eventually decrease—but extinction bursts (temporary increases) often occur first. Extinction works best when combined with rewarding alternative behaviors. Understanding extinction helps owners avoid accidentally reinforcing unwanted behaviors.

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Extinction Burst

A temporary increase in the frequency or intensity of a behavior when reinforcement is first withheld. If a dog has learned that barking gets attention and you begin ignoring it, the barking will likely get louder and more persistent before it decreases. Understanding extinction bursts is crucial—many owners give in during the burst, accidentally reinforcing a stronger version of the unwanted behavior. Stay consistent through the burst for lasting results.

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4 terms

Fear Period

Developmental phases when puppies are especially sensitive to frightening experiences. The first occurs around 8-11 weeks; a second often appears between 6-14 months. Single traumatic events during these windows can create lasting fears. Protect puppies from overwhelming experiences while continuing positive socialization. If your puppy suddenly seems fearful, slow down and avoid forcing interactions.

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Food Motivation

The degree to which a dog is willing to work for food rewards. Highly food-motivated dogs train easily with treats; others may prefer toys or praise. Motivation varies by breed, individual, and situation—a full dog is less motivated. Use high-value treats for difficult environments. Understanding your dog's food motivation helps you choose effective reinforcers.

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Force-Free Training

A philosophy and methodology that avoids physical punishment, intimidation, and aversive tools like prong or shock collars. Force-free training relies on positive reinforcement, management, and understanding the function of behavior. Research supports that force-free methods are equally or more effective than punishment-based approaches, without the fallout of fear, anxiety, or aggression. Look for trainers who are transparent about their methods and credentials.

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Free Shaping

A training method where you reward successive approximations of a goal behavior without luring or prompting. The dog experiments; you mark and reinforce steps toward the target. Free shaping builds problem-solving skills and increases a dog's willingness to offer behaviors. It's ideal for complex behaviors like retrieving or using buttons. Requires patience and keen observation.

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2 terms

Generalization

The ability to perform a learned behavior in new contexts—different locations, with distractions, with different people. Dogs don't automatically generalize; a solid 'sit' at home may vanish at the park. Teaching generalization means practicing in varied environments and gradually adding distractions. It's why proofing behaviors in real-world settings is essential for reliability.

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Guardian Breed

Breeds historically used for protection, such as German Shepherds and Rottweilers. These dogs often have strong territorial instincts and may be wary of strangers. Early socialization is critical for guardian breeds to prevent fear-based aggression. They require clear leadership through positive training, not dominance. Choose a guardian breed only if you can commit to ongoing socialization and training.

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6 terms

Habit Stacking

Attaching a new training routine to an existing daily habit to build consistency. For example, practicing sit-stay every time you prepare your morning coffee, or doing a two-minute training session after every walk. Habit stacking leverages existing routines as triggers for training, making it easier to maintain daily practice without relying solely on motivation. Small stacked habits compound into significant training progress over time.

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Habituation

The process of becoming accustomed to a stimulus through repeated, non-threatening exposure. Unlike desensitization, habituation doesn't pair the stimulus with rewards—the dog simply learns to ignore it. Habituation explains why city dogs stop reacting to traffic noise. It's a natural process that supports socialization when exposures are positive and not overwhelming.

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Hand Targeting

Teaching a dog to touch their nose to your open palm on cue, also known as the 'touch' command. This foundational skill enables precise positioning, movement through space, and redirecting attention away from distractions. Hand targeting builds into more complex behaviors and is used in cooperative care, agility, and behavior modification. It's one of the easiest behaviors to teach and builds confidence in shy or fearful dogs.

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Heel Command

A cue for the dog to walk closely beside the handler, typically on the left side, matching pace and position precisely. Heel is used in formal obedience and specific situations requiring close control, and differs from loose leash walking, which allows more freedom to explore. Teach heel in short bursts with high-value rewards—expecting constant heeling on entire walks is unrealistic and unnecessarily demanding for everyday outings.

