Watch for Displacement Behaviour

No matter what breed of dog you're training, at some point the dog will try any number of tricks to avoid relinquishing its alpha position. Yawning, scratching, sniffing, head shaking and licking are all methods by which your dog will attempt to delay carrying out a command. Your dog may only attempt one or two of these tricks but most dogs will exhibit at least three of these responses during training.

Be prepared to correct your dog if it should exhibit any displacement behaviour. Avoid losing your temper by staying focused and having a plan when your dog tries one of these tricks. It will quickly recognise that you understand what it is saying and that you are prepared to meet the challenge.

Displacement behaviour can be very subtle and is often overlooked by trainers. If allowed to continue, displacement behaviour will soon lead to defiance, and that may not be quite so easy to correct. Bolting, or running away, needs to be addressed quickly. Keep a lead on your dog if it shows any signs of bolting so you can control its actions and prevent the flight mechanism from being rewarded. If your dog develops a bolting mentality, it is feeling far too much pressure and you need to re-evaluate your training programme or your dog. It would be extremely surprising if the problem is with your dog.

Bolting usually arises from a trainer attempting to go too far, too fast, too soon. Slow down the training process when a bolt occurs and look at what may have caused your dog to run off. If you can identify the cause, eliminate it from your training programme.

Biting is the next form of defiance and is the most worrisome. Whilst there are a few dogs that are truly mean and look to bite people, this is extremely rare. A dog will not bite unless it feels like there's nowhere to turn except by making you go away. If your dog tries to bite you, get some help in the form of another opinion about your dog and your training programme from a professional.

Giving up or lying down is the other principal escape mechanism. The dog will stop trying to perform to avoid its responsibilities for three reasons. Firstly, it has little drive or desire to please. This is typically due to poor breeding or a lack of socialisation during the first six months of its life. A dog might seem to give up in an attempt to trick you into not performing. It may lie on its side and lift its hind leg into the air, adopting a submissive stance. Pay close attention to your dog’s eyes if it tries this trick. If it's looking straight at you, your dog is acting the part of the trickster.

The final reason a dog would quit is due to excessive pressure from the trainer. This dog has given up and is indicating it would rather lie down and take a beating than work in an effort to please its trainer. If your dog chooses to lie down during the training process, you need to pay close attention to yourself and how your dog is being trained.

Always check your local and state regulations related to dog training and the use of game birds on private and public property.