Cancellation signal training: How to communicate "stop" to your dog
Leash handling: Bonus material - cancellation signal
This video and training is part of the Vitomalia Leash Handling Concept, a structured programme for improving leash handling skills in dogs. The concept is carefully designed didactically and methodically 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 results with your dog.
A stop signal signals to your dog that he is showing a misbehaviour that he should stop. In contrast to a body language correction , the stop signal helps us to react very precisely and to maintain perfect timing. In principle, it works in the same way as the marker signal, only it is not to be understood as "that was right", but as the counterpart, namely "stop it" . We can communicate the dog's misbehaviour correctly in terms of timing without having to be in his immediate vicinity .
Goal: Your dog cancels his action immediately after the cancellation signal
Equipment: treats, (dragLeash and Harness
Ort: At home, low-stimulus environment
Duration: for build-up approx. 3 times a day for 3 days; thereafter whenever necessary
Your consequence determines how well the stop signal works. If your dog does not stop his actions after the stop signal and there is no consequence on your part, the dog will be successful and the stop signal will wear off. Success is a partial reinforcement and leads to your dog showing the unwanted behaviour more often in the future, because the chance of success makes this behaviour particularly exciting and desirable for your dog. Choose a sound or word that you do not use frequently in normal speech (e.g. "Ey!" or "Eheheh!").
ℹ︎ Info
Partial reinforcement is a reward that is given sporadically, whether consciously or unconsciously by you. If the dog is occasionally successful, the behaviour becomes very resistant to extinction and is sometimes even shown more frequently.
Cancellation signal checklist
→ Only use the stop signal if your dog is about to make a mistake or show misbehaviour.
→ As soon as you use the cancellation signal, your dog is not allowed to succeed (partial reinforcement says hello).
→ If your dog accepts the taboo after the cancellation signal, it will not be praised or confirmed:
- Prohibited items are not released.
- Unwanted behaviour that is terminated is not rewarded after termination and new behaviour.
→ Adapt the intensity of the cancellation signal (body language and expressiveness of your voice) to your dog.
→ Offer your dog an alternative behaviour after the stop signal if he does not show it on his own.
ℹ︎ Info
A correction is only a correction if your dog aborts its behaviour - abort signal. if the intensity is too weak, your dog will continue to do what it is not supposed to. if the intensity is too strong, your dog is very insecure and anxious. if the intensity is right, your dog will abort its behaviour and, if necessary, show some Appeasement signalsbut don't be afraid.
- Position yourself so that you have enough space and your dog is close to you.
- Now throw a treat on the floor and at the same time give your release signal that your dog may eat it (e.g. "Take").
The release signal at the stop signal is important for your dog and this exercise. We communicate clearly to our dog: treats that have been released can be eaten. Treats that have not been released are not released. This is fair and clear communication and understandable for your dog.
- Do this with about five treats in a row by throwing one and releasing it at the same time.
- Now throw a treat on the floor so that it is in your immediate vicinity and do not give a release signal.
It is best to try to throw the treat in such a way that you can either reach it easily with your foot or you can quickly step in between your dog and the treat.
- Your dog will probably want to eat this treat too.
- Now give your cancellation signal (e.g. "Ey!") and observe whether your dog already accepts the cancellation signal through your strength of expression.
- If you notice that your dog is still not responding to the signal, block the treat with your hand or foot at the same time so that your dog cannot eat it. You must react quickly here.
ℹ︎ Info
Make sure that you only use the abort signal when your dog goes to the treat that has not been released, not before. This would have the consequence that you forbid it, but do not abort it. At the same time, the abort signal should have more weight than your body language, so you should only block if the signal is not accepted. This will help you in future to let your dog abort a behaviour from a distance.
It can be helpful for you to strategically throw the treat on the floor so that you are between the treat and your dog, making it easier for you to intervene.
You can find the perfect equipment for the cancellation signal here
- Block the treat until your dog withdraws.
- Take your hand or foot off the treat.
- Your dog should not want to get the treat again, but if he does, give the stop signal again and prevent your dog from getting the treat.
- Throw another treat a little further away from the "forbidden" treat and release it.
It is possible that your dog will either be very insecure about whether he can eat it, or will try furiously to eat the forbidden treat as well.
→ If your dog seems unsure, give the go-ahead and point to the treat that he is allowed to eat.
→ If your dog is temperamental and also wants to eat the forbidden treat, block it again as before.
- Repeat the exercise a few times.
- The forbidden treats remain forbidden until the end of the exercise and are then collected by you.
ℹ︎ Info
If you were to forbid the forbidden treat first and then release it, this would be an exercise for the dog. Impulse controlWith the stop signal, your dog should accept and comply with your commands. Impulse control is about resisting the impulse.
This could be helpful for the cancellation signal
ℹ︎ Info
Decide on a cancellation signal and use only that one. "No", "Stop it", "Don't do that", "Ey" and many more. But what do you mean? Stay clear in your communication with your dog. A consistent cancellation signal creates clarity and comprehensibility. It reduces confusion and misunderstandings because the same signal always has the same meaning, regardless of context. By using the same signal all the time, it becomes part of an automatic response pattern. This is especially important in situations where quick action is required.
Summary
A stop signal is an effective tool in dog training to stop unwanted behaviour immediately. By using a specific sound or word that the dog rarely hears, it learns that its current behaviour is undesirable. Consistency in the use of the signal, avoiding partial reinforcement, and adapting the intensity of the signal to the dog are important for success.
When training, it is crucial to only use the stop signal when your dog is about to show unwanted behaviour. The aim is to stop his misbehaviour immediately. The stop signal is not intended to promote impulse control by being used preventively. Impulse control is a separate aspect of training in which the dog learns to curb his urge to behave and not to follow every spontaneous impulse. While the stop signal stands for the direct interruption of unwanted behaviour, impulse control focuses on training the dog to act in a considered and controlled manner so that he acts patiently and under control even without immediate human intervention.
The stop signal serves as an immediate request to stop your dog's unwanted behaviour.
Aborted behaviour is not released, so offer your dog your alternative behaviour afterwards.
The abort signal requires consistent and consistent application on your part and exact timing in order to be effective.
What is a cancellation signal?
A stop signal is a specific instruction (often a word or a sound) that signals the dog to stop an unwanted behaviour immediately.
Can I use any word as a cancellation sigal?
Yes, you can basically use any word or sound as a stop signal. The important thing is that you decide on a specific signal and use it consistently to create clear communication between you and your dog. Avoid using a variety of commands such as "Stop!", "Stop that!", "No!", or "Stop!" randomly, as this can confuse the dog and reduce the effectiveness of the signal. By only using a clear, singular signal, you avoid blunting the dog's response to the stop and promote quick and clear understanding.
How do I select the right cancellation signal?
Choose a word or sound that you don't use often so that it remains clear and recognisable to the dog. It should be short, clear and easy for you to say under different conditions. For example, "Ey!" is a good choice.
Why is consistency important in the cancellation signal?
Consistency in the stop signal means consistently using the same signal to tell your dog to stop an unwanted behaviour immediately. Use it consistently whenever unwanted behaviour occurs so that the dog learns that this signal always means a request to stop immediately. In addition, the signal should always lead to the same consequences: interruption of the unwanted behaviour and the dog's understanding that ignoring it is not an option. By using these three aspects of consistency, you create clear and effective communication that facilitates training and ensures the dog's learning success.
What distinguishes the cancellation signal from impulse control?
The abort signal is used to stop a specific unwanted behaviour immediately, whereas impulse control is a broader training approach that teaches the dog to control its spontaneous reactions and not give in to every impulse.
The Vitomalia Leash Handling Concept is a structured, didactic and methodical programme designed to give you and your dog the necessary skills and understanding to ensure enjoyable and safe walks. Each exercise builds on the previous one, creating a strong foundation for future learning. Here you will find a variety of advanced exercises specifically designed to reinforce and extend what you and your dog have already learnt. From advanced leash handling techniques to tips on how to effectively manage distractions, we offer a wide range of content to support your training goals.
Previous learning steps
The authors: Paulina & Lui
Paulina und Lui sind das Herz und die Seele hinter Vitomalia [Dogstraining & Store]. Ihre Reise im Bereich Hundeerziehung begann mit der Adoption ihres ersten Listenhundes, Vito. Diese Erfahrung weckte ihr tiefes Interesse daran, anderen Hundebesitzern Wissen über Hundeverhalten und -erziehung zu vermitteln. Anfänglich war dies ein bloßes Hobby, doch mit der Adoption der American Pitbull Hündin Amalia, die wegen schweren Verhaltensauffälligkeiten mehrfach abgegeben wurde, entwickelte sich ihre Leidenschaft zu einer wahren Berufung. Amalias besondere Herausforderungen im Verhalten intensivierten ihr Interesse an Hundeerziehung und Verhaltenstherapie. Dieser Wendepunkt führte dazu, dass Paulina und Lui ihre ursprünglichen Berufspfade verließen, sich intensiv weiterbildeten und sich vollständig dem Thema Hundeerziehung widmeten. Ihre Arbeit mit Mensch-Hund-Teams offenbarte ihnen zudem eine Lücke im Hundemarkt: Es mangelte an sicherem und hochwertigem Hundezubehör speziell für mittelgroße und große
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.