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High-Value Treats

Exceptionally appealing food rewards reserved for challenging training situations or teaching new behaviors. Examples include small pieces of chicken, cheese, liver, or freeze-dried protein treats. High-value treats cut through distractions and motivate dogs in difficult environments. Using a hierarchy of rewards—kibble for easy tasks, high-value treats for hard ones—maximizes training effectiveness while managing daily calorie intake.

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Housebreaking

Training a puppy to eliminate in appropriate places—outdoors or on designated pads. Success relies on supervision, frequent potty breaks, and rewarding correct elimination. Puppies have small bladders; take them out after eating, waking, playing, and every 1-2 hours when young. Accidents are normal; never punish. Consistency and patience typically achieve reliability by 4-6 months.

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3 terms

Imprinting

A sensitive learning period when early experiences have lasting effects. In puppies, the primary socialization window (roughly 3-14 weeks) is a form of imprinting—positive experiences with people, dogs, and environments shape lifetime preferences. Negative experiences during this window can create lasting fears. Responsible breeders and owners prioritize positive exposure during imprinting periods.

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Impulse Control

A dog's ability to resist acting on immediate urges. Impulse control is taught through exercises like 'wait' at doors, 'leave it' with tempting items, and 'stay' despite distractions. These skills prevent bolting, scavenging, and jumping. Building impulse control takes time but creates a calmer, safer dog. Start with easy scenarios and gradually increase difficulty.

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Interval Schedule

A reinforcement schedule where rewards are given after a certain amount of time. Fixed intervals reward after set periods; variable intervals vary the timing unpredictably. Variable schedules create more durable behaviors—think slot machines. Once a behavior is learned, gradually moving to variable reinforcement makes it resistant to extinction. Used in advanced training and maintenance.

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3 terms

Jackpot Reward

An unexpectedly large or special reward given for an exceptional response, such as a handful of treats or an extra-special food item. Jackpots mark breakthrough moments and create memorable positive associations with a behavior. They're used sparingly to maintain impact—for a first successful recall at the park or a calm response to a previously reactive trigger. Jackpots boost motivation and signal to the dog that something extraordinary happened.

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Joint Health

The condition of a dog's joints, particularly important for large breeds and breeds prone to hip dysplasia. Puppy exercise should include low-impact activities—avoid excessive jumping or running on hard surfaces until growth plates close. Maintain healthy weight to reduce joint stress. Supplements like glucosamine may help; consult your vet. Good joint health supports a lifetime of activity.

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Jump Training

Teaching a dog to jump on cue, commonly for agility or obedience. Puppies should not jump significant heights until growth plates close (around 12-18 months for large breeds). Start with low obstacles and positive reinforcement. Jump training builds coordination and confidence. For household manners, teach 'off' to prevent unwanted jumping on people—reward four-on-the-floor instead.

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2 terms

Kibble

Dry commercial dog food, the most common diet format. Quality varies widely—look for brands meeting AAFCO standards and appropriate for growth in puppies. Kibble is convenient and helps maintain dental health through chewing. Use kibble as training treats to avoid overfeeding. Soak kibble for very young puppies if they have trouble chewing.

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Kong Toy

A durable, hollow rubber toy designed for stuffing with treats or food. Kongs provide mental stimulation as dogs work to extract the contents. Stuff and freeze for longer-lasting enrichment. Kongs help with separation anxiety, crate training, and redirecting puppies from destructive chewing. Choose the appropriate size for your dog to prevent choking hazards.

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5 terms

Learning Theory

The scientific principles of how animals learn. Operant conditioning (behavior shaped by consequences) and classical conditioning (associations between stimuli) form the foundation of modern dog training. Understanding learning theory helps owners train effectively, avoid common mistakes, and recognize when professional help is needed. Force-free training applies learning theory without force or fear.

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Leash Pulling

A common behavior where a dog strains against the leash during walks, often caused by excitement, desire to explore, or lack of training. Pulling is self-reinforcing because forward movement rewards it. Address pulling by stopping when the leash tightens, changing direction, and rewarding loose leash position. Front-clip harnesses can help manage pulling while training progresses. Consistency is essential for lasting improvement.

