Processing Time

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I always hope for a timely response to cues during training sessions. When I ask Aldo to step on my glove, a behavior that he knows well, I want him to step up right away. If he doesn't, I know that he's not interested or distracted by something. For new behaviors, I'll give the birds more time to figure out what I'm asking them to do.

I've found that Otto needs plenty of this "processing time." When I ask Otto to go in his crate, he has to think about it first. I know he's not ignoring me or saying "no" because he is still engaged. He needs to evaluate the distractions outside, check if there are any tidbits remaining at his feet, loosen up his foot if he thinks he has a piece of food, and figure out what I'm waiting for him to do. Once everything checks out, he's ready to hop in the crate. 

The good news is that with practice, Otto's processing time is decreasing. Sometimes he walks into the crate right away, eager for more tidbits!

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