Episode 053 - What Is a Behavior Chain in Dog Training? (Tricks vs. Behavior Science Explained)

Show Notes

Quick Answer

A behavior chain in dog training is a sequence of behaviors linked together to produce a final outcome. In behavior science, each step in the sequence becomes the cue for the next behavior. However, in trick dog training organizations, a behavior chain usually refers to two or more separate tricks performed in sequence on a single cue, which can lead to confusion between the scientific and trick-training definitions.

Episode Overview

One of the most common questions in trick dog training is: “What exactly is a behavior chain?”

The confusion comes from the fact that behavior scientists and trick training organizations use the term differently. In behavior science, a behavior chain refers to a sequence of connected actions that lead to a final behavior. In trick training, the term typically describes multiple unrelated tricks performed in order from a single cue.

In this episode of the Maximum Fun Agility Podcast, Lorrie explains the scientific definition of a behavior chain, how trick training organizations interpret the concept, and why understanding the difference matters if you're working toward trick dog titles.

Key Points From This Episode

The Behavior Science Definition of a Behavior Chain

In Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), a behavior chain is defined as:

A sequence of individual behaviors that, when linked together, produce a final behavior.

Each behavior becomes a cue for the next step in the sequence.

For example, a 2-on/2-off contact performance in dog agility can be viewed as a behavior chain:

The dog approaches the contact obstacle

Runs up the ramp

Travels across the top

Decelerates down the ramp

Moves into the 2-on/2-off position

Waits for a release cue

Each step leads naturally to the next, forming the complete performance.

This type of sequence is often trained using back chaining, where the final behavior is taught first and earlier steps are gradually added.

How Trick Training Organizations Define Behavior Chains

In trick dog training organizations, a behavior chain typically means something different.

Instead of a sequence of related behaviors, trick training chains usually involve:

Two or more separate and unrelated tricks performed on a single cue.

The important distinction is that the behaviors must be independent tricks, not just steps required to complete one trick.

Examples of Behaviors That Are NOT Trick Behavior Chains

Some behaviors might look like chains but are not considered behavior chains in trick training.

For example:

A dog jumps onto a bench and taps a light.

Even though two actions occur, the trick is still simply tap the light. The dog only jumps onto the bench to reach the light.

The location of the object doesn’t change the trick itself, so it is still considered a single behavior.

Another example occurs in agility.

If you send your dog to a tunnel from a distance and they jump over obstacles along the way, this is not considered a behavior chain in trick training. The dog is simply navigating obstacles that happen to be in the path to the tunnel.

Similarly, when a dog performs sit pretty (or beg), the dog must sit before lifting the front paws. Because the sit is required to reach the final position, it is not considered a separate behavior chain step.

Examples of Trick Behavior Chains

Trick trainers consider these examples behavior chains when performed on a single cue:

• Open a mailbox and retrieve the mail • Fetch a ball and drop it through a hoop • Pick up a toy and place it in a toy box • Roll out a yoga mat and take a bow • Open a crate, go inside, and close the door • Open a suitcase, get in, and lie down • Close a door and wipe your paws • Tap a light and then go to bed

Each of these sequences includes two or more distinct tricks combined together.

Training Tip

If you’re working toward trick dog titles, make sure you understand how the organization you are working with defines a behavior chain.

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