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Leave It Command

A cue that teaches a dog to disengage from a tempting item, whether food on the ground, another animal, or a forbidden object. Leave it is a critical safety behavior that prevents ingestion of dangerous substances. Train by offering a treat in a closed hand, marking and rewarding when the dog looks away. Build difficulty gradually from controlled setups to real-world scenarios on walks.

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Loose Leash Walking

Walking with a slack leash, with the dog neither pulling nor lagging far behind. Achieved through rewarding the dog for staying near you, stopping when they pull, and teaching that forward movement happens when the leash is loose. Equipment like front-clip harnesses can help during training. Loose leash walking makes walks enjoyable and prevents injury from pulling.

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Luring

Using a treat or toy to guide a dog into a desired position. You move the lure; the dog follows into a sit, down, or other behavior. Luring is an efficient way to teach new behaviors. The key is fading the lure quickly—after a few repetitions, use an empty hand and reward from the other hand. Luring is a tool, not a crutch.

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5 terms

Management vs Training

Two complementary strategies for addressing unwanted behavior. Management prevents the behavior through environmental control—baby gates, leashes, crate use—while training teaches the dog alternative skills. Neither alone is sufficient; management prevents rehearsal of bad habits while training builds replacements. Understanding this distinction helps owners avoid frustration and create realistic expectations for behavior change timelines.

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Marker Word

A short, consistent word like 'yes' or 'good' used to mark the exact moment a dog performs a desired behavior. The marker bridges the gap between behavior and reward. First condition the marker by pairing it with treats until the word itself has meaning. Marker training increases precision and speeds learning. It's an alternative to a clicker for owners who prefer verbal markers.

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Micro-Session Training

Short, focused training sessions lasting one to five minutes, designed to fit into daily life and maintain a dog's optimal attention. Research shows dogs learn faster in brief, frequent sessions than in long ones. Micro-sessions prevent frustration for both dog and handler, end on a positive note, and make consistent training achievable even for busy owners. Multiple micro-sessions throughout the day compound into rapid progress.

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Motivation

The internal drive that influences behavior. Dogs are motivated by different reinforcers—food, toys, play, access to environments, or social interaction. Effective training identifies what motivates your dog and uses it strategically. Motivation varies by context; a hungry dog works for treats, while a bored dog may prefer play. Matching rewards to motivation improves training success.

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Muzzle Training

Teaching a dog to comfortably wear a basket muzzle through gradual, positive conditioning. Muzzle training is responsible preparation—not a sign of a dangerous dog. Muzzles enable safe veterinary care, protect during reactivity rehabilitation, and may be required in certain public spaces or during travel. A properly muzzle-trained dog wears it without stress. Start by pairing the muzzle with treats and build duration slowly over multiple sessions.

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2 terms

Negative Reinforcement

Removing something unpleasant to increase a behavior. Technically, pressure released when a dog sits reinforces the sit. In practice, negative reinforcement often involves aversives like collar corrections. Force-free training avoids negative reinforcement, using positive reinforcement instead. Understanding the term helps owners recognize when 'correction-based' methods are being used and choose alternatives.

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Neutering

Surgical removal of reproductive organs—spaying for females, castration for males. Timing affects development; early neutering may impact joint health in large breeds. Neutering can reduce roaming and some behavior issues but doesn't fix training problems. Discuss timing with your veterinarian based on breed, size, and health. Neutered dogs still need training and socialization.

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2 terms

Obedience Training

Teaching dogs to respond reliably to cues like sit, stay, come, and heel. Obedience training provides mental stimulation, strengthens the bond, and enables safe control in various situations. Modern obedience uses positive reinforcement rather than force. Start with basics and build duration, distance, and distraction. Obedience is the foundation for advanced activities and good manners.

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Operant Conditioning

Learning through consequences—behaviors that are reinforced increase; behaviors that are punished decrease. Positive reinforcement (adding something good) is the most effective and humane approach. Understanding operant conditioning helps owners see why yelling rarely works (it can reinforce attention-seeking) and why consistency in rewarding desired behaviors is essential for training success.

