Dog Training

Step-by-step Guide to Dog Training for Beginners

Table Of Contents

Introduction

Training to the Nickname

Training to the Special Equipment

The Command "Come!"

The Command "Heel"

“Walk” Command

“Sit” Command

The Command "Down"

The command "Stand"

Command “Speak”

Command “Fetch”

Command “Stop”

Some Factors to Consider When Training a Dog

Examples of the Trainer Mistake

Copyright

One Last Thing…

Introduction

The dog was the first animal to be domesticated by people. The ways of the dog changed with the changes in people's lives.

Years ago, man evaluated the useful qualities of the dog: an acute sense of smell, sharp ears, strong eyes, a fast run, endurance, and unpretentiousness. Throughout the millenniums of systematic selection and deliberate action, the dog formed the pronouncing affection for his guardian and susceptibility to training.

The most popular current method of training is a method of positive reinforcement. The general formula of this method is the following: The desired behavior is encouraged immediately. The progress of dolphins by their trainers, to a large extent, contributed to the popularization of this method. The reason is simple: The actions of the dolphin are difficult to influence by a leash or by striking with a rod; he will simply swim away. A bucket of fish remains a major factor in the training of marine mammals.

The behavior is reinforced through food, kindness or praising. This method is excellent for training puppies.

The truth is that you cannot raise a dog without negative feedback. Nature is full of negative reinforcement, and parental canines use that to train their young in the wild. They do it because it is effective and it is how pups learn. On the other hand, you should not base your training on negative feedback alone. The most important guideline is to be consistent in your training and in your reinforcement. Don't let your bad day at work become a reason to over-stimulate your dog.

Negative reinforcement, therefore, can be defined as something that the animal will try to avoid. With intensive use of negative reinforcement by the inexperienced trainer, there is a real risk of turning the training into animal torture. This can result in a variety of traumatic injuries, sometimes tragically for the trainer.

Most of the innovations were primarily used in the military branch and only later became available to the general public. Training specialists of dogs, prepared for serving in the military, police and other departments, use their classification of training methods.

The food method appeared in the process of domestication of wild animals. The concept of the conditioned reflex was put in science by Professor Pavlov. By the way, this scientist carried out his experiments on dogs. Persistent conditional reflexes of dogs formed on the taste, smell, kind of food, on the time and place of a feeding. During feeding, the conditional reflexes are formed on the appearance, smell, gestures, and words of the trainer. The food method is used to establish and strengthen the contacts between the trainer and the dog and for training the dog to his nickname.

For dogs training, a meal is used in the form of small pieces of meat, bread, and sugar, known as a treat.

Giving a treat at the end of the action, performed on the trainer’s signal, is a reinforcement of the desired behavior and is used as encouragement for the dog. Showing the treat after the command can also apply if earlier this action was repeatedly reinforced by giving the treat. In such cases, the treat becomes the stimulatory factor. Motivational and stimulating action of the treat is used to develop the skills of coming to the trainer, the skills of crossing the obstacles, giving voice and others. The stimulating effect of the treat is used to combine several conditional reflexes in one difficult skill.

Taking into account the importance of treats in service dog training, each trainer must know and comply with the following rules.

1. The treat is given to the dog by his trainer at the end of the correctly performed action. If the dog performs the desired action inaccurately or wrong, the treat is not given. Unknown persons are prohibited from giving the treat.

2. The treat should be stored in a special handbag and should be given by the left hand in a prescribed manner.

3. Giving the treat should activate and stimulate the dog's action, combined with the pronunciation of the praise "good" and stroking.

4. The treat should not be given often and in a large quantity as main feed or for no special reason, because reinforcing value of the treat is broken while developing further training. Large portions of the treat distract the dog and complicate the process of training.

5. The active state of the dog is supported by the treat when training is held before feeding or after 4 hours after it. For well-fed dogs, treats are impractical.

In dog training, physical impact of different strengths are used: stroking, clapping, pressing by hand, pulling, jerking the leash or applying strict collar, lash or rod. The action of mechanical stimuli is perceived by the dog's skin receptors. Depending on the strength and way of action of the mechanical stimulus, the dog feels touch, pressure or pain. In response to these feelings, appropriate responses are manifested: pleasure, obedience, subordination or opposition, which can be displayed as nastiness and aggressiveness. The trainer, guessing the results of different stimuli actions, skillfully combines commands or gestures with the corresponding actions of the dog. For example, after the command "Heel," the trainer jerks the leash and forces the dog to take an appropriate position; the command "Sit" is given with a jerk of the leash up and back, combining with the pressure on the middle of the back, forcing the dog to sit. Most skills are trained in such a way. The reflections on mechanical stimuli differ by firmness, reliability and accuracy of required actions performed by the dog. However, after frequent use by the trainer’s mechanical stimuli, the dog becomes passive, timid, or even coward, and this complicates further training.

The mechanical actions performed by an assistant can cause an aggressive reaction of the dog in the form of anger with a desire to catch up and seize the running man. The assistant should monitor the behavior of the dog and measure the force and duration of the stroking by the rod or by lash with the dog’s response to avoid a passive retreat or cowardice. In all cases, the assistant should be inferior and the dog should be the "winner."

The stroking of certain areas of the dog’s body arises sensations of pleasant feelings, obedience, and affection. The feeling of pleasant touch is enhanced when combined with giving of food or treats. Therefore, stroking or clapping is used as a mechanical encouragement of dog for a performed action.

Electric stimuli are applied to control the dog at a large distance from the trainer through radio impulse receivers located in a collar around the neck or in the harness on the back. An electric current is sometimes used to inhibit the unwanted dog’s actions. However, the inept use of strong electric stimuli leads to inhibition of previously formed conditional reflexes and nervous breakdown with the dog.

