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Thanks for clarifying. I don’t do the association with the name drill, I just start phase 1 command structure. I find it easier for clients and it reduces the dog’s inclination to break a command on their name to seek a reward or look for the owner. I don’t want a dog to do anything on the name except expect a command. Instead of fading off of the response to the name by adding a command later, I just implement it in p1 command structure.
Charge the mark I do use with dogs that have negative associations with training, taking food, or to create a very easy learning relationship when needed. Otherwise I just allow the association to be made organically during phase 1 training.
The charge the mark and attention to name are the same in that a neutral word or stimulus is being paired with a positive reinforcer.
