Let's explore both systems. It is a necessary skill to pay attention to nuances if they are to remain alive and keep control of their animals in stress situation. Many trainers used stories or scenarios to teach the apprentice how to comprehend the subtle signs animals give. From there, the apprentice could slowly be integrated into a more active role in handling, conducting rides, or perhaps training. Schedules were often varied, for unpredictability and safety reasons, and the degree of skill acquired depended on the individual and who they apprenticed with.
Most animals give ample warning of the intent to aggress or of possible fear reactions.
The more astute the human apprentice became at noticing and predicting possible triggers, the better the chances of survival and the well-being of all involved. In Zoological facilities, keepers were historically viewed as little more than animal janitors. In many facilities elephants were housed individually and training was not a priority. Keepers were not often required to be in life or death situations due to past elephant keeping practices and ordinarily did not receive guidance in learning how to read those nuances of behavior critical to training success. At that time there was no real need to.