Contrast method is the main method of training that combines all the positive aspects of the mechanical and taste-encouragement methods. The backbone of the method is in the fact that the action of the conditional stimulus is reinforced by a mechanical stimulus, and when a dog commits an action or stands in a specific position, it receives a reward in the form of a treat. For example, during the formation of a conditional reflex of the command "sit," the conditional stimulus is firstly reinforced by pressing the lumbar region of the dog (mechanical action), and as soon as the dog sits down, it’s given a treat. In this case, applied pain and food stimuli according to their biological value are opposite (contrasting). If you repeat such combinations, the skills will form faster and a dog will respond clearly and vigorously to signals of a trainer. Skills can be trouble-free. Another positive aspect of this method is that during the formation of skills, the activity of the dog does not decrease and the contact with the trainer remains.

The disadvantage of the method is a possible collision of defensive and food reflexes that leads to breakdowns and neuroses, i.e., undesirable consequences in training. Antagonistic stimuli are applied in a certain mode, with an account of individual characteristics of a dog.

Emulation method is based on the use of inherent reactions of animals to emulate the actions of another animal or person. It is the only auxiliary method and is mostly used in the educative training of puppies and young dogs.

Dogs have highly developed emulate reflexes. It takes only one dog to get excited for other dogs to react to its barking. Emulation can help to form many conditional reflexes: overcoming obstacles, snatching trainer suit, giving voice, crawling and even tracking, especially in a pair. The emulated degree depends on the age and type of dog. Most of the conditional reflexes that puppies and young dogs have are formed due to the emulation of the mother and adult dogs. Using the emulation method of training, conditional reflexes of some dogs are formed quickly. However, not all the skills can be formed by this method.

Efficiency and quality of training depend on the age of the dog. With puppies, targeted preparatory training is best. They use the same methods during training puppies and adult dogs but take into account the peculiarities of animals. Puppies are more mobile, susceptible to emulation, and are too sensitive to mechanical (painful) stimuli. If possible, it is better to use more food stimuli and encourage them to carry out the desirable actions in a group of two or three pups or during games.

It is recommended that a dog be engaged 2-3 times a day, preferably before feeding, but not earlier than 2-3 hours after feeding. In determining the number of training sessions and the duration of each of them, it is necessary to take into account the number and types of the exercises, their complexity, nervous and exercise stress on the dog's body and its workability.

Commonly during training, sniffer dogs, watchdogs and dogs of other special services receive a treat only by the left hand.

You cannot give the treat with your right hand in order to preserve the purity of the individual smell on training subjects, especially when dogs take a trace. The exception is the demonstration of treat in the right hand during carry out of the initial exercise of provoking barking and crawling, as well as in individual cases of sitting down and placing. In this connection, it is necessary to stroke the dog, usually with the left hand.

It is important to maintain a constant operability of the dog and to prevent its exhaustion.

Training to the Nickname

Nicknames are short, sonorous words, except for the names of people, names of cities, countries, and nationalities. The conditional reflex to the nickname is formed in the course of daily treatment with a dog, but more often during feeding and walking.

Coming up to the dog, the trainer (the owner) says the nickname and gives food or a treat. With the onset of walking and performing techniques of training, the dog's attention to the nickname is reinforced later, only after its response to other commands issued by the trainer. The nickname cannot be pronounced with a threatening tone or with an unpleasant stimuli.

Possible trainer faults and their implications:

1. Distorted pronunciation of nickname, especially with a menacing tone.

2. Needless frequent repetition of a nickname, hindering the formation of a clear conditional reflex on other commands.

Training to the Special Equipment

To the collar, leash, muzzle dogs are trained, usually at an early age. First, they are taught to have a calm attitude to the collar. Coming up to the dog, the trainer says the nickname, gives a treat and allows for sniffing of the collar. Then, stroking the dog, he wears it around the dog’s neck and, holding the ends, distracts it with a game. In cases when the dog starts to trouble, the collar is removed. After the break, the exercise is repeated. Every time the collar is left for a longer time. Subsequently, the soft collar is substituted for the usual. If there is a group of puppies, it is needed to ensure that they do not gnaw each other's collars.

Training dog to a leash starts after training it to a calm response to the collar. Trainer, stroking the dog fastens a leash to already put on the collar and takes it out.

If the dog reacts to the leash (troubles, plays, nibbles), it is necessary to distract it with a game or jogging. Particular care is needed during a dog management with a leash in areas with trees, shrubs and other local obstructions that a leash may catch on. Subsequently, the dog management is handled by both short and long leashes.

A muzzle is selected according to the size of the dog’s face. While taking care of a dog or walking the dog, the trainer is in full view of the dog and he throws a piece of treat into the muzzle and issues the command "Muzzle," allowing the dog to get a treat and eat at the same time encouraging the dog with a stroking action. Then the muzzle is buttoned up and left on the dog. If the dog tries to take off the muzzle, shaking his head, paws and claws, the trainer distracts it with a game, jogging, or giving a treat through the hole in the muzzle. At first, it’s enough to wear a muzzle for 5-10 minutes; then, a few hours.

Possible trainer faults and their implications:

1. Wrong choice of equipment increases the time to train a dog to a calm response to the equipment.

2. Forcing by the use of painful stimuli while wearing equipment, premature increasing the length of period when the dog wears the equipment, leading to fear of the trainer.

3. Allowing a dog to play with a leash, leaving it tied on a leash uncontrollably leading to the formation of a habit of biting the leash.

The Command "Come!"

During the training, on service, in any situation, the dog must quickly come to the trainer, after receiving the command or seeing a gesture. This skill disciplines the dog and develops attention to the trainer.

