Value & Competing Reinforcers
This clip is from a walk with Ella—working around a really big distraction.
I’m not trying to compete with the frog pond head-on.
I’m watching for the moment she chooses to move away—and that’s what I’m reinforcing.
Because that’s the behaviour I want more of.
What You’ll See
I’m reinforcing any attention Ella gives me in this environment
Food delivered very close to me
Hazel adding to the distraction level
A Few Things Worth Noticing
The reward comes when she leaves the distraction—not while she’s focused on it
His position stays consistent without me cueing it
Timing matters more than trying to “out-reward” the environment
Why These Moments Matter
You’re not always going to win with better treats.
You’re not always going to be able to “call them off” something they really want.
Especially with dogs who feel strongly about what’s in front of them.
What you can do is start building value in the behaviour of moving away.
Even if it’s small.
Even if it’s brief.
Because those moments are the way out.
Over time, that choice—to disengage, to come back, to move on—starts to show up more easily.
📍 Location: Home
🌱 Environment: Quiet road
🐶 Theme: value and competing reinforcers
