Back Alley Delivery

This reward placement is actually a combination of a 'left out' and a 'back alley presentation.' 'Back Alley' remains part of its name because the toy, when delivered, actually travels along the path of the back alley we are now familiar with. However, by its nature, this placement actually functions more as a 'left out' because our intention is for reward to appear behind and to the outside of the dog's position. 

THERE'S ANOTHER IMPORTANT FUNCTION OF THIS DELIVERY: This reward placement can be used as a transition between the left out, and a neutral picture - meaning when I'm not carrying toy in visible sight for the dog.

Ultimately, we have to teach our dogs to perform with no toy in sight. No matter what reward placement, bridge behavior, or fun tricks we use to train our dog, eventually we have to be able to create reliable and proficient behavior that doesn't rely on heavy reinforcement or reinforcement in sight. Currently, we are relying slightly (especially those of us using toys) on the allure of the toy, which is visible to the dog. Part of the effectiveness of the 'left out' placement is that the toy is immediately to the outside of the dog's head - thus encouraging a straighter alignment. This needs to change. Practicing the following reward placement helps us bridge the gap between a heavily assisted picture and one that is not. 

By transferring the toy to our right hand and still ensuring it's delivered to the 'left out' placement, we can maintain the dog's head position while removing the obvious visual aid from our left hand.

Tips:

• Because this placement requires us to toss the reward from behind our back, and because where the toy lands is important, it makes sense for us to practice this without the dog first.
• If using food, again, ensure your pieces are visible to the dog and easy enough to find.
• Practice perfecting your toss placement first. Once you've got it down, practice saying your 'terminal mark' right before you execute your toss.
• While it's fun to try and time your toss so that the toy is falling directly outside the dog's head as you terminally mark and release, it's not overly important. Most important is that your dog understands to turn to the outside to receive their reward!

The following videos illustrate how this technique works.

INTRODUCTION TO BACK ALLEY DELIVERY 

2 min 48 sec

Adding Your Dog!

Once you've perfected your toss, invite your dog into the mix. This will be a more complicated experience with your dog in the picture so be sure to practice your toss placement again from as static position.

Here are a few things to keep in mind:

• Place your dog in a sit-stay so that you can prepare yourself and assume position onto them.
• When first getting into position, have the toy in your left hand and show your dog a competitive posture.
• After a second or two, transfer the reward over to your left hand - and see if this mild change affects your dog's position.
• When your dog holds the position, toss the toy without using your terminal mark. It's ok for this exercise that we don't 'terminally mark' first. More important is that we teach our dog what to expect in this picture. As you toss the toy or food, our hope is that the dog catches a glimpse of it out of the corner of their eye - thus encouraging them to turn off the correct way. When you're dog see's the reward, you can then 'terminally mark' as it's landing. It's ok at this point if your dog breaks position before you mark.
• When your dog knows what to expect, you can begin marking before tossing the toy or even as you toss. 

EXECUTING BACK ALLEY DELIVERY WITH YOUR DOG

5 min 17 sec