The command "Come!" and the gesture - lowering the left hand to the thighbone, previously raised sideways on the shoulder height; the flat of the hand is turned to the dog.

Reinforcement – give the treat, stroke, and sometimes tighten the leash.

The movement is implemented from the first days of walking the dog. The basic method of the dog training is food.

The training is held on the area with the least amount of distracted stimuli. The dog must be hungry or half-starved and good at walking. The exercise is performed in such a way. During the walking of a dog, the trainer calls the dog’s nickname, draws his attention to the piece of meat in the left hand and gives the command "Come!" The treat in the hand is kept by the thumb. At first, the movement of the hand is free, then the left hand is put out and raised on shoulder level. Step by step, raised hand becomes a signal about treat for the dog. If the dog is coming slow and sluggish, the trainer should run from him, backing away. During one two-hour training, this exercise is repeated 10-15 times with an obligatory treat for the dog. If the dog does not respond to the treat and he command "Come," the trainer draws attention by his behavior and by an easy tightening of the leash, bringing the dog to himself and stroking, and giving a delicacy to the dog.

When the dog on the command "Come" and gesture, interestedly and quickly runs up to the trainer with a long distance leash, the following complications are introduced:

• control of the dog separately by the command and by gesture;

• training to sit in front of the trainer after coming closer;

• systematic increase of staying in a sitting position in front of the trainer after it comes closer;

• calling the dog from any position, training to sit near the left trainer’s foot after staying in a sitting position in front of the trainer;

• training for non-failure working at the presence of a variety of distracted stimuli;

• control of the dog without a leash;

• calling the dog in different positions of the trainer - standing, sitting, lying down, in motion, from behind a cover, etc.

When calling the dog, the trainer should not use unpleasant mechanical stimuli for the dog. The best means for getting a dog to come are giving him treat and petting.

The skill is down when the dog on command or gesture in a difficult situation, being at a distance of 30 meters, quickly runs up and sits down in front of the trainer.

Possible errors of the trainer and their results:

1. Systematic pronunciation of the dog’s nickname before the command "Come"; repetition of this command.

2. Using painful, unpleasant stimuli for the dog after it has come to the trainer.

3. Systematic calling of the dog in different positions of the trainer - standing, sitting, lying down. This prevents the dog from staying in these positions.

The Command "Heel"

The skill of the dog's movement near the trainer is required for a walk, for training, on service. In addition, it disciplines the dog and develops its attention to the trainer.

The command: "Heel" and a gesture of slapping by the left hand on the thighbone.

Reinforcement - jerking by the leash, lashing, stroking and a treat.

The movement is implemented from the first days of training. The basic method of training is contrasted.

Initial exercises are performed under easier conditions, on a flat area. The trainer fastens a short leash to the dog’s collar, and its free end is put as a noose around his right arm, above the wrist. Then the trainer takes the leash by the left hand at a distance of 20-25 cm from the collar and takes the mid-leash by his right hand. Having started the movement, he gives the command "Heel" and after 0.5-2 seconds, makes the leash jerk along the dog’s body, causing him to go near the left foot of the trainer.

At first, the trainer must move in a running walk; in this case, the dog will more easily adapt to the trainer. As soon as the dog has been positioned properly, near the left foot of the trainer, the last encourages the dog by the treat, stroking. While drowning the primarily conditional reflex, each command "Heel" is accompanied by a jerk of the leash. The dog position is considered as correct when his running ahead of the trainer will not be more than half of the body.

The command “Heel” is obligatory in case of turnings and stops and is supported by the jerk of the leash if necessary. A strict collar or sometimes a leash is recommended to use when training strong, fast-paced dogs. The primarily conditional reflex is considered learned if the dog on the command "Heel" takes a position near the left foot of the trainer and moves next to him, not pulling on the leash. The following complications are implemented in the future:

• training of the dog to be near the trainer under different rates of movement;

• training action by the gesture;

• control of the dog separately by the command and by gesture;

• training for non-failure working at the presence of a variety of distracted stimuli (animals, people, vehicles, birds); training for movement near the trainer without a leash.

The exercise for the conditional reflex by the gesture is performed in such a way. The trainer takes the leash in his right hand, freeing the left hand for the gesture, then makes 2-3 claps by his left hand on his thighbone, and after 1-2 seconds, gives the command "Heel" and makes the jerk by the leash. This gesture is supported by the command and the jerk as long as it becomes a conditional stimulus, in the future - only the jerk of the leash without the command "Heel."

To consolidate the skill, correctly execute the command or gesture and reinforce it with a treat or stroking, and an unacted command – by giving solid-threatening command "Heel" with obligatory mechanical impact.

“Walk” Command

The skill of changing into the stand-at-ease in any situation is necessary in the setting of trainings, while working and in any other cases when the dog needs to have some rest. Gesture – to point the right (left) hand towards the dog’s direction of moving.

Application markers — fatigue of nervous, muscular and other systems, which activate the reflex of freedom. This command is practiced from the first days of training; this skill is to be improved throughout the training course and canine working. The trained reflex is developed in parallel by using verbal command and gesture. The exercise is performed in the following way. The trainer pulls the long leash towards the collar and holds the dog by his side. With the walk command pronounced in an approving tone and gesture to the right, the dog is pushed off.

Then he should run briskly 15-30 ft while repeating the walk command. The hand directed aside (gesture) is held for 2-3 seconds and then placed on the hip. After the small walk, the trainer permits the dog to walk freely on the long leash. 1-2 minutes later, he calls the dog, pets it, gives a treat and repeats the exercise.

