03/01/2024
*Beginning stages of teaching my new service student Nala to ALERT for her handler. I first taught Nala to speak by hyping her up/somewhat teasing her with a toy (without giving her the cue "speak" yet) Once Nala barked on her own 5x in a row at me, then I introduced the cue to "speak".
*Next, Nala needed to know the difference between speak and when to be quiet. I was quick to interrupt her when she barked on her own without me asking her to with a loud cue of "QUIET".
*I then taught Nala the difference between a LOUD "SPEAK" and a soft one. Reason being is because in future classes, I will be training Nala to "SPEAK" when her handler, Maryanna is in need of medical assistance/to alert someone to help Maryanna.
*Lastly, Nala will learn to softly speak/grumble/growl when SHE is alerting her handler, of someone nearby so that her handler feels safe and protected. At that point, her cue will then be "watch em" in a soft voice.
***As you hear me explain in the video, this is a VERY touchy lesson. It's super easy to confuse your dog into speaking and making it a game where they just bark and bark and expect treats. This is why the patience I display and my thoroughness allows Nala to understand the difference between the 3. I will also add that this is not something every dog learns in one 3 minute video. Sometimes it takes an entire session or two sessions two weeks apart. She is a vocal girl and extremely smart so she picked up very quickly!! I am amazed by this dog and I know she's going to do amazing with the work her entire family puts into training! HARD WORK PAYS OFF and with dog training, it pays off for a lifetime!!
