Signaling a dog

This type of training is to train the dog to bark at a human that cannot see and located in an underground level. Before starting this type of training you will need to avoid allowing the dog to engage in any playful activities a few days before. Doing this will impulse the necessary energy in the dog and at the same time it will increase the positive effect of reinforcement. The training of this method should be done first by having the "victim" sit in a chest or box in the ground without anything covering it. The "victim" should be someone the dog does not know (this task should not be done by the trainer or guide). This will help to favor the initial confidence and stimulate the dog. The dog must become previously familiarized with the environment around him.

Use the most motivating incentive for the dog. Avoid working in adverse climate conditions such as high or low temperatures, extreme precipitation etc. All the people watching will need to stand away at a distance of around fifteen meters from the work area, and they should avoid making any abrupt movements or sounds that could deviate the dog's conduct especially at the beginning stages of training since at this stage the dog is very susceptible. In order to develop this phase, it is important have the "victim" sit in the chest or box first over surfaces such as pavement, asphalt, concrete etc. without any clutter or debris on it. When working on pavement it will obviously and considerably minimize the possible presence of and interfere with the dog's odor stimulus; however that would result inherent in terrains. Remove any type of objects or matter that could distract the dog's attention such as tools, clothing, other animals' feces etc.