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| "Platz...Good Platz." Obedience lessons with K-9 Bear. |
K-9 Training Herding, Working, and Sporting Dogs When it comes to canine training not everyone can do it. 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 trains their own dog and I assist as a K-9 coach. Currently, I'm a certified AKC-CGC Evaluator, a
former Schutzhund-DVG Trial Helper and a Qualified Training Director. I have worked with many different dogs and in as many
different venues; the first step is to teach the owner how to work with the dog, then we teach the dog. My canine training style uses positive, motivational
methods. The rewards for the dog are almost endless. For the owner, they just want to have a dog which will obey. 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. There's a reason they make the top pick of dogs owned in America! Stockdogs
are simply a farmer's tool, working sheep or goats without them would take all day. My choice is the Border Collie, rated
by many as the number one pick for many reasons. Teaching basic and advanced puppy obedience is easy. Show the behavior and reward the effort. Many folks cannot
get their timing down and reward efforts AFTER THE FACT! What are you rewarding? The toughest and most hazardous canine
training job has been in canine personal and estate protection. Here, there are few margins for error! It doesn't
matter what the breed or cross is...how you teach and reward the behavior will determine how successful your outcome will
be! When the K-9 student understands the command/action and the associated
word...learning can begin! 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 "coaches" or as good dog owners. Do your homework!!! Stay
away from any trainer or other person who tells you not to come around for several weeks until your dog is "finished."
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 and any contracts used. Pictures
and Fun Here are some of my training photos, more to come as time
allows... Remember, have fun working with your dog and don't stress over the little stuff. Here's the three step rule: #1
Don't stress over the little stuff. #2 Everything is little! #3 If your still not sure, refer back to rule #1...
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| Touch is a POWERFUL reward tool. I'm working on the "Down/Stay" commands. |
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| A pause before the BEAR attack! |
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| Herding with Border Collies, Skye and Jess. |
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| I'm hooked on puppy training and testing. |
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