While performing the exercise, the following rules should be observed: the initial walking is to be done only on the long leash; loud commands and abrupt snapping should be prevented; while walking, the dog should be within eyeshot of the trainer. When the dog quickly passes to the stand-at-ease on the walk command and gesture, the following complications can be gradually introduced:

• control of the dog discretely at the command or in gesture;

• walking with adherence to the outlined regime at certain time intervals followed by the gradual rise of exercising duration and the reduction of rest time;

• passing the dog to the stand-at-ease from any position: while sitting, staying, being down, etc.;

• walking close by different stimuli accounting the particulars of the dog’s deportment;

• alternate walking unleashed in the absence and later in the presence of stimulus. While walking unleashed the dog should be muzzled;

• improvement of walking in a zig-zag pattern at the command or in gesture;

The skill is deemed perfected when the dog moves fast in the given direction at the walk command or in gesture, passes to the stand-at-ease under any environmental conditions and does not extend farther than 100 ft away from the trainer while tracking him.

Potential mistakes of the trainer and further consequences:

1. Provision of stand-at-ease to the dog with a chokechain and being on a short leash.

2. Giving commands in the excessively high tone, with leash snatches while walking.

3. Frequent affordance of stand-at-ease while sitting, being down and staying that prevents stamina development in these positions.

4. Misuse of leash-less walking, which loses the dog’s discipline.

“Sit” Command

Sitting represents the basic and initial position of the dog for the performance of further actions, both in the course of training and while working. This skill reduces the dog to discipline.

“Sit” and gesture — the frontwards rise of the freely stretched right hand bottom-up, palms up, to the eye height.

Reinforcement — leash snatching, putting pressure on coupling, petting and giving a treat.

The skill is introduced in 5-6 days since the beginning of training after establishing good contact between the trainer and the dog and conditioning to the commands “Come” and “Walk.” The main training method is contrast-based.

The initial trained reflex is developed on the territory that is familiar to the dog with a minimal range of stimuli. The dog should be fasted or half-starved. The exercise is performed in the following way. The trainer holds the dog in front of himself, turns the collar with the ring up, takes the leash in the right hand 6-8 inches from the collar, commands “Sit” and 1-2 seconds later, makes a snatch with the leash up and back, at the same time putting pressure on coupling with his left hand. Once the dog sits, the trainer pets it and gives a treat. After keeping the dog in this position for 5-10 seconds, he gives the dog a stand-at-ease. The exercise is practiced for 35-40 times during the working day with 2-3 minutes between the sets. This mode is maintained for 4-5 days. It is advisable to exercise on a daily basis. The other commands are not practiced during the training of the sit command.

The dog can be also trained for sitting using the other method. The trainer brings the dog in front of him, and then steps on the leash in order to limit the dog’s movement. He takes a treat in the right hand, gives the command “Sit,” and after 1-2 seconds, brings a treat to the dog’s nose, then he raises the hand behind its head and makes the dog sit. After the dog is in a sitting position, the trainer gives a reward. The initial trained reflex is deemed perfected when the dog sits quickly after the command without reinforcement and stays in this position for 10-15 seconds, and if the dog does not scoot after the trainer makes 2 sidesteps.

In a follow-up, complications can be introduced. It is recommended to develop sustained stamina while sitting along with an increase of the distance between the trainer and the dog, observing the following rules:

• the distance between the trainer and the dog, especially up to 10-12 yd, and the holding period should be increased gradually by 1 step and 15-20 seconds every other 2-3 trainings;

• it is not recommended to call the dog after holding it at a distance. It is preferable to approach it, give a treat and pass on to other exercises;

• if the dog scoots, the trainer returns it to the initial position and gives the sit command in a belligerent tone, supported by unconditioned reinforcement, and sits the dog down;

• it is preferable to sidestep the dog backwards, meaning that the trainer is facing the dog while steadily watching it. Hereafter, it is possible to walk in any preferred manner and at any pace (at a footpace or at a run).

Exercise in the formation of a trained reflex to the gesture. When the dog is in front of the trainer, he takes the leash in the right hand 1.5-2 ft from the collar and sits it down by the bottom-up movement of the hand. In order to enhance impact on the dog, make the step forward. After the executed action, the dog is petted and given a treat.

Besides that, performed exercises can trained the dog to sit while being in different positions discretely at the command or in gesture. At the same time, the effective training should be practiced in the presence of distracting stimuli. The dog is trained both on the leash and without it in different positions of the trainer: while standing, sitting, lying down, in motion at different paces, or from behind cover. The skill is deemed perfected when the dog sits without any hindrance at the first trainer’s command in rough conditions from any position and at a distance of 25-30 yd from the trainer, and also being upon behavior for 5 minutes.

Potential mistakes of the trainer:

1. Repeated command to sit before reinforcement.

2. Regular calling of the dog while sitting or giving it the stand-at-ease after the limited waiting.

3. Untimely correction of the dog’s wrong position while sitting.

The Command "Down"

The skill is required on service for masking, transportation by car. This skill disciplines the dog.

The gesture for this command is a harsh lowering of the right hand, previously put out forward on the level of the trainer's chest.

Used reinforcements are the following: the treat, stroking, pressure on the dog’s shoulders, jerking by the leash.

The skill is trained after perception of the command "Sit."

The first method. The trainer puts the dog in front of himself, turns the collar by the ring down, takes the leash by his right hand at a distance of 8-10 inches from the collar, and then gives the command "Down," and after 1-2 seconds makes the jerk down and forward while pressing by the left hand on the dog’s shoulders. As soon as the dog lies down, the trainer strokes him and gives the treat. Keeping the dog lying down for 5-10 seconds, the trainer gives him a treat.

