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It's not the dog's fault when
you don't communicate CLEARLY!
K-9 Training Herding, Working, and Sporting Dogs When it comes to K-9 training, not everyone can do it or can work
with people. Some folks are better at teaching than others. I'm a retired Delaware educator and an active dog trainer.
My role is simple: the owner handles and trains their own dog and I act as a K-9 coach. Currently,
I'm a former Schutzhund-DVG Trial Helper and a Qualified Training Director, and currently a certified AKC-CGC Evaluator. I
have worked with many different dogs and in many different venues. The first step to teaching the dog is to teach
the owner. My canine training style
uses positive, motivational methods in a non-threating environment. As the lessons become successful for both handler and
dog, a reward ssystem must be used. Marking proper behaviors MUST be used if the dog is to understand
the connection between word to action. Paychecks keep us working in the 9-5 grind. Markers and rewards are the same
thing for dog training. When success happens dogs want to please and rewards keep this coming. I have worked with many herding breeds: Border Collies, Bouviers
des Flandres, Malinois, and many crosses. I have also worked with many of the retriever breeds. For me, a good Lab
should be able to work a field like a Springer, do water to land work, and be an enjoyable family pet. Since these
are two action classes of dogs, expect to be busy! Stockdogs are a farmer's tool, working sheep or goats without them would
take all day. I feel many herding breeds can handle small herding tasks, but when it comes to moving lots of sheep, my choice
is the Border Collie. Its rated by many as the number one pick for many reasons. Training isn't about the dog, it's about
the oneness of the educational experience, teacher, handler and dog. Basic Obedience...in the Nutshell! Teaching basic obedience is easy. Show the behavior and reward the effort. Many folks cannot get
their timing down and they reward the efforts, AFTER THE FACT! What are you rewarding? Obedience is something we require and
not ask of the animal. Since this is the case, be the leader. Leaders lead and dogs WILL follow! You can't do K-9 personal
protection training without obedience and without a proper handler understanding of the lesson. Everything must start from
a baseline and basic obedience is it. The toughest and most hazardous canine training job that I've been around is in K-9
personal and estate protection training. Here, there are no margins for error! Without control and an understanding
of basic obedience and leash control, the helper will get bit. Understanding starts...HERE! Teach It, Then Test It! Good trainers work with a full understanding of their client's needs and the dog breed
which is presented. Not all Border Collies have the mental strength to move sheep. Not all handlers work as good
"partners" or good dog owners. Teaching and learning are a group undertaking. Stay away from any
trainer or other person who tells you not to come around for several weeks until your dog is "finished."
Why would you drop you dog or puppy off with someone YOU don't know? This should be a BIG RED flag and you
better know the outfit or person very well! I have had countless calls from folks who have made that type of mistake. Ask questions about the training style, visit the training location, and make any contracts. Pictures and Fun Here's some of my training photos, more to come as time allows. Remember, have fun, work with your dog,
and don't stress over the little stuff.
Obedience...keep it simple. I'm
doing a "down" command with my male Bouvier, Rock.
Does it hurt? Only when you think about
it.
My female Bouvier, Bear...something
about the DOWN and FOCUS we still work on.
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