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10 terms

Place Command

A cue directing a dog to go to a designated spot—a mat, bed, or raised platform—and remain there calmly. Place teaches impulse control, provides a default calm behavior, and is invaluable when guests arrive or during mealtimes. Train by luring the dog onto the mat, marking and rewarding, then gradually adding duration and distractions. Place becomes a portable calm zone your dog can use anywhere.

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Positive Reinforcement

Adding something the dog wants (treats, praise, play) immediately after a desired behavior to increase its likelihood. Positive reinforcement is the cornerstone of force-free training. It builds trust, avoids fallout from punishment, and creates dogs who actively offer behaviors. The key is timing—the reward must follow the behavior within seconds. This method works for all breeds and ages.

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Potty Regression

A setback in housetraining where a previously reliable dog begins having indoor accidents again. Common causes include schedule changes, stress, medical issues, adolescent development, or changes in the household. Potty regression is frustrating but usually temporary. Return to basics—increase supervision, offer frequent outdoor trips, and reward successes enthusiastically. Rule out medical causes with your veterinarian if regression persists unexpectedly.

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Potty Training

The process of teaching a puppy or dog to eliminate in appropriate locations, also called housetraining. Successful potty training relies on consistent schedules, frequent outdoor trips, immediate reward for correct elimination, and supervision to prevent accidents. Most puppies develop reliability between four and six months. Avoid punishment for accidents—it creates anxiety and hiding behavior. Enzymatic cleaners eliminate odors that attract repeat marking.

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Punishment

In learning theory, any consequence that decreases a behavior. Positive punishment adds something unpleasant; negative punishment removes something pleasant. Punishment can suppress behavior but doesn't teach alternatives, can cause fear and aggression, and damages the human-dog relationship. Force-free training replaces punishment with reinforcing incompatible behaviors and managing the environment.

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PupStart

A science-based dog training and puppy education platform built on positive reinforcement principles. PupStart combines structured daily micro-sessions designed by certified veterinary behaviorists, an AI-powered training coach, interactive tools (clicker, whistle, breed detection), a progress journal with shareable milestone cards, and a comprehensive knowledge hub reviewed by credentialed experts. The platform's methodology draws on operant conditioning, habit stacking psychology, and age-based developmental science to make evidence-based puppy training accessible, consistent, and genuinely enjoyable. More than an app, PupStart is a wellbeing-first education system dedicated to helping every dog parent raise a calm, confident, happy dog — no punishment, no confusion, just progress.

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Puppy Class

A structured group training course for puppies, typically under five months old, covering basic obedience and socialization in a controlled environment. Puppy classes provide supervised play with similarly-aged dogs, exposure to new people, and foundational training skills. Look for classes that use positive reinforcement methods and keep group sizes small. Classes can begin after first vaccinations with veterinary approval.

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Puppy Proofing

Preparing your home environment to keep a new puppy safe while preventing destructive behavior. This includes securing electrical cords, removing toxic plants, storing chemicals out of reach, blocking off restricted areas, and removing small chokable objects. Puppy proofing is management in action—it prevents dangerous and unwanted behaviors before they happen. Reassess as your puppy grows taller and more mobile.

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Puppy Schedule

A structured daily routine providing consistency for feeding, potty breaks, training, play, socialization, and rest. Puppies thrive on predictability—a schedule reduces anxiety and accelerates housetraining by creating regular elimination patterns. Adjust the schedule as your puppy grows; younger puppies need more frequent potty breaks and more sleep. A good schedule balances activity with adequate rest periods throughout the day.

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Puppy Socialization Window

The critical developmental period from approximately three to fourteen weeks of age when puppies are most receptive to forming positive associations with new experiences. Exposure to diverse people, animals, environments, sounds, and surfaces during this window builds lasting confidence. After the window begins to close, new experiences become harder to accept positively. Prioritize safe, pleasant exposures during this brief but pivotal time.

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1 term

Quarantine

A period of isolation for puppies who haven't completed their vaccination series. Before full immunity, puppies are vulnerable to parvovirus and other diseases. 'Socialization with safety' means exposing puppies to vaccinated dogs, carried in novel environments, and attending puppy classes with vaccinated participants. Balance disease risk with the critical need for early socialization.

