Dog Community

Does this count as a 'poisoned cue'?

Posted : 10/28/2010 10:45:01 PM

You know, the typical verbal repetition of the cue word such as: "Sit... sit.... SIT!" So now, the dog doesn't sit immediately. Is this poisoning, and requires one to change the cue and start over again? Or can that be remedied if you just retrain? Or is it only cue poisoning when you admonish the dog with the cue word?

spiritdogs

Posted : 11/10/2010 6:59:51 AM

Maybe this explanation will help: http://www.k9clicking.com/PoisonedCues.html

ShelterDogs

Posted : 11/10/2010 9:45:01 PM

spiritdogs

Maybe this explanation will help: http://www.k9clicking.com/PoisonedCues.html

Thanks, spiritdogs. It's a good thing I read that because I would have lured him into a sit the same way I did before, but this time teaching him a new cue for "sit." So I have to capture it...

corvus

Posted : 11/13/2010 5:43:19 AM

This "poisened cue" idea sounds suss to me. For example, one time I recalled my dog and didn't realise he was actually feeling nauseous due to a recent car trip when I 'rewarded' him by giving him some meaty treat. He took a nibble and spat it out. I thought it was just a once-off, but it soon became apparent that he now had an aversion to that particular treat, but not before I'd tried to offer it for a recall a couple more times.

Ultimately, it put back our recall training probably several months because he suddenly became inclined to not respond to the cue, but I just changed the treats and lowered the distractions and worked back up. He recalls to the same cue at a gallop, now.

Plus, what about animals that are conditioned to tolerate uncomfortable or even painful medical procedures on cue? You never hear much about poisoned cues from exotic animal trainers.