Two Targets

When we teach the game of disc to our dogs, we always use at least two targets.

Having multiple targets ensures that we always have something the dog wants. If we’re playing with one, the dog quickly learns that he has something that we want. This is like giving our dogs our bait bag.

With multiple discs, when the dog makes the catch we still have motivation in our hands. He winds up with a dead toy and we have a live one. This throws the odds in our favor and allows us far more ability to manipulate the situation. It allows us to train.

We can now wait on behaviors. We can deliver reinforcement more efficiently. We can maintain a higher rate of reinforcement.

Two Targets is a must.

Here's some video of two target tug work.

Marking for Release

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Ron & Gypsy work on Marking for the Release.

Tugging for Retrieve

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Apryl Lea & Gypsy work on a retrieve by utilizing a 2 disc tug.

Teaching Mattie to Drop

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There has been quite a bit of discussion about how to teach a high drive dog how to play disc. This video shows the method that I use. This particular session is focused on getting Mattie to drop discs and pursue another target. Something that she had not been able to do. Mattie's handler is a really good trainer. She trains service dogs with Paws With a Cause. This is the first time that Mattie and I worked together. Not my best work, but it is illustrative of the methods that we use to teach the game at Pawsitive Vybe.