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6 terms

Reactivity

An exaggerated response to stimuli such as other dogs, people, or vehicles—often manifested as barking, lunging, or pulling. Reactivity is typically driven by fear, frustration, or overexcitement, not dominance. It's trainable through desensitization and counter-conditioning. Avoid punishment, which increases stress. Manage distance from triggers and work with a force-free trainer for lasting improvement.

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Recall

The cue (usually 'come') that brings your dog back to you. Recall is among the most important safety behaviors. Train with high-value rewards and never punish a dog for coming. Build reliability gradually—start in low-distraction environments and never call your dog for something unpleasant. A strong recall enables off-leash freedom and can save your dog's life.

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Redirection

Guiding a dog from an unwanted behavior to an acceptable alternative. When a puppy chews furniture, redirect to a toy. When they jump, redirect to sit. Redirection works because it teaches what to do instead of just punishing what not to do. Keep acceptable alternatives available and reward the dog for choosing them. Essential for puppies learning household manners.

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Reinforcement Schedule

How often behaviors are rewarded. Continuous reinforcement (every time) is used when teaching new behaviors. Variable reinforcement (random reward timing) creates durable behaviors resistant to extinction. Once a behavior is solid, gradually reduce frequency to maintenance level. Understanding schedules helps prevent behaviors from disappearing when you stop rewarding every time.

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Resource Guarding

A behavior where a dog protects valued items—food, toys, sleeping spots, or even people—through growling, snapping, or biting. Resource guarding is a natural survival behavior but can become dangerous if unaddressed. Prevention includes teaching trades, hand-feeding, and approaching the food bowl to add treats rather than take them away. Never punish guarding—it suppresses warning signals while increasing underlying anxiety. Seek professional help for serious cases.

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Reward-Based Training

An approach that uses desired outcomes—treats, toys, praise, play, or environmental access—to reinforce wanted behaviors. Reward-based training builds a willing, confident learner rather than a dog who complies out of fear. It encompasses positive reinforcement, marker training, and shaping techniques. Scientific research consistently supports reward-based methods as effective, humane, and beneficial for strengthening the human-dog relationship.

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9 terms

Second Fear Period

A developmental phase, typically occurring between six and fourteen months, when adolescent dogs may suddenly show fear toward previously accepted stimuli. Triggered by neurological development, the second fear period catches many owners off guard. Avoid forcing confrontation with feared objects or situations. Instead, provide gentle exposure, maintain routines, and allow the dog to approach at their own pace. This phase is temporary and resolves with patient, supportive handling.

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Separation Anxiety

A distress response when a dog is separated from their attachment figure, manifested through vocalization, destruction, house soiling, or escape attempts. True separation anxiety is a panic disorder, not misbehavior or spite. Treatment involves gradual departure training, independence-building exercises, enrichment, and sometimes veterinary medication. Prevention starts early—teach puppies that alone time is safe and rewarding. Consult a veterinary behaviorist for severe cases.

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Shaping

Rewarding successive approximations toward a goal behavior. You reinforce small steps—maybe a glance toward the target, then a step, then touching—until the full behavior emerges. Shaping develops problem-solving and builds complex behaviors that are difficult to lure. It requires patience and splitting behaviors into small enough steps. Essential for advanced training and trick training.

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Sit Command

One of the first and most fundamental cues taught to dogs, asking them to lower their hindquarters to the ground. Sit serves as an incompatible behavior to jumping, a polite greeting posture, and a building block for impulse control. Teach using a lure guided upward over the nose or by capturing the behavior naturally. Sit is useful before meals, at crosswalks, and when meeting new people.

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Socialization

The process of exposing puppies to diverse people, animals, environments, and experiences during their critical developmental period (roughly 3-14 weeks). Positive socialization prevents fear and builds confidence. It's not just exposure—experiences must be pleasant. Missed or negative experiences can create lasting issues. Continue socialization through adolescence; it's never truly 'done.'

