Open Bar/ Closed Bar Explained

by Hannah Brannigan
Sensational Stays


Open bar/closed bar is a basic classical conditioning exercise. When the scary stimulus is present (in this case other dogs), the bar is "open" and we feed high value treats. When the stimulus disappears, either because the thing itself goes away or the dog choses to leave, the bar "closes" and the high value food service stops. I always give dogs an option to avoid. Flight is preferable to fight, and I never want to force a dog into fight mode. So if I have set up a training scenario that is so scary that my dog would rather avoid than stay and eat tripe, then he can move away. That burden is on me to set up the session so that my dog feels strong and confident.