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Hello! I have a couple thoughts: first the separation of the name causing added steps and a need to “undo” training. I don’t teach a separate “attention to name” as I don’t want the dog to “do” anything on the name other than assume a command is coming. If the dog learns that the name may act as a marker (notice the training is exactly the same as the “charge the marker” drill) it can cause them to break commands on their name or assume a reward is coming. It may cause added corrections and make phase one take longer. I just start phase one command structure and the dogs learn the importance of the name automatically and it prevents confusion for the handler. I have some videos of teams practicing this if you like.
The second thought is on the “charge the mark” completion description: “when the dog is visibly satisfied” is a bit confusing. What does this mean? I usually mention that when the dog hears the mark and automatically looks for a reward the association has been made.
