WTDN 2: The Importance of Context in Truffle Dog Training

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Welcome to episode 2 of What The Dog Nose!

One of the first topics I discuss with new clients is context. Context informs a dog about what is happening next. In this episode I’ll talk about:

• What is context
• Why is it important
• How you can apply what you learn

Context is incredibly important to our dogs. When we understand the role context plays in our dogs’ lives, we can choose to use those context cues to our advantage by informing our dogs about what is about to happen. The more information we can give our dogs, the more success we will enjoy in any activity with our dogs. Context gives our dogs the ability to make predictions about what is coming.

Games & Observations

It’s time to apply what you learned about context! Consider two scenarios that seem relatively similar to you but elicit very different responses from your dog. In my example, I used car rides to different destinations. You can choose anything. First, identify the conditions that those two scenarios have in common. Next, identify the conditions that are different and consider what those combinations of conditions mean to your dog. Now you have some clues into new ways you can communicate with your dog.

Want to review a specific point from this episode?

0:53 Episode Inspiration: A Car Ride With Callie

3:57 What Is Context

4:20 Why is Context Important

7:00 How Can You Apply What You Learned

12:57 Games & Observations

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Thank you for spending time with me here!

~ Kristin