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Stay Command

A cue instructing a dog to remain in their current position until released. Stay builds self-control and is essential for safety in doorways, near roads, and in public spaces. Train by building the three D's gradually—duration, distance, and distraction. Increase only one variable at a time. Always return to release your dog rather than calling them out of the stay, which teaches solid patience rather than anticipation.

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Stimulus Control

When a behavior occurs reliably in response to a specific cue and not at other times. A dog with stimulus control for 'sit' sits when asked but doesn't offer sits randomly. Achieving stimulus control involves practicing the cue in varied contexts and not rewarding uncued responses. It's the difference between a dog who knows a behavior and one who performs it reliably on cue.

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Stress Signals

Observable behaviors indicating a dog is experiencing physical or emotional discomfort. These include panting when not hot, lip licking, whale eye (showing the whites of the eyes), tucked tail, pinned ears, excessive shedding, and avoidance. Recognizing stress signals allows owners to intervene before a dog reaches threshold. Chronic stress weakens immune function and impairs learning, making stress awareness essential for responsible dog ownership.

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Submissive Urination

When a dog urinates during greetings, excitement, or when feeling intimidated. It's a natural appeasement behavior, not housetraining failure. Punishment makes it worse. Build confidence through positive training, avoid direct eye contact during greetings, and keep greetings calm and low-key. Most puppies outgrow submissive urination with maturity and confidence-building. Never scold—it increases the behavior.

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6 terms

Targeting

Teaching a dog to touch a specific object—usually a hand, stick, or target mat—with their nose or paw. Targeting is a fundamental training skill that enables teaching complex behaviors, movement exercises, and husbandry (like nail trimming). It's easy to train with shaping or luring. Target training builds focus and gives you a way to position your dog without force.

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Tethering

Attaching a dog's leash to your belt or a fixed point to maintain proximity and prevent unwanted behaviors while under supervision. Tethering is a management tool that aids housetraining by keeping the puppy visible, prevents counter-surfing and destructive chewing, and teaches calm settling near the owner. Also called umbilical cord training, it's a short-term strategy, not permanent confinement. Always supervise tethered dogs.

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Threshold

The point at which a dog can no longer think, learn, or respond to cues—overwhelmed by fear, excitement, or frustration. Training below threshold means working at distances or intensities where the dog can still engage. Crossing threshold leads to reactive outbursts and prevents learning. Recognizing your dog's threshold is essential for reactive dog training and fear work.

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Training Consistency

The practice of maintaining uniform expectations, cues, and consequences across all family members and situations. Inconsistency—sometimes allowing jumping, using different words for the same behavior, or enforcing rules sporadically—confuses dogs and slows learning. Create household training rules everyone follows. Consistency also means training regularly; small daily sessions produce far better results than occasional lengthy ones.

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Treat Pouch

A wearable bag that keeps training treats accessible for quick reward delivery. Timing is critical in training—fumbling for treats in a pocket delays reinforcement and reduces its effectiveness. A good treat pouch opens easily with one hand, clips to a belt or waistband, and is washable. Having treats always accessible encourages spontaneous training moments throughout the day, reinforcing good behavior whenever it occurs naturally.

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Trigger Stacking

The cumulative effect of multiple stressors that individually might not cause a reaction but together push a dog over threshold. A dog who tolerates a passing bicycle may react aggressively if they've already encountered a loud truck, an unfamiliar dog, and a child on a skateboard in rapid succession. Understanding trigger stacking helps owners recognize why their dog sometimes reacts unpredictably and manage exposure to sequential stressors.

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2 terms

Unconditioned Response

A natural, unlearned reaction to a stimulus. Dogs automatically salivate at food (unconditioned response to unconditioned stimulus). In classical conditioning, we pair neutral stimuli with these natural responses to create learned associations. Understanding unconditioned responses helps explain why counter-conditioning works—we're building new associations to override fearful automatic responses.

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Under Threshold

Working at a distance or intensity where a dog can still think, learn, and respond to cues—before they become overwhelmed by fear, excitement, or frustration. Training under threshold is essential for reactive and fearful dogs; pushing past threshold creates reactive outbursts and prevents learning. Gradually decrease distance or increase intensity only when the dog is comfortable. Patience with threshold respect produces lasting behavior change.

