Proofing: What it is + why it's a crucial component in your pups' training

We all know a dog or two who is well behaved in one environment, (usually their home,) and is a completely different dog elsewhere.

Biggie Smalls + Little Trappy work on leash manners together in order to proof their skills.

Dogs do not naturally generalize well, and so it is commonplace that a dog is able to learn and perform certain behaviors in familiar, low distraction environments, like their home, but will quickly become confused once the environment or circumstances are changed.

It is our job to help our dogs be better able to generalize and the best way we can do this is by ‘Proofing’ their skills.

In dog training, “proofing” refers to practicing a behavior in different environments and situations until your dog is able to generalize the desired behavior and can do it anywhere, even around distractions; (like their other dog friends, squirrels, kids, scooters, etc.)

Practicing skills alongside friends in a variety of environments and contexts can help solidify your pups skills and reliability in performing known cues.

Proofing is an essential part of dog training that ensures your pup can respond to your cues no matter what the circumstances are. This is essential for safety. If your dog is unable to “Come” to you for example and suddenly slips out of their collar, we want to be confident that we will be able to get them to return to us with minimal stress for either party.

The process of proofing involves teaching and rehearsing your dog and your ability to communicate and perform behaviors in a variety of environments, including around various distractions and high-stress situations. It is important to practice your pup’s known cues often, in a variety of contexts, environments, and even with using different tones and energy when verbally cuing. The more we practice and offer clear and consistent communication, the better able they will be to understand us and comply with what is being asked of them from moment to moment.

Proofing can and should be done during your day-to-day activities. For example, if you are going for a walk in an unfamiliar area, maintaining the same general leash manners expectations and communicating clearly, regardless of location or distractions, can help set both you and your pup up for success.

When appropriate, Penny Grace attends sessions as a 'helper dog' in order to help her furiends proof their skills. By using Penny Grace as a helper dog she can set the example/ expectation for the scenario we are training for. She can also be utilized as a positive distraction to help her friend proof their skills. Additionally, having a friend present who is setting the example, and lending to distraction can also help pups learn neutrality around other dogs.

One of the biggest benefits of attending a group training class is the ability to proof your pups skills. This is a large part of the motivation for the upcoming Engaged Dogs Presents: Bark 2 Bootcamp group classes taking place in September. One of the biggest challenges many pawrents run into is getting their pup to respond to them in the way they respond to their trainer, Sara. There can be MANY reasons for this and by engaging in a group class, you have the ability to problem solve what is going on for your pup and to learn ways to ensure they are Engaged with you, above all other distractions in the environment.

This September, join us for the Bark 2 Bootcamp series where we will offer opportunities to proof your pup’s skills, review known cues, discuss confidence, dog communication, the link between emotions and behavior, how your energy influences your pup, and more!!

Sign up for 1 week or all 4 for a discount. If you’re not sure if you and your pup are a good fit for group classes, reach out and let’s discuss. We hope to see you at Bootcamp soon.

Bindi, Service Dog in Training, proofing her skills alongside actively working Service Dog Penny Grace.