<<It may seem odd, but I do talk to them as if they understand and I am betting they understand more than we think they do. >>
I agree. I believe that visualizing what we want also helps, in addition to verbal correction.
And--this seems to be a really big point--try to both visualize and verbalize your command as a positive one--for example, "Leave the chickens alone!" rather than "Don't chase the chickens!" Works with children, too--after I learned this one, I really worked at positive directions, avoiding "don't", and it made a huge difference in my classroom--even though I never was a great one for lots of "don't." The rationalization is that the animal or child doesn't really notice the "don't" and tends to focus on the positive part--so, for instance, "Don't go in the road" simply becomes a directive to the road, while "Stay in the yard" directs attention to the yard.
Hoping the LGD catches on...
Rhonda
Sidesaddle Hall of Famer
Five-time US National Sidesaddle Champion
CHICKENS-101@yahoogroups.com
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