1 Tip, 1 Idea, 1 Quote.
On extinction bursts
Dog Trainer Auckland
March 25, 2025
1 Tip - on life with your dog
When you are teaching your dog a new behaviour, have you wondered why your dog's behaviour gets worse before it gets better?
It's called an extinction burst.
For example, if your dog jumps on you, you may have accidentally rewarded the jumping with attention by putting your hands out or talking to them.
Now, you want the jumping to stop.
You start consistently ignoring your dog when they jump.
You turn away, don't speak, and don't make eye contact.
Instead of stopping immediately, your dog might:
Jump higher and more often.
Your dog is thinking, "This usually works! Why isn't it working now?"
They try harder to get the attention they're used to.
What to Do:
Stay Consistent, keep ignoring the jumping, even when it gets worse.
Reward your dog when they have all paws on the ground.
Don't give up, if you give in now you will reinforce the intensified jumping!
Stay the course, the jumping will fade and before long, stop.
1 Idea - on the leading edge
Think about this old Indigenous American story in terms of your dog's behaviour...
A grandfather takes his grandson on a walk to share his wisdom for life.
'A fight is going on inside me,' he tells the boy. 'It's a terrible fight between two wolves. One is bad; he is angry, fearful, hateful, jealous, and envious. One is good; he is hope, kindness, joy, love, and optimism.'
The boy asks, 'Which wolf will win?'
To which the grandfather replies: ' The one you feed.'
1 Quote - on dogs
Behaviour that is rewarded is repeated. B.F.Skinner
Need quick advice? My 'Ask a Question' page is live - Try it.