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From Yawn to Get it On! Starting Puppy Bitework

From Yawn to Get it On! Starting Puppy Bitework

Watch as this 4 month old German Shepherd puppy goes from bored and distracted to excited and engaged…over the course of 8 sessions in 4 weeks. By using the PronouncedK9 method to determine the puppy’s type, Brian Harvey is able to use the dog’s innate characteristics to achieve the desired results.

The PronouncedK9 method is centered around the concept that there are four basic drives that motivate protection dogs. Helpers using our training method will be taught how to approach a dog for the first time and provide a stimulus or trigger to test each of the four drives. If the method is used correctly, it is easy to see which type each dog is. The drive to which the dog shows the strongest natural response is that dog’s lead drive.

Many existing training methods have led helpers to believe that training in prey is the best approach for starting a puppy or inexperienced dog because it involves less stress. Following that same way of thinking, many people believe that training in defense is scary and much more stressful to the dog.

We all agree that in the beginning stages of training, the less stress we put on the dog, the better off we are. Where the PronouncedK9 method differs from this traditional thinking is our theory about what creates stress for each dog. PronouncedK9 trainers understand that not every dog thinks the same way, which means that different dogs are going to have different instinctual reactions to the stimuli we use in training; what is stressful to one dog is not necessarily stressful to another. Our method acknowledges these differences and teaches you how to approach each type of dog to get the desired reaction, instead of using one approach for every type.

 

Are you having trouble getting a dog to start or engage? Look no further! PronouncedK9 can provide you the step-by-step instruction to determine the dog’s type and how to use his strengths to train him. Read more about the Four Types and then join PronouncedK9 to start putting our training methods to work for you today! You will also see all of this puppy’s training sessions, as they are happening, and follow them going forward. Plus get training tips and advice on all IPO and schutzhund phases. What are you waiting for?

Join today for only $25/mo!

 

 

Dog Bites in the Media

Dog Bites in the Media

If you follow any discussions on-line regarding protection dog training or bite work, we are sure you came across video of the Dakota Access Pipeline protests. This past week, video posted all over the internet showed protestors being met with ill-trained guard dogs and handlers. This incident sheds light on many of the problems that can be created by poor training practices. Here’s Brian’s take on the incident:

You can view some of the video Brian references here: http://www.democracynow.org/2016/9/6/canine_expert_decries_egregious_horrific_dog

What do you think?

The Four Basic Dog Types

types6The PronouncedK9 training program is based on the concept that there are four basic drive types and that each has their own strengths and weaknesses:

PREY
PLAY
DEFENSIVE
AGGRESSIVE

The easiest way for each type to develop to their full potential is by using their strengths to overcome their weaknesses.

Traditional training methods have taught most bitework trainers that training in prey is easy but training in defense is scary for all young dogs. Making prey the preferred way to start young or inexperienced dogs. This thinking is based on the belief that prey work involves less stress. Less stress in the beginning is better for the dog and increases its chances for success.

This method also teaches that less stress in the beginning is better but splits from the traditional thinking about what creates stress. The trainers teaching this method understand that the least stressful way to train a dog is in line with his natural way of reacting.

Each type has its own way of reacting to a stimulus that comes natural to them. Understanding this natural reaction and using it to cause them to make the choices we want them to make in future training is the key to this program.

Think about a defensive type dog being approached by the typical prey trainer. He sees a stranger in front of him making fast, odd moves from side-to-side. These moves have no value to him. They seem to make him uneasy and unsure about what to do. The prey trainer sees this unsureness and does everything in his power to convince the dog that he is not a threat and just wants to play a little tug-of-war.

This is the most stressful thing most commonly done to defensive type dogs. Trying to convince a naturally defensive type dog with instincts that tell him you are a threat—that you are not—will usually result in him becoming unsure. His instincts are telling him that you are bad and he shouldn’t trust you. Your actions are telling him that you are good and that he should trust you. This conflict of information makes the dog unsure about what to do, causing him stress. This stress makes him react in a less that confident way. It is much less stressful for the dog in this situation if you act in a manner that validates his natural thinking. If he thinks you are bad, be bad. If he thinks you are a threat, be a threat. By acting in the way that the dog’s instincts are telling him you should be acting, you create sureness that allows the dog to react in his most confident way. Defensive dogs love to chase bad guys away.

The PronouncedK9 training program shows you how to use this information to make defensive dogs do all the same things that good prey dogs do:

Be active in drive without stimulation; Bite full and calm and pursue with speed.

Each type can be taught all of these things. Defensive dogs can do the sport, and play dogs can do civil street work.