TRIGGERS © 2004 Copyright of Sally Hopkins

TRIGGERS

Dogs do not have memories like humans, they are unable to remember thoughts, events or situations like we do. Instead, they rely on a whole variety of triggers which stimulate them into doing certain behaviours. The consequence of doing these behaviours can be either good or bad experiences for the dog. If they are good experiences he will repeat the behaviour when he comes across that particular trigger, on the other hand he will stop the behaviour if the consequences were unpleasant. Here are some examples of triggers in Dog-Games training (as explained in the various Stages of the Games)-

Triggers Dog enters training compound for Dog-Games. Its lead is taken off. Neither the handler or the trainer speak to the dog, or give it any attention - they just chat to each other about the dog.

Behaviour Dog relaxes, wanders off to smell and explore the environment.

Consequence There is a marked reduction in the dog's stress levels. It feels safe as it is able to make sure there are no threats to its safety. Also becomes slightly bored so that it is keen to do something with the handler and trainer when it's name is called, and the harness and lead are put on.

Triggers Owner puts the dog's harness and lead on as the helper puts the Dog-Games training equipment in the training lane (eg start/finish poles; jumps; black rubber mat etc)

Behaviour Dog recognises these triggers as they are consistently used in it's Dog-Games training. It becomes more focused and ready to "work".

Consequence Because of the consistency of these triggers at each session, the dog's confidence in what is expected of it increases. This means that if it does make a mistake it is far more able to cope with the slight setback, and still wants to experiment to see how to get its motivator.

Triggers In Recall and Bounce, the handler turns his back on the dog.

Behaviour Dog realises that there is no eye contact with the handler and accompanies the helper down the training lane to the 51ft/15.3m marker.

Consequence The dog knows the Game will only start when the handler turns round and gives the signal/command (see below) for the dog to run back to it. It is this consistent signal/command of the handler that is the primary trigger for the dog to do the Game.

Triggers At the end of the training session the dog is quietly led out of the compound on its lead by the owner. He does not give it any commands or try to interact with the dog.

Behaviour Dog is able to sniff and explore in a quiet spot - away from the training area, the other dogs and any other distractions. Another option handler's have is to put the dog in it's well ventilated car to rest.

Consequence Dog has the opportunity to retain what it has just learnt in its long term memory. This is called Latent Learning, and is how all dogs build up the links between Trigger, Behaviour and Consequence.

Here is a list giving some examples of the different types of triggers that can influence dogs' behaviour and associations in its everyday life.

Triggers	Dog enters training compound for Dog-Games. Its lead is taken off. Neither the handler or the trainer speak to the dog, or give it any attention - they just chat to each other about the dog.
Behaviour	Dog relaxes, wanders off to smell and explore the environment.
Consequence	There is a marked reduction in the dog's stress levels. It feels safe as it is able to make sure there are no threats to its safety. Also becomes slightly bored so that it is keen to do something with the handler and trainer when it's name is called, and the harness and lead are put on.

Triggers	Owner puts the dog's harness and lead on as the helper puts the Dog-Games training equipment in the training lane (eg start/finish poles; jumps; black rubber mat etc)
Behaviour	Dog recognises these triggers as they are consistently used in it's Dog-Games training. It becomes more focused and ready to "work".
Consequence	Because of the consistency of these triggers at each session, the dog's confidence in what is expected of it increases. This means that if it does make a mistake it is far more able to cope with the slight setback, and still wants to experiment to see how to get its motivator.

Triggers	In Recall and Bounce, the handler turns his back on the dog.
Behaviour	Dog realises that there is no eye contact with the handler and accompanies the helper down the training lane to the 51ft/15.3m marker.
Consequence	The dog knows the Game will only start when the handler turns round and gives the signal/command (see below) for the dog to run back to it. It is this consistent signal/command of the handler that is the primary trigger for the dog to do the Game.

Triggers	At the end of the training session the dog is quietly led out of the compound on its lead by the owner. He does not give it any commands or try to interact with the dog.
Behaviour	Dog is able to sniff and explore in a quiet spot - away from the training area, the other dogs and any other distractions. Another option handler's have is to put the dog in it's well ventilated car to rest.
Consequence	Dog has the opportunity to retain what it has just learnt in its long term memory. This is called Latent Learning, and is how all dogs build up the links between Trigger, Behaviour and Consequence.