A positive interrupter will better your life with your dog and stop unwanted behaviours.

Chevy the Rottweiler mix with Red the Pitbull staying focused in a sit and stay while children walk by after they hear their positive interrupter.

What is a positive interrupter?

A positive interrupter is a way we can stop or prevent problem behaviours. You can stop unwanted or nuisance behaviours without “correcting your dog” using physical force, fear, intimidation, or punishment.

Conditioning a positive interrupter is a valuable tool in dog training. This technique helps redirect your dog's attention away from pursuing unwanted behaviours and towards you in a positive and rewarding way.

Once you have your dog's attention you can cue them to perform a calm or focused cue like sit, down, watch me or go to your bed.

Here are the steps to condition a positive interrupter:

Conditioning a positive interrupter is a valuable tool in dog training. This technique helps redirect your dog's attention away from pursuing unwanted behaviours and towards you in a positive and rewarding way. Here are the steps to condition a positive interrupter:

Conditioning a positive interrupter is a valuable tool in dog training. This technique helps redirect your dog's attention away from pursuing unwanted behaviours and towards you in a positive and rewarding way. Here are the steps to condition a positive interrupter:

Choose a Distinct Sound Cue:

Select a sound that is unique and easily distinguishable from other sounds in your environment. It could be a whistle, a specific word or phrase. Make sure it's a sound you, anyone else that is handling your dog can consistently replicate.

Associate the Sound with Rewards: The best rewards.

Begin in a quiet and distraction-free environment. Make the chosen sound and immediately follow it with a high-value treat or toy that your dog loves. Repeat this process multiple times.

Consistency is Key:

Use the same sound cue consistently during training sessions. Be sure to reward your dog every time you make the sound.

Gradual Exposure to Distractions:

As your dog becomes more familiar with the sound-reward association, start practicing in slightly more distracting environments. Initially, keep the distractions minimal and gradually increase them over time.

Generalization:

Practice the positive interrupter in various situations and environments to help your dog generalize the behaviour. This means they should respond to the cue regardless of the context.

Remember to use your positive interrupter with distractions once you have practiced and been successful in slightly distracting environments first before you start using it for tough stuff like chasing squirrels or barking at a fence line.

Do not get complacent and stop rewarding. Reward for life!

Reinforce the Behavior: The moment your dog stops the unwanted behaviour and redirects their attention to you, reward them generously with treats, praise, or play and or toys. Always reward when your dog responds to the positive interrupter. Always.

Practice Regularly:

Consistent practice is essential. Regularly incorporate positive interrupter training into your daily routine. Short, frequent sessions are often more effective than long, infrequent ones.

Maintain Positivity:

Always keep the training experience positive and enjoyable for your dog. Avoid using the positive interrupter as a punitive measure, as this can create fear or anxiety.

Be Patient:

Every dog learns at their own pace. Be patient and understanding throughout the training process. Celebrate small successes, and don't get discouraged by setbacks.

Positive reinforcement and patience are key elements in dog training. With consistent practice and a positive approach, your dog can learn to respond to the positive interrupter effectively.

Have questions? Reach out to Carey@CareyTrainsMe.com