Dog Obedience Guides

Orienting Reflex

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Anything the dog perceives activates the orienting reflex. The orienting reflex may be used to redirect the dog's behavior. This can be a very important training point.

Here's one example: Your dog hears a clicker and reflexively turns her head in the direction the click is coming from.

Another example: Your dog barks at the window when people walk down the sidewalk. If you move away from the window and click the clicker, the dog should momentarily notice the click. You may then encourage the dog to move toward you and receive a treat.

You have redirected her behavior so she is being rewarded for changing her reaction to people walking down the sidewalk.

Over time, the dog will reflexively orient to you to receive treats and praise when she notices people on the sidewalk. The barking will lessen as the dog moves more quickly over to you to get her reward each time she sees people on the sidewalk. People on the sidewalk now have new meaning, and turning away from people on the sidewalk to receive a treat is more rewarding than barking at them.