Quote:

Originally posted by Jon Pickering:
I wouldn't spend to much time with rewarding from the box for the reasons you stated....When the dog finds the hide keep moving and work your way to the rear of the dog being sure to stay out of its perifial vision then deliver the reward. Reward quickly then extend the time, but be sure not to let the dog get frustrated waiting for the reward, but once the dog has caught you delivering the reward a couple of times there isn't much of a chance of getting the stare back.

Jon I am not trying to pick on you andfor most what you have said is correct.

What Jon is describing is a secondary reward. Fine for expediting the search but not great for building the response mark is going for. A secondary reward should be used later in training after you fix your searching problems. Better to convince the dog the find is on target and build his “belief’ it comes from the targeted find. I think Mark in wanting to build the stare for indication. (An active/non aggressive)

The fact is you can teach the dog to stare by taking time back up you training and do it right. Look at the component of you goal bee it searching effectively with consistent directed detailing or building an indication.

You can teach (in less then one day) the dog to stare at the targeted find even with his reward directly in view, in your hand and right in front of him.

The key to building a good narcotics dog is convincing the dog the reward is “often” inside the targeted find and only his correct indication response will free it.

Good Luck <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />