Association [connecting something with something else in one’s mind] is a handlers greatest tool in his/her arsenal in teaching and instilling a lesson into an Epagneul Breton. When done correctly the dog will associate lessons with positive or negative motivation.
Examples of lessons
-field running
-bird introduction
-gun fire conditioning
-steadiness
-retrieving
-water work
Examples of positive motivation
-less control
-no pressure
-birds
-toys
-bumpers
-assistance
-another dog
When young, the dog will perceive association positively or negatively depending on the lesson.
Positive association examples
-treat training
-clicker training
-toy time
-positive excitement by handler
-double thumbs up with a smile
Negative association examples
-snake breaking/Electronic collar
-deer breaking/Electronic collar
-skunk breaking/Electronic collar
-porcupine breaking/Electronic collar
-negative sound by handler
-force break to retrieve/ear or toe pinch
Association can also backfire causing irreversible damage to a young dog, the handler must have a clear understanding of the sensitivity level for the dog prior to introducing it to new tasks and/or situations. If the dog shows negative signs to the lesson or the pressure being applied take a step back to the last successful lesson taught, build up confidence and re-enter the lesson with a new plan based on the negativity to best suit the dog prior to beginning the lesson again.
By planning lessons accordingly and working out potential bottle necks you are putting both yourself and the dog in a position to succeed.
Teach by the less is more method “baby steps” the dog will gain a clear understanding of the lesson and is able to mold into other lessons more fluid. It saves backtracking in a training program which often times confuses the dog. Assuming a young dog will act a certain way when presenting a new or newly learned task is a recipe for failure. When starting a lesson enter it gradually with no pressure or expectation identifying what the dog needs to accomplish the desired result and incorporate it into the next session as the lesson is learned and confidence is apparent add appropriate pressure to steer the dog to finish.
A responsibility of the handler is to identify if the dog is absorbing the lesson and has made the association before continuing on to the next step.
Desired association examples we use.
-birds/gunfire
-food,toys/crate
-here/affection,toys,food
-field/bird
Undesirable association examples.
-here/leash, fun is over
-crate/punishment
-gunfire/confinement
-electronic collar/listen
Once the lesson is instilled teach the lesson periodically focusing on consistency, if the dog loses enthusiasm take a step back and re apply positive motivation into the lesson.
The ideal Epagneul Breton is a people pleaser, it has a keen sense of its handler picking up on emotions and body language especially. It is important while teaching for a handler to have a clear mind as the dog will act accordingly to the handler.