The second method. Having put the dog beside himself, the trainer puts the left hand with the leash on the dog’s shoulders and takes the treat in the right hand. Then he gives the command "Down," and after 1-2 seconds, shows the dog a treat and moves by the right hand forward and down from the dog’s nose, pressing by the left hand on his shoulders, forcing the dog to lie down. For the performed action, the dog is encouraged by stroking and giving the treat.

The third method. Having put the dog beside himself, the trainer gives the command "Down," and after 1-2 seconds, pressing on the dog’s shoulders by the left hand, he puts out by the right hand the front legs of the dog or makes a sweep. As soon as the dog lies down, the trainer strokes him and gives the treat.

If the dog tries to stand up immediately, it is necessary to repeat the command "Down" with a threatening tone and by jerking the leash to keep the dog lying down for 5-10 seconds. The exercise is repeated for 35-40 times a day, providing rest for 2-3 minutes between combinations. Such regime is held during 4-5 days.

During the training it is necessary to take care of correctness with the performed action: the hinder part of the dog’s body should lay flat, front legs should be put out, head raised. The trainer should correct the wrong position of the dog and encourage him only when the dog is in the correct position.

The initial goal is achieved if the dog at the command "Down" lies rapidly without reinforcement and remains in this position for 5-10 seconds, and when the trainer goes away from him at a distance up to 2 steps, does not scoot. After that, you can train this command by the gesture.

The exercise is performed in such a way. The trainer, having sat the dog, moves away from him at one or two steps, toward the dog’s face. With his left hand, the trainer gently pulls the leash, brings his right hand forward and upward on the chest level and lowering his hand down, hits the leash, giving the command "Down." To prevent the scoot of the dog, the trainer takes a step forward with the left foot. As soon as the dog lies down, the trainer gives him the treat. After keeping (during 20-30 seconds) in the lying position, the dog is walked. The exercise is repeated 35-40 times during 1 training, in the course of 4-5 trainings.

Another version of the training command "Down" by the gesture is the following. The trainer sets the dog in front of himself, taking the leash in his right hand at 20-25 inches from the collar, raising his hand with the leash on chest level and by jerking the leash, forces the dog to lie down, giving the command "Down.. For reinforcement, the trainer takes a step forward with the left foot. As soon as the dog lies down, the trainer strokes him and gives the treat.

The further procedure of complication practicing is the same as during the development of the skill to sit down.

Skill is formed, if the dog no-failure lies down on the first signal of the trainer, at a distance of 25-30 yd from him and in difficult environmental conditions, keeping lying down for at least 5 minutes.

Possible errors of the trainer:

1. Repeated command "Down" without any reinforcement.

2. Improper sweeps, causing pain for the dog.

3. Untimely correcting of wrong dog’s position when lying down, undemanding attitude to the dog.

The command "Stand"

This skill is necessary for cleaning the dog, its examination, putting on special equipment; it disciplines the dog.

A gesture for this command is raising the left hand forward, palm up to shoulder level.

Reinforcement – the impact with the left hand on the dog's stomach, pulling the leash, petting and giving the treat.

The skill is trained after perceiving the commands "Sit" and "Down" with keeping in the position for not less than one minute. The basic method of dog’s training is contrast.

The trainer, standing on the right side of the dog, gives the command "Stand," and after 1-2 seconds, makes an easy leap forward by the leash with his right hand, at the same time lifting the dog, holding on his stomach by his left hand. As soon as the dog stands, the trainer strokes him and gives the treat.

When the dog tries to sit down, the trainer put his left hand under the belly and keeps the dog in an upright position, repeating the command "Stand." During the first exercises after 5-10 seconds of keeping in this position, the dog is walked. Thereafter, the keeping period is increased. The exercise is repeated 35-40 times, during 4-5 days.

The initial reflex is formed, if the dog on the command "Stand" is standing and keeping in this position for 15-20 seconds. Further improvement of the initial conditional reflex to the skill is performed with the addition of complications and keeping the rules, specified in the procedure for commands "Sit" and "Down.”

Exercise with a gesture is performed in such a way. When a dog is sitting at the distance of one step from a trainer, the latter, having made a step forward by his right foot, with the movement of his left hand raises and puts up the dog. At the time of light supporting of the stomach and raising the dog by his left hand, the trainer gives the command "Stand.” As soon as the dog stands, the trainer strokes him and gives the treat. Simultaneously, with the moving of the left hand, the trainer makes an easy jerk forward by the leash. Subsequently, he moves by the left hand without a step forward, supporting the command by a slight tightening of the dog by the leash to himself.

The skill is formed if the dog stands up well on the command or gesture of the trainer at a distance of 25-30 yd in difficult conditions, correctly pulls the body and remains in an upright position for at least 5 minutes.

Possible errors of the trainer and their results:

1. Strong pressure with the left hand on the dog's stomach or a kick, causing cowardice, trying to sit or lie down at the sight of the hand.

2. Strong jerk by the leash, causing the dog not only to stand but to come off the place, results in slowing down the developing of firmness.

3. Frequently calling the dog from a standing position gets into the habit to come off the place in its own right.

Command “Speak”

In tracing service, the command is required to indicate the place of detection of heavy hanging objects or a hiding person in an inaccessible place for dogs; it is also a signal about the dog’s location when it’s separated from the trainer during the task. Barking at strangers in the service area is one of the main skills for a guard dog.

A gesture for this command is waving the right hand, bent in the elbow at shoulder level, the palm facing forward. Reinforcements: a treat, toy or another object, stroking.

The skill is developed on the basis of food and aggressive reactions, as well as the skill to fetch a toy. You can use the emulation reflex.

The command is introduced after the establishment of skills to sit and lie down.

