What should they rely on then?

Sorry Gnasher but having an obedient dog is nothing to do with"taming the beast" it's simply understanding how animals learn.

If say Hal wanted to go and sniff something or to go and play, if you asked him to do something first (say a "sit", or "loose lead" or anything like that) and you could then say "ok" and give him what he wanted (sniffing or freedom) - that's a good way of training

That's Premack

Works ever so well as long as the timing is correct. For example I've seen people trying to use it, and asking for a Loose lead and then when the dog gives it, they then delay before unleashing the dog, or delay and ask for a Sit because that's what they always do, and then the link between the behaviour and what the dog wanted so much, is gone. So timing is important.

Wys
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