Suzanne Clothier’s Really Real Relaxation Protocol (RRR) is based on her commitment as a trainer to creating authentic responses rather than faux or “looks like” (but actually is not) behaviors. This requires a careful assessment of what the authentic behavior actually is in terms of arousal, body language, response and volitional behavior. RRR promotes true relaxation.
Other relaxation protocols are based in keeping the dog in a down position in a particular place in the hopes that this will result in relaxation. Remaining in place as directed does not always lead to authentic relaxation. Additionally, these protocols ignore the importance of social referencing, expecting the dog to remain in place regardless of what the handler does or does not do; this is more accurately the goal of a well-trained stay. RRR involves the handler and social referencing so that the relaxation becomes a shared response, not an action independent of the handler and relationship.
Finally, being prompted to assume a specific position does not involve volitional behavior or self-modulation, and remains extrinsically reinforced behavior, rather than the intrinsically driven choices and reinforcement of choosing the body posture and arousal that is truly aligned with authentic relaxation. Dogs learn self-modulation through discovery, facilitating behavioral changes and shifts in emotional and cognitive state, making it ideal for “reactive” dogs.
RRR is easily taught in one session, generalizes readily (as with most intrinsically reinforced behaviors), is suitable for use with dogs of any age, in group classes as well as private sessions, and can be used in any setting where the dog is in the Think & Learn Zone (productive arousal). Handlers do not need specific or sophisticated skills or knowledge, and RRR is as suitable for children as for adults.
This was previously aired at Geek Week 2021.
CEUs: PPAB 1, CCPDT (pending), IAABC (pending), KPA (pending)
Goals
- Teaching dog to find authentic relaxation through their own choices.
- Teaching handler to relax with the dog while maintaining connection.
- Maintenance of dog/handler connection that can easily be modulated up or down as desired.
Benefits
- Simple, effective, quickly established – no need for laborious protocols.
- Dog learns to self-modulate through volunteered, not prompted, behavior.
- Handler learns to relax themselves while providing social reference for the dog.
- Readily generalized.
- Suitable for any age dog.
- Appropriate for companion, service, shelter/foster, behavior case, competitive/sport, and working dogs.
Learning Objectives:
- Understand the value of volitional behavior, intrinsic reinforcement and social referencing.
- Understand the steps involved in teaching RRR.
- Be able to start any dog with RRR.
- Understand various applications and considerations for one-on-one and group sessionsBe able to recognize common errors or challenges
RRR is a must-have tool for any trainer. This presentation will cover the details of teaching RRR, and a variety of applications.
Responses