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Acknowledgements
While I have learned from many dog trainers over the years, a few stand out. Thanks to Glen Johnson, who early in the 80s taught me about inducive training. And also to Bill Dotson, who introduced us to Schutzhund and Search & Rescue.
Thanks Tracey Louper for letting me help teach classes, and being my friend and sounding board for new dog training ideas.
Special thanks to friend and mentor Michael Ellis. Michael is a gifted dog trainer and teacher, and almost everything I use and teach these days comes from Michael.
And thanks to Ivan Balabanov, who started our club, Big Sky Schutzhund Club, on the way to becoming thinking dog trainers.
Category Archives: Dog training
Teaching Zappa articles
So Zappa’s tracking is looking pretty good, for the few times I’ve been out this year, but I’m convinced from past failures that if you wait too long for articles, they will forever be viewed as an interruption of tracking by the dog, even if good things happen at them. It may be to that [...]
Also posted in Malinois, Schutzhund, operant conditioning Leave a comment
Training Happens
This means that every time you interact with your dog, you’re teaching him something. Training doesn’t just happen 15 minutes a day when you get out the leash and the treats. Training happens every time you and your dog are together. Make it good training!
Posted in Dog training Leave a comment
Dog Tricks
Most dogs love to learn: the desire to please and/or perform a job is inherent, and particularly strong in the working and hunting breeds. Unfortunately most dogs aren’t given enough to do beyond patrolling the boundaries of the back yard or fetching an occasional tennis ball. Tricks are an excellent way for you and your [...]
Posted in Dog training Leave a comment
What were we thinking?
Back when Warren and I sent our entries in for Gallatin Dog Club AKC obedience trial, June seemed so far away. We’d have plenty of time to teach the broad jump and work on those pesky out of sight stays. Harley at least has the retrieves down, but Lexi was still in the learning stages [...]
Also posted in AKC obedience trial, Obedience training Leave a comment
Obedience FUNdamentals
(Notes from the Wednesday night Obedience FUNdamentals class) The foundation: puppies and adults. What they need to know: Active treat rewards: run – active back up, follow hand. Turn, take from low hand (from behind) left & right chase food through legs – teach for later use in front rewards “Positions” sit stand downs: move [...]
Also posted in Class notes, Fronts & Finishes, Obedience training, Schutzhund Tagged Puppy training Leave a comment
Doggie Zen
DOGGIE ZEN or “OW! That was my finger!” Food is a great motivator — so much so that it can be painful at times for the trainer! Doggie Zen is a way to teach the puppy not to take the food so roughly. Get down on the floor with your puppy. Hold a piece of [...]
Talking Dog
WHO CONTROLS THE SPACE: Physical Communication Think about space as a tangible thing: how do you feel when someone gets too close to you in line at the supermarket? Have you ever had a boss who looms over you when he checks your work? Who gets the big, compfy chair in the corner office, and [...]
FUNdamentals of a reliable recall
THE RELIABLE RECALL In dog training jargon, “recall” means coming when called. And a reliable recall means that the dog comes every time he’s called. Start teaching the recall as soon as you get your puppy. Young puppies are great followers — they naturally want to be with their pack leader. Let them be off [...]
Choosing a marker word