[Day 46] Swap deal for dogs - The second step to a safe "out"
Basic obedience: Day 46 of 56
This video and training is part of the Grunge Obedience Concept, a structured programme to promote obedience and the bond between humans and dogs. The concept is carefully didactic and methodical to ensure that each exercise builds on the previous one for maximum effectiveness. It is crucial that you carry out the training in the intended order to achieve the best possible results for your dog.
The "off" signal is one of the basic commands that teaches your dog to release an object on command. On day 46, we work with a special swap to further consolidate your dog's understanding of the "off" signal. Your dog will learn to swap a toy for an identical one on command. This method helps him to experience letting go as rewarding, as he doesn't feel a loss but gets a new chance to play.
By training with two identical toys, the "out" becomes a safe and positive action for your dog. Instead of developing insecurity or frustration over the loss of his toy, he recognises that letting go is always associated with a gain. This training not only strengthens the "off" signal, but also the trust between you and promotes the joy of interacting together.
Goal: Your dog gives up the toy on the signal word "off" and receives a toy of equal value in return
Equipment: 2 exactly the same toys, treats, Harness, Long Leash
Location: Low-stimulus environment
Duration: approx. 5 repetitions with breaks in between
Why a swap with two identical toys solidifies the "out"
Training with two identical toys aims to make the dog realise that letting go does not mean a loss, but is a kind of "neutral" exchange. By using two exactly identical toys, your dog does not perceive any disadvantage when he swaps one toy for the other. This equivalence of the toys reinforces trust in the "off" signal and takes away the worry of giving up something valuable.
Psychological principles of bartering
Dogs are often sceptical when it comes to giving something away - especially if they see an advantage or resource in doing so. Swapping with toys of equal value reduces this mistrust and makes letting go a relaxed decision, as the dog learns that the "out" brings no disadvantage. Psychologically speaking, this training enables him to understand that letting go is a safe and stress-free process.
Anchoring the "off" as a positive signal
By using the swap, the "off" signal is anchored as an action that has no negative consequences for the dog. The dog recognises that letting go is immediately followed by a new, equivalent opportunity - this reinforces the "off" as a reliable and trustworthy signal that can also be used more easily in other situations.
How bartering strengthens trust and loyalty
Not only is "out" training through swapping an effective way to practise letting go, it also strengthens the trust between you and your dog. Through the swapping process, your dog learns that letting go of his toy does not put him at a disadvantage. Instead, he experiences that his trust is rewarded, which strengthens the bond between you.
Why a fair exchange preserves the joy of playing together
Dogs play not only to release energy, but also to strengthen their bond with their human. However, one-sided "winner-loser" games, in which the dog is only ever supposed to give away and not get anything in return, can weaken the dog's motivation in the long term. If your dog is given the opportunity to keep the toy from time to time during a swap, or is given an identical toy as a replacement after the "out" signal, the joy of interacting together is maintained. The dog sees the game as a fair exchange in which he himself also sees a benefit.
The effect of bartering in everyday life
By training the "off" signal positively and without frustration, your dog will perform the release more reliably in everyday life - even if the object is particularly exciting for him. This basis of trust not only makes it easier to handle during training, but also ensures that the dog follows the "off" signal safely even in unexpected situations, for example when it picks up something dangerous. The fair and playful nature of the training not only strengthens the signal, but also your relationship as a team.
Can dogs win in a game of tug-of-war?
You can let dogs win in tug-of-war games. It is an outdated belief that only humans are allowed to win. A game between dogs means variety and a change of roles. The same applies when playing with humans. A dog that always loses will lose the fun and motivation to interact together. You are then missing the most important building block in education and joint training.
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Summary
"Off" training by swapping toys is an important step in making releasing safe and positive for your dog. With two identical toys, your dog learns that releasing when signalled does not mean a loss, but a new opportunity to play. This method anchors the "off" signal as a stress-free and rewarding action that builds trust and strengthens your bond.
In the next training sessions, the "off" signal is gradually applied in more demanding situations. This will teach your dog to reliably implement the release signal even with stronger stimuli. The free training plan contains all the necessary steps to continue the training safely and systematically.
This video and training is part of the Grunge Obedience Concept, a structured programme to promote obedience and the bond between humans and dogs. The concept is carefully didactic and methodical to ensure that each exercise builds on the previous one for maximum effectiveness. It is crucial that you carry out the training in the intended order to achieve the best possible results for your dog.
The authors: Paulina & Lui
Paulina and Lui are the heart and soul behind Vitomalia [Dogstraining & Store]. Her journey in dog training began with the adoption of her first list dog, Vito. This experience sparked her deep interest in teaching other dog owners about dog behaviour and training. Initially this was just a hobby, but with the adoption of the American Pitbull dog Amalia, who had been relinquished several times due to severe behavioural problems, her passion developed into a true vocation. Amalia's particular behavioural challenges intensified her interest in dog training and behavioural therapy. This turning point led Paulina and Lui to leave their original career paths, undergo intensive further training and dedicate themselves fully to the subject of dog training. Their work with human-dog teams also revealed a gap in the dog market: there was a lack of safe, high-quality dog accessories specifically for medium-sized and large breeds.
From this realisation, Vitomalia [Dogstraining & Store] was born, a combination of their commitment to professional dog training and the need for quality dog accessories. Paulina and Lui bring their personal experience, extensive knowledge and passion for dogs to every product to help human-dog teams live together.