Schutzhund Clicker Training | High Drive Puppy Foundation

Building a Solid Working Foundation Through

The Natural Instincts of the Dog

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

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

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Dog training - luring - imprinting - Menlo Park Schutzhund Club training with Michele Hansen

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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 repectful 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).

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