The conditional reflexes on the command and gesture are produced simultaneously. In formulating this skill, we take into account the dog's natural tendency to respond to certain stimuli by barking. It is necessary to identify these stimuli. The most common way is to call of barking (voice) in dogs at food (a treat), a toy, an assistant and as an emulation of another dog.

Call of barking at food (a treat). Putting the dog in front of him, the trainer puts a leash on the ground and steps on the foot so that it is possible to limit the dog's jumping. Then, taking a treat in the right hand, he waves it in front of the dog and stimulates it before barking, simultaneously repeating the command "Speak." As soon as the dog barks, he gives it a treat. The movement of the hand with a treat should be like gesture. Reflex is produced faster in training hungry or half-hungry dogs. The exercise can be performed during the dog’s feeding. A dog feeder with food is put so that the dog cannot get it. The dog is excited and starts to jump, squeal or bark. In this moment, the trainer says "Speak," and as soon as the dog barks actively, the trainer gives food, repeating the praise "Good voice, good.”

Call of barking at a toy. The trainer uses a high lifted thing. Trying to get it, the dog is usually excited and starts barking. At the time of excitement, the trainer says "Speak, speak.” As soon as the dog barks, the trainer gives it a toy. Then takes away the toy and gives a treat.

Call of barking at the assistant. It is used for dogs that are not barking at treats and toys. The dog should be tied or kept on a leash. Coming to the dog, the assistant excites it by his movements before barking. At the time of dog’s excitement, the trainer says "Speak" and when the dog barks, encourages it with stroking and a treat.

In the process of forming the reflex on the gesture and command, the treat is given rarely; the dog is encouraged only with stroking and the word "Good."

Call of barking by emulation method. You should choose two dogs, calmly relating to each other; one of them should actively bark. The trainers give the command "Speak" at the same time. The active barking of the trained dog, as a rule, causes the barking in the untrained one. As soon as the dog begins to bark, the trainer, repeating the command "Speak," gives it a treat. After resting for 2-3 minutes exercise is repeated.

Voice reaction (giving voice) in a dog can be developed by the method of leaving the dog. In dogs with a good attachment to the trainer, as a rule, appear vocal reaction after his leaving. Therefore, leaving the dog, the trainer gives the command "Speak", and as soon as the dog begins to bark, gives the command "Speak," "Good," "Speak," and then goes to the dog and encourages it by a treat and a game. After walking, the exercise is repeated.

The initial reflex is formed if the dog actively barks at the command of the trainer.

Later the following complications are introduced and practiced in parallel:

• Gradually the distance between the trainer and the dog is increased;

• The dog is controlled by the command or gesture;

• Barking is called at different positions of the trainer and the dog;

• A dog is accustomed to the designation of (barking at) things;

• The voice is given in the presence of a variety of distracting stimuli

• A dog is controlled without a leash;

• A dog can bark at a detained person in the presence and absence of the owner;

• Skills are improved during a special training.

It works that way. During a search of the area, working with the olfactory trail, the assistant leaves objects that the dog is not able to pick up or take. When the dog finds them, the trainer gives the command or gestures to make it bark. In addition, the assistant occasionally hides in places inaccessible for dogs (on the tree, for a high obstacle, and so on.) When the dog finds a hiding trainer, he (the trainer) makes it bark at the command or gesture. If the dog doesn’t bark, the assistant (by his actions) excites it to bark. The exercise ends with giving a treat or providing an opportunity to pat the assistant. In cases of repeating these exercises, the distance between the trainer and the dog gradually increases.

Skill is mastered if the dog barks loudly after the first command or gesture at a distance of 25-30 yd from the trainer and it barks itself at a detected object or an assistant in inaccessible places and when the dog is separated from the trainer.

Possible trainer faults and their implications:

1. Passion for call of barking. As a result, the dog gets used to barking in all cases of strong excitation. It can cause some problems in the disguise of the location of service duty.

2. Call of barking under the same conditions. As a result, the dog is not barking in other cases.

3. Training to bark with the use of mechanical stimuli that cause pain.

Command “Fetch”

The skill of searching and fetching things is the basis for accustom dogs for a search of the area, inspection of vehicles, and working with an olfactory trail.

Gesture for this command is showing hand towards a toy/object; auxiliary commands - "Track," "Give," "Smell," "Stop" (in a low-volume intonation); additional commands - "Sit" and "Speak."

Reinforcements: a toy, a treat, stroking.

Skill is developed on the basis of instinctive reaction to catch the moving objects (things). The maneuver is introduced in parallel with the dog training to sit. The basic method of dog training is the food method.

The first exercises are carried out with the use of objects that attract the dog's attention and cause the grasping reaction. In addition to toys, you can use a small stick, a piece of rope or rubber tube, or a worn glove. At first, you should teach the dog to take the object from the hands of the trainer. For this, holding the dog with a leash beside him by his left hand, the trainer shows the object by his right hand, "reviving" it by various motions before the eyes of the dog, saying the command "Fetch." Usually, the dog is excited and it catches the thing with its teeth. The trainer, slightly pulls the object, allows to hold it for 5-10 seconds. After that, at the command "Give," he takes the object and gets a treat and encourages the dog.

At the training of dogs intended for tracking service, objects are taken by the right hand and the treat is given by the left one. During the two-hour training, the exercise is repeated 15-20 times, gradually changing the procedure. As soon as the dog catches the object, the trainer gives it the opportunity to hold the object and walk next to the trainer. After 10-15 seconds, he takes the object and gives a treat.

