|
9 |
|
Portable kennel dog runs are an excellent way to control the constancy during training, and can provide a secondary barrier away from high traffic fence lines. Tarps around the sides provide a wind barrier and visual barrier from the elements. The second aspect of controlling the environment is consistency. In order to obtain a patterned response, it is very important to maintain consistent cues. It is important that the handler respond in a predictable way, as not to confuse the dog. When we teach our dogs, the environment must be free of as many distractions |
|
as possible; that way when we give our cue (signal) and manipulate our dog through gentle force, (stimulus) our dog has two choices in response. He can assimilate or try to change the environment by trying to get the handler to stop by playing, growling, snapping, or biting. Or they can accommodate by adjusting to the proper position. Understanding these two choices for the student, a skillful trainer will make the choice of assimilation even more unpleasant. He will encourage accommodation by immediately rewarding the student for the desired behavior. The smart trainer will stage the situation where he is in absolute control over all outcomes; either by long line, fenced-in yard, throw chain, electronic collar, an assistant, or any other means to assist in being able to be in control of all outcomes. |
