F3004 Consistent Performances Away From Rewards

Most handlers train by carrying treats or toys (for quick access), which is not allowed in real competition. In trials, rewards are removed, delayed, or stored outside the work area, and dogs are expected to perform consistently and with focus without immediate reinforcement.

Dogs that are not strategically introduced to working away from rewards often struggle in competition, not because they lack skill, but because they were never prepared for this critical transition. This class closes that gap and helps create confident, reliable, competition-ready teams.

This class teaches dogs to work confidently without visible rewards and to understand that reinforcement occurs, but only after a transition from the place where skills were performed to the reinforcer. We take a step-by-step approach to developing a remote reinforcement procedure to build strong performance in competitions.

Note: If you have taken my Start Line or Glue Skills classes, this skill was introduced in these classes. However, we will dig into more detail and have many additional steps to build a more robust routine.

Teaching Approach:

Each step will have written instructions and at least one video example. Lectures are released in one batch at the beginning of the week. Feedback will be mostly written, but voice-over videos occasionally help the student understand subtle changes that are difficult to describe in writing, without slowing the video speed, so the student can see the subtle details.

Nancy checks the class forums in the morning and evening (Central time) each day (except Tuesday evenings). She tries to address all posts within 8-12 hours.

This class will have a Teacher's Assistant (TA) in the classroom forums. This new format on the website forums (no more Facebook study group) will allow Bronze and Silver students to get help.