Notes: The Infinite Approach by Josh Beckler
When I learned Josh had published a book I immediately rushed to make the purchase without digging too deeply into the details. I was overjoyed when this 500-plus page behemoth arrived on my doorstep. This is no lazy dog training pamphlet. This is solid, in-depth insights into the inner workings of dog’s minds, with detailed protocols for every reactivity type. What follows are my biggest takeaways from the first two sections.
He starts off by laying out the framework of arousal zones, and throws away the idea of always trying to keep the dog under threshold in training, instead explaining how we can use some arousal to our benefit. The use of a good game of tug, for example, can teach the dog how to regulate their arousal. The game becomes the reward for finding calm. This is something I did early on intuitively with my spiciest dog, Jack.
Tug - Tug - Tug - “DROP”.
The game stops, you are frozen, until the dog drops the tug toy.
IMMEDIATE reward of more tug for offering the desired behavior.
The same can be done with a flirt pole or a game of fetch based on the preference of the dog in front of you. As you progress, require increasingly difficult obedience behaviors in order to unlock the reward. Ask for a down-stay, or some heeling before returning to the game. The dog is learning to control and regulate their arousal / emotions. They’re learning that obedience (listening to you) leads to FUN!
I was highly intrigued by the “sensory profiles” section. Four main Sensory Profiles are listed:
Visual
Acoustic
Olfactory
Tactile
My middle dog, Zoe, has always seemed a bit shutdown despite my best efforts to make sure all her needs are met. She has a very high prey drive, and always wants to be outside sniffing. We have tried all the dog sports trying to find one she enjoys, but nothing could really keep her interest, and she always sniffs her way through training and trials. Zoe is why I first came to Scent Work, but I could never get her to keep her focus on the game. Her nose would always take her other places.
Whatever type of arousal or reactivity your dog is struggling with, I’m sure you’ll find valuable insight in this book. There is no “one size fits all” protocol to these behavior issues because they do not all stem from the same psychological root. In Josh’s book you’ll find your dog, and a detailed protocol to help them become more integrated in polite doggie society.
Be sure to hire a knowledgable trainer if you don’t have the skills to work the steps provided. There is no shame in not knowing everything. Hiring those with greater knowledge and experience is how we have all learned to the things we have mastered.
