Training Terms
Duration
How long a dog maintains a behaviour.
In Review — Pending Editorial ApprovalWhat It Means in Practice
Duration is built gradually — the handler reinforces the dog for maintaining the behaviour for increasing periods.
What It Does Not Always Mean
Duration is not about endurance or forcing the dog to hold a position. It is built through gradual, successful practice.
Why Context Matters
Duration is one of several variables (along with distance, distraction, and difficulty) that can be increased to make behaviours more reliable.
Commonly Confused With
Distance
Distance is how far the dog is from the handler or trigger. Duration is how long the dog maintains the behaviour.
Examples
- 1A handler builds duration in a sit-stay by adding one second at a time.
- 2A handler builds duration in a settle by reinforcing for increasingly longer periods of relaxation.