Dog Training | Dog Training Online | Dog Trainers

Building a Solid Working Foundation Through

The Natural Instincts of the Dog

Dog Training - Promoting the fair training of sport and working dogs

Four Basic Principles: Motivate - Clearly define the task - Give feed back - Train repeatedly

Angus av Stavanger Aka Curly - German Shepherd Fussing - heeling

Dog training - luring - imprinting - Kennel Stavanger

Click on the links below for more dog training information

Dog Training Links

Clicker Training

Clicker Myth

Balanced Dog Training

Why Compulsion Training

Compulsion Defined

Building Drive

Training with Rewards

Training by Leadership

Living with a High Drive Dog

Dog Training Books

Dog Training Foreword

Our dog training page was developed to share the methods we currently use for training dogs in the sport of Schutzhund and for living with the high drive working dog. Our hopes are that this site will bring greater awareness about how to develop a strong working partnership in the performance dog and to also be a helpful training guide for anyone looking to improve their dog handling skills through training methods that are respectful of the dog.

Over the years, we have learned, a solid working foundation will be the result of balanced training methods that include well defined rules and clear feedback. Our intention is to help visitors understand how dynamic dog training really is. General training concepts, recommended dog training books (references) as well as dog training videos are available through out the site.

Although this is not a step by step, online dog training course, we do want to provide the following insight; dog training requires the same basic principals humans use to achieve skilled abilities (see chart below). They are as follows: Motivate to perform the task, clearly define the task, give feed back and train repeatedly. The best training results are accomplished when we focus on our "relationship" with the dog; i.e., respect and what is best for the dog. Trial readiness and desired scores will be the result of learning what the dog truly needs and dedicated training.

Dog Training Chart

Basic Principals	Positive Methods	Negative Methods
Motivate to perform the task The opportunity to perform a task is a form of motivation!	Positive Reinforcement Reward based training *The genetic working dog, that is treated with respect, will show self-motivation when given the opportunity to perform a task and not soley work for the reward	Negative Reinforcement Compulsion & Force Training *The dog that is deficient in working drives will show lack of motivation when given the opportunity to perform a task. The motivation of choice for this dog is often "force"
Clearly define the task To vague of instruction for the dog is the underlying issue of most training problems	Make things simple - Divide complex exercises into multiple easy to learn tasks. Real working dogs thrive on challenges that they can overcome. Think of ways to divide one exercise into 2, 4, 6 or even 8 simple tasks. Lure/entice the dog through each step of the task.This step should be eliminated as soon as possible, otherwise the dog will become dependent on the trainer's body gesture rather than learn to listen and obey human commands. We primarily use this for puppies or very young dogs. Shape Behaviors by only rewarding offered behaviors that lead to completing each step of a task. Limit the amount of behaviors the dog is allowed to offer, during a session, by limiting the dog's freedom. Keeping the dog on a short leash helps. Also, do not react, in any way, to behaviors that you don't like or don't wish the dog to perform. Unwanted behaviors tend to extinguish when they are ignored. Allow the dog to observe either a human or a dog performing the task.	Physically force the dog through a task by applying constant corrections and, or punish incorrect behaviors through collar corrections Through continuous sessions the dog learns a trained pattern by escaping uncomfortable or painful corrections. The desired task becomes an imprint, but is never clearly defined. Although dogs that are continuously trained through compulsion, may perform well during unchanged working trials, important problem solving skills do not fully develop through physical force training. Current studies show that a higher level of reliability will develop in dogs that are required to work in unfamiliar or stressful situations, if they are allowed to develop important problem solving skills through positive reinforcement training methods. Through specifically designed training challenges that do not require physical force or compulsion, the dog will usually require more time and practice to learn commanded tasks. However, this same dog will most likely require less maintenance training in the future and develop greater reliability for the sport and working tasks!
Give feed back A dog's behavior is consistent when his trainer's behavior is consistent	Define rules by using consistent verbal praise, cues and rewards Use verbal praise, such as; "good dog" to help the dog know when he is showing a correct behavior and is on course to correctly completing the job Food and toys are a means to communicate with the dog. If used more as compensation for the job and less as a stimulation device; they will simply become tools that help the dog recognize when the task is correctly performed *use cues, such as; a clicker device or verbal "Yes", before rewarding the dog Clear communication will help the dog understand exactly which behaviors are correct, as well as remind the dog to stay on task	Define rules by using consistent verbal warnings and cues Give the dog a chance - always use a verbal warning; such as, "no" when the dog's behavior is not correct and remind the dog to stay on task by repeating the command; i.e., "No, Sit". If the training instructions are clear for the dog and the dog has the correct working drives for the job, the only compulsion necessary should be used as leash corrections to slightly guide the dog and/or maintain control. If punishment through compulsion is a choice, always use a unique verbal cue; such as, "phooey" before correcting the dog. (see book Advanced Schutzhund) Clear communication helps dogs understand exactly which behaviors are incorrect and reminds to stay on task
Train repeatedly Always ask yourself - Am I using the right motivation for this dog? - Am I clearly defining the task? - Am I giving the dog consistent feed back?	Practice with determination - Ability improves with practice! A training program using Positive Reinforcement will help the dog become proficient at performing tasks. Leash corrections may only be necessary as a slight collar guide or a reminder for control. Dogs become proficient at performing tasks when given opportunities to solve training challenges. Develop or use training tasks based on the dog's training level and ability When training in new and unfamiliar environments, dogs do best when training tasks are simple. Going back to basics prior to proofing the dog will help the dog develop focus and confidence in strange situations.	All corrections should be removed when introducing the dog to new situations and distractions - reintroduce corrections (if necessary) after the dog becomes familiar with the new environment. Repeatedly training through compulsion and force may create a dog that does exactly as the handler wants. If the dog is expected to understand what the correction is for, the handler's intensity of the correction and delivery of the correction must be timed exactly right. CAUTION: When compulsion is used repeatedly, it is a likely indication, the dog is not clear on the task. In addition, it is common for the dog to develop artificial and unintended behaviors through the continuous use of compulsion ; i.e., cowardness, hardness or even a tendency to retaliate (fight the training).

