Index cards (dog responds to written instructions, any method): The dog performs three distinct behaviors on the cue of the word or symbol on a piece of paper when the cards are presented by the handler. This is a cue transfer behavior where the handler will show the dog three cards for different behaviors and the dog will offer the behavior on the cards with no verbal cues from the handler. This is a Clever Hans style trick where it appears to the audience the dog is “reading” the cards but the dog is responding to body cues from the handler. One repetition is needed. To qualify keep the cues subtle such as different hands or positions to hold the cards, raising eyebrows or other subtle cues just once. Avoid re-cueing or extreme movements.
