Kay Laurence - Learning About Dogs

Our language fails us at times when we want to describe what we are seeking when teaching a dog to continue to do an activity. "The use of the word duration is far too inadequate," says Kay Laurence of Learning About Dogs. The episode continues the conversation about the lack of clarity and understanding impacts the learner's understanding when teaching them how to sustain an activity. The use of terminal behavior cues play a role. Dogs are exquisite at knowing when a behavior they are doing needs to be slowed down, held or ended quickly. We as handlers need to be strong observers of when these behaviors happen naturally so that when we are requesting a dog to "hold their station" it's filled with understanding. When we ask a dog to continue doing an activity also needs to be taught with clarity and understanding. Per usual, Kay Laurence looks at this idea from an enlightening perspective. For information on online courses and in person workshops check out Learning About Dogs.