I recently noticed that my dogs showed little interest in chasing a poorly thrown Frisbee. This led me to rethink our training sessions using key principles of animal learning—concepts that anyone working with animals, whether professionally or as a pet owner, should understand. One of the most effective ways to modify behavior is by changing the environment to set up success. Below are the adjustments I made to enhance learning and reduce frustration.
Creating Anticipation
Think about the excitement of planning a vacation—how the anticipation itself becomes part of the enjoyment. The same principle applies to dogs. Anticipation is a powerful reinforcer.
To build excitement, I took the Frisbees out and placed my dogs inside a large training pen next to our playfield. Then, I began tossing the Frisbees in the air and running after them by myself, clearly having a blast. Both dogs watched attentively, eager to join but unable to participate. This built their anticipation and increased their desire to engage.
Social Facilitation in Learning
Dogs are highly social animals that learn from one another, sometimes picking up habits we’d rather they didn’t—but other times, learning behaviors we actively encourage.
In this case, Rio, my more experienced Frisbee catcher, has an impressive ability to launch herself into the air after a disc. I had Deuce observe her in action before joining the game, using a “watch and learn” approach. This allowed him to see the excitement and technique involved before attempting it himself.
Managing Resources & Motivation
Controlling access to resources and manipulating motivation levels are critical aspects of effective training. I keep our training toys, including the Frisbees, in the garage or inside the house, making them special rewards rather than everyday objects. Even the simple act of opening the garage door signals to my dogs that something fun is about to happen, heightening their excitement.
Satiation also affects motivation. If a dog has just eaten, they may be less inclined to work for treats. In my home, part of my dogs’ meals is delivered through training sessions. When we don’t do this, I ensure playtime happens about an hour after feeding, reinforcing a predictable and enjoyable routine.
Keeping It Fun & Pressure-Free
Enjoyment is essential for learning. If the handler becomes frustrated, it negatively impacts the training experience. Keeping the session lighthearted ensures engagement and enthusiasm from both the dog and handler.
Adjusting the Learning Process
If a dog isn’t performing a behavior, there are several possible reasons: lack of motivation, discomfort (temperature, fatigue, hunger), previous negative experiences, or simply not having learned the skill fluently yet.
For Deuce, I modified the session by building his excitement. Holding him back with one hand, I showed him the Frisbee, moving it away while enthusiastically saying, “Re-a-dy? Re-a-dy?” When he could no longer contain himself, I released him. Additionally, I threw the Frisbee in a horizontal trajectory rather than vertical to remove any potential hesitation about jumping.
Regardless of whether he reached the Frisbee, I praised his efforts. Positive reinforcement builds confidence and trust—essential components of a strong dog-owner relationship.
For Rio, I simply waited for her body language to signal readiness before throwing the Frisbee. I also reinforced her retrieves with a tasty treat, ensuring she remained engaged and enthusiastic.
A Successful Session
This session was a success! Both Deuce and Rio eagerly chased the Frisbees, and I kept the playtime short to maintain their enthusiasm. We then transitioned to their all-time favorite game—chasing the orange ball. By adjusting the environment and approach, I turned a frustrating experience into a fun and productive learning opportunity for both of my dogs!