Many handlers use some word or phrase to alert their dogs that the fun is about to begin. We use “Ready?” Followed by “Now,” as part of our start-line ritual. Sure, it’s important not to catch your dog offguard with your first obstacle command, but the power of anticipation is great.
Once again, I’ll defer to Temple Grandin, PhD, who is currently an associate professor at the Colorado State University. She’s the author of many books, a widely sought speaker and food-animal industry expert. She’s also autistic, and she brings that perspective, which she believes is much like that of animals, to her work.
In her book, “Animals in Translation,” Grandin explains that the area of the brain once thought to be the pleasure center is really about seeking — like the thrill of the hunt. This area of the brain activates when rats search for food, but when they see the food, it shuts off.
(Both animals and people enjoy this seeking state of mind. It’s that whole journey not destination thing.)
On page 96, Grandin says: “That’s not as surprising as it sounds when you think about it. At the most basic level, animals and humans are wired to enjoy hunting to eat what they kill: they like the hunting part in and of itself. Depending on their personalities and interests, humans enjoy any kind of hunt: they like hunting through flea markets for hidden finds; they like hunting for answers to medical problems on the Internet; they like hunting for the ultimate meaning of life in church or a philosophy seminar. All of those activities come out of the same system in the brain.”
Here’s what I get out of that statement. Indeed, many dogs enjoy agility or whatever sport they do, but it’s that anticipatory moment that really fires up their brains. We, as trainers and handlers, can use that knowledge to our advantage.
Lilly gets that same frantic, can’t-stand-the-excitement look on her face right before I throw the ball.
I also hear Grandin’s words and think about my own motivation in this training odyssey. Trust me, I really, really want Lilly to have a breakthrough. And, yet, the research Grandin cites says that my brain also enjoys this search for solutions.
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