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Show months. If training is started too early, it has the same effect as if a child is sent to school too early. However, both dog and child are educated from earliest childhood on. The training must proceed logically{ each phase of study must be connected with the proceeding one. Start with the next only after the proceeding one has been mastered. You have yourself attended school for many years, but thie has not made you any wiser. If you can teach the dog while playing, do 60 because then, as far as he is concerned, learning is the same as playing; and he always likes this occupation. Do not demand too much of the dog and try to conclude each exercise with a success. Do not repeat the successful exercise over and over again, but be satisfied with the success. It is very important for the dog that he conclude the exercise after he has solved it. 10* Practice briefly, but often; play much and often; move around and do not be lax! If the dog fails, try to find out what YOU have done wrong. 11. Playing with the dog, which is indispensable, has to be dog- like, ( if parents want to play with their children, they must also ace childlike. This may seem laughable to onlookers, but it amuses the child.) In the same way, onlookers, unfamiliar with dogs must have the impressio that the dog handler " is not in his right senses". If so, the game with the dog is correct. The dog considers the man his equal. Therefore, the man has to act dog- like in his collaboration with the dog if the right sort of contact is to be achieved. This is an essential step towards success. Stiffness and clumsiness in the handling of the dog is a particular sign of avalanche dog leaders who have a dog for the first time. Every task the dog undertakes suffers as a result. 12. You will find specialized information in the pertinent dog literature; in addition, your teachers will advise you gladly. Take their advice before it is too late* Follow the suggestions given to you! - 16 - |