The next type of exercise is accustoming the dog to keep the thing in its mouth, sitting in front of the trainer. For this purpose, the trainer puts the dog in front of him and at the command "Fetch," gives it a retrieve. After a 5-10 seconds of self-control, he takes the object and gives the command "Give," takes away the object and puts his hand with it behind his back, then pulls out a treat and encourages the dog.

When you exercise, you should pay attention to the production of self-control to the object, i.e., for the duration of the retention of the object in teeth and peaceful response to the movement of the right hand, so that the dog shouldn’t throw the object. Extending the right hand to the dog, before taking the object, it is recommended to stroke the dog. It is forbidden to pull out a treat in sight of the dog and bring it to the dog when it is holding the object in its mouth.

When the dog is accustomed to taking the object from the hands of the trainer calmly, to keep it in the teeth during 20-30 seconds or more, to give back at the command, it is necessary to train fetching objects thrown to the ground. It works that way. Holding a dog on the leash on the left from him, the trainer excites it by movement of the object; when the dog tries to catch it, he throws the object on a 1-2 pitch from himself. He gives the command "Fetch" and sends the dog for the object. After the dog picks up the object, the trainer pulls it to him using the leash and at the command "Give," takes an object and gives a treat. If the dog runs to the object, but doesn’t take it, the trainer "revives” it, moving the hand or foot.

The initial reflex is formed if the dog actively runs for the object thrown in 3-4 yd, brings it to the trainer and holds it in the mouth until the command "Give."

Later the following complications are introduced:

• Fulfillment of the action on the gesture;

• The increase of the distance for throwing the object;

• Accustoming to fetch different objects;

• Training of the skill to sit with the object in front of the trainer;

• Training to find the object by scent.

All these complications are included in every exercise for fetching objects.

Reflex on gesture is produced in the following way. When the dog is near the trainer, he throws an object in sight of the dog in 5-10 yd and keeps a dog in a sitting position for 3-4 seconds, then by movement of the right hand in the direction of the object and the command "Fetch" sends it to object.

Later objects have to throw over the shoulder, and if possible, in such a way that the dog could not see their flight. Waiting time at the position next to the trainer should increase gradually.

Simultaneously produces the skill to bring objects differing in shape, size, and quality of the material from which they are made (metal, leather, rubber, paper, etc.). Before using a new, unfamiliar object to the dog, it is necessary to allow the dog to catch it from the hands of the trainer and only then to throw. For the first time, it is necessary to reinforce the bringing of new things by giving a treat.

Skill to sit with the object in front of the trainer is easily produced if the dog is accustomed to sitting in front of the trainer for each coming. For this, when the dog comes with the object to the trainer, he gives the command "Sit" and makes the dog sit down in a single step by himself. After a short waiting with the command "Give," the trainer takes the object and gives a treat.

Exercises for searching objects by scent should begin when the dog is reliable to bring the object thrown at 15-20 yd with waiting before the movement for the object. For this, the trainer throws an object in 15-20 yd into the bush, ditch, or tall grass in such a way that the dog can’t see it. Objects must be of small size (5-7 cm) and be of the same color with the background territory. The dog is sent for the object at the command "Fetch" and gesture. For the first time, the dog needs help, the trainer should run in the direction of the search. The movement of the dog, searching the object, is accompanied by the command "Search." By intensifying of the search, the help offered by the trainer is decreased.

It is useful to complicate the exercise by hanging objects on the branches of trees or burrowing them into the ground, to practice in conjunction with the call of barking. To do this, first of all, make a dog bark at a highly lifted object, using commands "Speak," "Fetch," "Speak." Barking is reinforced by giving an opportunity to catch the object and then giving a treat.

In the final period, it is necessary to do exercises to consolidate the skills to reliability in difficult conditions and preparations for the special dog training: a search of the area, finding a person by the scent of a thing.

Preparatory exercises for finding things by scent:

• Developing a reflex to the command “Track” and training to sniff the object quietly;

• Fetching of someone’s objects;

• Fetching of objects with the scent among the variety of similar, but odorless ones;

Preparatory exercises for a search of the area

• Training to a consistent search and bringing 7-9 objects, abandoned apart from the route of the trainer and the dog;

• Fetching of objects in different rooms;

• Training to detect and bark at heavy suspended and buried objects;

• Training to sit near the detected objects and bark at them itself.

It works that way. After developing a strong reflex of fetching, in any exercise of the final period, when coming to the object the dog intends to catch, the trainer anticipates its actions with the command "Sit" and he puts the dog in front of the object. Then he comes to the dog and gives it a treat. Initially, these exercises are done only occasionally. Later, after the development of special skills of choice of things, the search of the area; in all cases, after detection of the desired object, the dog should sit in front of it, without touching.

Skill is mastered if the dog at the command or gesture finds an object, abandoned by the trainer or assistant, and actively brings it, sits in front of the trainer and holds the object, and at the command "Give" immediately gives it.

Possible trainer faults:

1. Unskilled selection of the object, accustoming the dog to carry out commands using compulsion.

2. Passion for work with soft objects, allowing the dog to play with objects.

3. The use of metal objects in the formulation of the initial reflex.

4. The use of big objects (more than 10 centimeters in length) differing by color from the background areas.

5. Repeated use of the same objects.

Command “Stop”

This skill is required in all cases to stop the dog's undesirable actions in training or on duty. The command is pronounced with a threatening tone.

Reinforcements: strong jerk of the leash, the impact of a choke-chain collar, electrical shock, hit with a switch. The command is introduced after the establishment of lasting contact between the dog and trainer.

Initially, a reflex on the command "Stop" in dogs is formed in the presence of a minor amount of distracting stimuli. For this, the trainer chooses an area with the presence of such stimuli to which the dog reacts. Walking with a dog on a shortened leash, the trainer gradually approaches to stimuli, observing the dog’s behavior. When the dog tries to pounce on the distracting stimuli, the trainer says the command "Stop" with a threatening tone and makes a jerk by the leash.