When the dog shows training problems we should ask ourselves where we have gone wrong and not simply blame it on the dog!

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Training Support and Influential People

DD

We have had the opportunity to work with David and his training partner. David is well known for his positive reinforcement techniques during training for the protection phase. In addition he is also an excellent resource for helping handlers understand how to use the negative markers and reinforcers for greater effectiveness. He has opened new training doors by helping us better understand the importance of clear communication on both ends of the training spectrum. We are also seeing evidence of a more solid foundation by not advancing the dog to quickly and waiting until he or she is 100% clear on the task.

Stanislaus County Schutzhund Club

While working with with SCSC their club came together to help us in all three Schutzhund phases. For us this is what the sport is about...club members helping one another achieve their training goals. Over the last few years we have learned that we need more experience in a variety of locations for ourselves and our dogs. We want to thank Gary and Peggy Park for opening up their club to us.

Menlo Park Schutzhund Club

Our home field and the place where we became introduced to the sport of Schutzhund. Without the support of this club we would not be where we are today.

Denise Fenzi of Sprite working Belgian Tervuren

A successful breeder of the working lines as well as a Nationally recognized obedience coach. She has placed at the Top of AKC (American Kennel Club) events numerous times and is a well achieved Schutzhund competitor. She did an excellent job helping me lay a solid obedience foundation on my girl. We will continue to integrate her methods into our puppy training program.

Joel Monroe of Big Valley Dog Training. Menlo Park Protection Helper, Northwestern Region Training Director and National Schutzhund Competitor. He put the protection foundation on Gjeter and got her pups off to a good start.

Dave and Randy of Witmer Tyson Imports

founders of Menlo Park Schutzhund Club. Always making sure that we have a great place to train. Randy has been instrumental in maintaining the importance of conformation in our working GSDs.

Claudia Romard - 2006 Vice National Schutzhund Champion and trainer. She gives an excellent seminar and truly does it for the love of the dog. She has always been generous with her advice and we greatly appreciate it.

Arthur Witmer of Stoffelblick Kennels - One of the best German trainers for all three Schutzhund phases that I have had an opportunity to work with. His methods are tried and true.

Northwestern Region of United Schutzhund Clubs of America

Of course there are many more generous and knowledgeable people within the region that we have been fortunate to work with. Without a National organization such as Schutzhund USA, a supportive Region and club; the path to our success would have been much more difficult.

Schutzhund training through positive reinforcement - germanshepherdk9.com

Alfred av Stavanger Aka Larry - Focus /obedience during the protection phase

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