Pressure [the use of persuasion, influence, or intimidation to make someone do something]. After the dog has associated the lesson with positive motivation it allows the handler to apply pressure upon the dog to perfect the lesson.
Examples of pressure
-check cord/leash
-electronic collar
-noise from handler
-command from handler
-talking
-presence of handler/other people
-other dogs
-harsh emotions
-body language
-gunfire
-change of pitch in voice
-beeper
-bell
All dogs respond to various levels of pressure differently, the character of the dog directly correlates with the type and amount of pressure administered to gain success. An ideal Epagneul Breton character needs an easy touch approach while maintaining the game playing mentality through positive motivation.
By this stage the handler should have a clear understanding of the dogs character and has identified the successful positive motivation used in the lesson. The pressure applied during the lesson is negative motivation, if the pressure is too high the dog will lose concentration with the lesson if it is to low the dog will not accept the teaching. By properly applying less pressure (negative motivation) than the identified positive motivation the dog will again associate positive motivation with the pressure applied easing the dogs mind to accept the pressure and future pressure needed to perfect the lesson.
Start with a minimal amount of pressure, assess the dog at each engagement and adjust lessons and the pressure applied as necessary to gain the desired result. When the dog becomes consistent with the lesson at a pressure level move forward to the next level of pressure toward the lessons goal.
Success is reached when the dog has completed the lesson with a positive attitude and has gained an eagerness to show you what they have learned.