As soon as the dog stops doing unwanted actions, the trainer encourages it, gives a treat and continues walking. During every training, the exercise is repeated 2-3 times. It is necessary to have in view that the reflex to stop doing unwanted action is produced faster if the command "Stop" is given at the time when the dog is just trying to do the unwanted action for the trainer action. Later the prohibition of undesirable actions is performed in conjunction with other exercises.

After the formation of the reflex to the command "Stop," trainings are held in more difficult conditions, in the presence of a wide variety of stimuli –near the beaten track, on the outskirts of settlements, etc. During this period the exercise is carried out on a long leash. You can work without a leash, only when the dog will be accustomed to stopping doing the unwanted actions on the command "Stop" at once being on a long leash. In this case, the dog should wear a muzzle.

During training dogs that poorly react on the jerks, it is recommended to apply a choke-chain collar or electric collar.

Skill is mastered if the dog doesn’t react to the extraneous stimuli and stops doing the unwanted actions immediately after the trainer’s command.

Possible trainer faults and their implications:

1. Too frequent exercises to reinforce the command "Stop," strong pain stimuli, abusing the choke-chain collar, a whip. All these cause the state of general inhibition and oppression in the dog.

2. The frequent use of the command "Stop" without reinforcements. As a result, the signal and warning value of the command is lost.

3. The undue use of the command “Stop,” instead of using any obedience or threatening commands.

Some Factors to Consider When Training a Dog

The painful stimuli should be used with great caution during the training of young dogs. After their systematic use, dogs may become passive, cowardly and unsuitable for further training. Puppies are easily trained by emulation method. Therefore, some of the skills such as malice, overcoming obstacles, bringing of the objects are formed by this method. It is necessary to take into account a high mobility of young dogs.

During the training, you should take into account the sex of dogs. Females are more easily trained; they work well, but sometimes they have a weak nervous system. The cyclical physiological processes (heat, interfamilial, and others) complicate the process of training. At the training of dogs, large load sometimes cause nervous breakdowns. Therefore, it is impossible to apply the stimuli of great strength and continuously operate them. During the initial period, it is important to provide the rest increasingly.

It is more difficult to train males, but, as a rule, they have a strong nervous system, they are hardy in work and unpretentious to the conditions. Their training is held by the general procedure. Castrated males are not useful for training because of the instability of conditional reflexes, and the great difficulty of bringing them to the skills.

Examples of the Trainer Mistake

Let’s consider the following case: Two dogs pounce on each other. Young trainers take them away in the different direction and start to punish, thinking that dogs know why they are punished. In this case, punishment leads to a violation of contact between the dog and the trainer, but don’t choke the aggression to each other.

Another situation: During a walk, the dog chases after the cat, the trainer recalls the dog by the command "Come" and punishes with a blow of a leash or whip. The blow of a leash or whip is perceived not in connection with the chase after a cat, but with the command "Come." The command "Come" and look of the leash in the hands of the trainer reinforced by the influence of pain. The dog formed the wrong reflex at the command "Come" and on a leash. On these signals, the dog will run away from the trainer.

There is often a desire to produce a large number of skills in a short time in dog training. A lot of people want to go quickly to the special training without developing basic commands properly. Haste leads to the fact that the training of individual skills is made carelessly, without serial input and testing of complications.

Retraining arises as a result of overworking the nervous system of the dog by frequent and prolonged repetition of the same exercises. This mistake is typical for inexperienced trainers who try to improve service quality of dogs as soon as possible and don’t care about a particular exercise regimen during developing each skill. To avoid these mistakes, it is necessary to plan lessons clearly, to practice exercises in a certain mode, to keep the dog's interest and activity in the work. If the dog refuses to work as a result of retraining, it is necessary to take a break from training this technique for 1-2 weeks.

Some trainers make a big interval between the command and reinforcement. For example, during training, the command "Sit" undue influence on the lumbar region causes a belated response in the dog. The dog formed a delayed reaction: the dog sits down not at once, but after a certain time after the command. A common mistake is the repetition of the same command before the reinforcements. The result is a delayed reaction that occurs only after repeated commands.

The most common mistakes in training are the monotony of conditions, simplification of the situation, lack of time shifts and changes of the territory, distrust for the dog and uncertainty of the trainer; failure to observe the sequence of the introduction of complications and non-fulfillment of the tasks.

The situation in which the training of dogs is produced should be close to the real conditions of the upcoming service. Actions of the trainer, his assistant, and the interaction between them should be the same as they are in the service between the instructor and the offender.

Copyright

All rights Reserved. No part of this publication or the information in it may be quoted from or reproduced in any form by means such as printing, scanning, photocopying or otherwise without prior written permission of the copyright holder.

Disclaimer and Terms of Use: Effort has been made to ensure that the information in this book is accurate and complete, however, the author and the publisher do not warrant the accuracy of the information, text and graphics contained within the book due to the rapidly changing nature of science, research, known and unknown facts and internet. The Author and the publisher do not hold any responsibility for errors, omissions or contrary interpretation of the subject matter herein. This book is presented solely for motivational and informational purposes only.

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Table of Contents

Introduction

Training to the Nickname

Training to the Special Equipment

The Command "Come!"

The Command "Heel"

“Walk” Command

“Sit” Command

The Command "Down"

The command "Stand"

Command “Speak”

Command “Fetch”

Command “Stop”

Some Factors to Consider When Training a Dog

Examples of the Trainer Mistake

Copyright

One Last Thing…