[Day 48] Simulation of a serious situation - "off" training for emergencies
Basic obedience: Day 48 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.
Today's training step is about reinforcing the "off" signal in a realistic, stimulating environment by working with a fur dummy and synthetic scents to practise letting go of an object that is particularly exciting for the dog. This simulation of a serious situation prepares your dog for everyday situations in which he should reliably let go in response to your signal - for example, when he finds something hunting or particularly interesting.
Especially for dogs motivated to hunt or breeds with strong prey behaviour, it is important that the "out" works reliably even when there is a lot of distraction. By working specifically with attractive objects such as fur dummies, your dog learns to control his impulses and to recognise you as a safe orientation in exciting moments.
Goal: Your dog gives up any object that is in its mouth on the signal word "off"
Equipment: prey substitute (e.g. fur dummy), Tug Toy, synthetic scents, treats, Harness, Long Leash
Location: Low-stimulus environment
Duration: approx. 5 repetitions with breaks in between
Why simulate serious situations?
Training the "off" signal in realistic situations is particularly valuable for dogs with pronounced hunting behaviour. When dogs react to stimuli such as the smell of fur or movement, this can arouse the hunting impulse and the dog fixates on the object. This is where simulation training comes in: by using a fur dummy with scents, a realistic but controlled environment is created in which the "off" signal is practised.
Why simulation training makes sense
In everyday life, your dog will repeatedly encounter stimuli that arouse his interest, be it a lively animal or an intense odour. Exercising with realistic objects prepares him to remain calm in such moments and to let go when you give the signal. This process not only supports the "off" signal, but also impulse control, a skill that is crucial for many everyday situations.
The importance of impulse control
Through targeted training, your dog learns to control his reactions to stimulating objects and to understand the "off" signal as a positive impulse. This strengthens his self-control and helps him to remain reliable even in distracting situations - a skill that makes living together safer and more harmonious.
The use of real fur and synthetic scents when working with dogs does not encourage an increased hunting instinct and does not make the dog "sharp". Rather, this method offers the opportunity to train a reliable "out" in realistic and important situations. Only through the targeted simulation of serious situations can the dog's instinct be specifically addressed and controlled. In contrast, a simple game with the dog does not provide the necessary stimulus, as it focuses on a different type of stimulation that is less strongly linked to the natural hunting or prey drive.
Safe working with realistic stimuli
Working with realistic stimuli such as a fur dummy and synthetic scents can be a very effective way to reinforce your dog's "off" signal without unnecessarily encouraging his hunting behaviour. Such stimuli allow the dog to perceive an attractive object, but in a controlled environment that does not simulate a real hunting situation. This makes the training safe and tailored to your dog's needs.
The correct use of fur dummies and fragrances
The use of synthetic scents that imitate more natural odours makes the dummy more interesting for your dog and increases the training effect. It is important that these training items are used safely and sparingly. Fur dummies and scents help to arouse your dog's interest without stimulating his hunting impulse. By clearly signalling to your dog that it is only training and not real "prey", he learns to control his reactions better and remains calmer.
Why this training controls the hunting impulse instead of encouraging it
The dog learns that the dummy is not a "prey toy" that he is allowed to claim for himself. The clear structure of the training shows him that letting go and the "off" signal play an important role regardless of his hunting impulse. The focus is on teaching your dog to orientate himself in different stimulus situations and to maintain control by using the "out" signal.
With this approach, training remains controlled, safe and creates a positive association with the "off" signal.
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Summary
The "off" training in simulated serious situations is a valuable method to strengthen your dog for everyday life and to offer him a safe orientation. By using realistic but controlled stimuli such as a fur dummy and scents, your dog learns to control his behaviour in a targeted manner and remain calm even in challenging situations. This method promotes his impulse control and self-control and anchors the "off" signal as a trustworthy and positive action.
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.