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4 terms

Vaccination

Administering vaccines to protect against infectious diseases like parvovirus, distemper, and rabies. Puppies need a series of vaccinations as maternal immunity wanes. Follow your veterinarian's schedule—typically shots at 6, 8, 12, and 16 weeks. Vaccination enables safe socialization; discuss risk levels with your vet for your area. Keep records for boarding, daycare, and travel.

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Variable Reinforcement

A schedule where rewards are delivered unpredictably rather than after every correct response. Once a behavior is learned, switching to variable reinforcement makes it more durable and resistant to extinction—similar to how slot machines maintain engagement. The dog never knows which repetition will earn the reward, maintaining motivation and effort. Use continuous reinforcement for new behaviors, then transition to variable for long-term maintenance.

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Veterinary Behaviorist

A veterinarian who has completed a residency in animal behavior and is board-certified by the American College of Veterinary Behaviorists (DACVB). Veterinary behaviorists can diagnose behavioral disorders, prescribe medication, and create comprehensive treatment plans. They're the highest-qualified professionals for serious issues like severe anxiety, aggression, or compulsive disorders. Ask your regular veterinarian for a referral when behavior problems persist despite consistent training efforts.

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Veterinary Visit

Regular check-ups essential for puppy health. Puppies need frequent visits for vaccinations and wellness exams. Make vet visits positive—bring treats, practice handling at home, consider fear-free certified clinics. Negative associations with the vet can create lasting fear. Acclimate puppies to handling, carriers, and car rides. A calm vet experience supports lifelong healthcare compliance.

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3 terms

Wait Command

A temporary pause—different from 'stay' in that the dog will be released to move forward (through a door, out of a car). Wait teaches impulse control at thresholds. Start with low distractions: wait at the food bowl, wait at the door. Build duration and difficulty. Wait prevents bolting and supports safety. Release with a clear cue like 'okay.'

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Whistle Training

Teaching a dog to respond to specific whistle patterns, commonly used for recall over long distances. Whistles carry farther than voice commands, remain emotionally neutral, and produce consistent sounds regardless of the handler's mood. Pair the whistle with high-value rewards using classical conditioning before using it as a cue. Popular in field work and for dogs who need reliable outdoor recall at distance.

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Withdrawal

Removing reinforcement or access—a form of negative punishment. When a dog jumps for attention, turning away withdraws the attention they sought. Withdrawal works when the dog wants something you control. It must be immediate and consistent. Often paired with rewarding the desired alternative (four paws on floor). Avoid using withdrawal for fearful dogs—it can increase anxiety.

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1 term

Xylitol

A sugar substitute highly toxic to dogs, found in sugar-free gum, candy, baked goods, and some peanut butters. Even small amounts can cause rapid insulin release, leading to hypoglycemia, seizures, and liver failure. Always check ingredient labels before giving human food to dogs. Keep xylitol products out of reach. If ingestion is suspected, seek emergency veterinary care immediately.

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2 terms

Yard Training

Teaching a dog appropriate behavior in the yard—coming when called, not digging or escaping, eliminating in designated areas. Yard training begins with supervision and reinforcement of desired behaviors. Secure fencing is essential for safety. Use the yard for play, training, and enrichment. Don't leave puppies unsupervised; they may develop unwanted habits or encounter hazards.

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Yelp Technique

Imitating a puppy's high-pitched yelp when they bite too hard during play, mimicking how littermates communicate bite boundaries. The yelp signals that the bite was too rough and often causes the puppy to pause or soften their mouth. Pair with redirecting to a toy for best results. The yelp technique works best during the early socialization period when puppies are naturally learning bite inhibition from their peers.

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1 term

Zone Training

Teaching a dog to go to and remain in a specific area—a mat, bed, or room. Also called 'place' or 'go to mat.' Zone training supports calm behavior during meals, when guests arrive, or when you need the dog out from underfoot. Build duration gradually. It's valuable for multi-dog households and dogs who need help settling.

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