Which approach is recommended for demonstrations?

• A. Use a student or dog
• B. Actively go through protocol step by step yourself
• C. Use comfortable person/dog
• D. Class dog, think on your feet, might become stressed

Answer: (B)

Leading a demonstration by actively walking through the protocol yourself ensures learners see the exact sequence, cues, and reinforcement criteria with clear timing. This keeps the demonstration controlled, repeatable, and easy to follow, so observers understand how each step flows into the next and what constitutes success.

Bringing in another person or a dog can add unpredictable variables—the partner’s mood, reactions, or stress levels—that can blur the demonstration and make it harder to learn. Having a calm but passive partner might help, but it still doesn’t guarantee you’re showing every step and decision point with the same precision. A class dog and improvising on the fly can stress the dog and lead to an inconsistent demonstration, which undermines what the learners need to see.