In this episode of K9 Conservationists, Kayla speaks with Sarah Owings from Cyber Dog Online Training about clean mechanics for training and working with high drive dogs. Science Highlight: Detecting small and cryptic animals by combining thermography and a wildlife detection dog Why do mechanics matter? Clarity shapes all learning. The clearer you are with your dog, the more successful they will be. Before you blame the dog, be sure your mechanics are clean and communication is consistent and clear. What problems can poor mechanics cause? Dogs may steal food or toys from you, bark, whine, zoomie, etc. This is all from a lack of communication What are some human-end behaviors that can cause miscommunication? Lumping criteria (ie. jumping too many steps at once) Having no criteria/winging it Sessions that are too long Lack of reinforcement strategies What are some mechanics or exercises to improve handler to dog communication? Make sure the criteria is doable and raise the criteria s...