Koehler method of dog training.pdf

The Koehler Method of Dog Training Made Simple!

by Harry Quek

C o p y r i g h t © 2009 by Harry Q u e k All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transm i t t e d i n a n y f o r m o r b y a n y m e a n s , e l e c t r o n i c o r m e c h a n i c a l , including photocopying, recording or by any information storage and retrieval system, w i t h o u t permission in w r i t i n g f r o m t h e Publisher. Printed in Singapore ISBN 9 7 8 - 9 8 1 - 0 8 - 3 0 2 5 - 0 The Koehler Method of Dog Training Made Simple is available at s p e c i a l d i s c o u n t s f o r b u l k p u r c h a s e s f o r sales p r o m o t i o n s , p r e m i u m s , f u n d - r a i s i n g , o r e d u c a t i o n a l use. For d e t a i l s , c o n t a c t : [email protected]

In Loving Memory and Tribute to Papa Bill K o e h l e r w h o d e v e l o p e d his God-give n t a l e n t s blessed a n d enriched t h e lives o f m a n y m e n a n d w o m e n a n d t h e i r dogs a n d w i l l c o n t i n u e to do so f o r m a n y years to c o m e I first c a m e in contact w i t h t h e K o e h l e r M e t h o d of Dog T r a i n i n g in early 1978 w h e n I w a s l o o k i n g f o r a g o o d sensible book t h a t w i l l help me to t r a i n my t w o G e r m a n s h e p h e r d dogs. T h e y serve as my g u a r d dogs w h e n I t o o k over a d r u g r e h a b i l i t a t i o n c e n t e r on a 3 acres old colonial b u n g a l o w in K l a n g , an h o u r bus ride f r o m K u a l a Lumpur, t h e capital of Malaysia. At t h e first glance T h e K o e h l e r m e t h o d a p p e a r e d to be harsh. In spite of my misgivings I f o l l o w e d closely t h e m e t h o d a n d t h e results t u r n e d o u t h a p p y a n d o b e d i e n t dogs.

Acknowledgement The purpose of rewriting The Koehler Method of Dog Training is to honor t h e a u t h o r w h o h a s a n d c o n t i n u e s t o i m p a c t m y lif e a n d d e c i s i o n - m a k i n g every t i m e I recalled our m e a n i n g f u l a n d enriching times together. Secondl y I m a d e a p r o m i s e t o m y s e l f t h a t T h e K o e h l e r M e t h o d s w h i c h h a d blessed s o m a n y h u n d r e d s o f t h o u s a n d s i n t h e p a s t w o u l d b e a g r e a t loss t o t h e community if not promoted in th e present, continued and expanded in the future and in Asia. N o b o d y c a n r e p l a c e o r s u b s t i t u t e Bill K o e h l e r . H e h a s n o e q u a l . H e w a s well-respected a n d loved. He w a s the most gentle, humble and generous man. I ever met. I r e m e m b e r t h e first t i m e I w e n t to church w i t h him, he stood up a n d told t h e congregation h o w honored he feels to have me comi n g all t h e w a y f r o m S i n g a p o r e v i s i t i n g a n d w a n t i n g t o l e a r n f r o m h i m . I w a s h u m b l e d . M y r e w r i t i n g his b o o k , " T h e K o e h l e r M e t h o d " i s a s m a l l s t e p to express my p r o f o u n d gratitude. My deliberate consciousness to be t r u e t o t h e p r i n c i p l e s a n d p r a c t i c e s o f his m e t h o d i n t h e d o g classes a n d t h e d o g busines s w i l l a c c u r a t e l y r e f l e c t P a p a Bill's p h i l o s o p h y , v a l u e s a n d c h a r a c t e r I also w i s h t o e x p r e s s m y d e e p e s t a p p r e c i a t i o n t o t h e f o l l o w i n g p e o p l e : P a t r i c k a n d M a r i l y n S m i t h a n d t h e c h i l d r e n w h o h a d blesse d m e all t h e s e y e a r s s i n c e I f i r s t m e t a n d l e a r n e d m u c h f r o m h i m s i n c e 1983. I a l w a y s l o o k f o r w a r d t o s p e n d a s m u c h t i m e a s possible a n d t o b e involved in their family activities M a r y Y e o C a r p e n t e r f o r e d i t i n g i n s p i t e o f h e r busy s c h e d u l e a n d her faithful support D r J o h n Y a o a n d his f a m i l y w i t h his d o g , S h a d o w , w h o s e l o y a l t y and faith in The Koehler Method: they waited for more than 12 y e a r s f o r m e t o m a k e a c o m e b a c k a n d r e f u s e d t o t a k e t h e risk o f t r a i n i n g his d o g s u s i n g t h e " c o o k i e " m e t h o d s . My son, Jethro Q u e k , for t a k i n g t h e photographs.

W o n g C h e e K o n g f o r his g e n e r o s i t y i n g i v i n g his t i m e a n d t a l e n t . H e t o o k s o m e o f t h e p h o t o g r a p h s f o r this b o o k . Sim C h a i H e n g a n d his w i f e , Felicia w h o a p p r e c i a t e d t h e principles and systematic application of th e Koehler M e t h o d a n d I reckon are t h e ideal h u s b a n d a n d w i f e t e a m t o d o t h e l a y o u t a n d a r r a n g e m e n t t o m a k e t h e i n s t r u c t i o ns easy t o r e a d a n d f o l l o w . J e r r y T a n C h i n Hock w h o s e business a d v i c e a n d s u g g e s t i o n s I greatly treasured. A n d also t h o s e w h o s e n a m e s h a v e n o t b e e n listed b u t t r u s t t h a t y o u w i l l see y o u r c o n t r i b u t i o n s r e f l e c t e d i n t h e p a g e s a n d ... T o G o d B e T h e G l o r y w h o has c h o s e n a n d b r o u g h t t h e m a n y p e o p l e t o g e t h e r t o f u l f i l l His C a l l i n g . . . I a m p r o f o u n d l y g r a t e f u l .

The Man and His Method

Lloyd Beebe, owner of Olympic Game Farm, Sheldon Koehler (grandson) and Bill Koehler in Sequim, Washington, USA

The International Association of Canine Professionals inducted Bill Koehler into their Hall of Fame. T h e K o e h l e r M e t h o d o f D o g T r a i n i n g has b e e n praised, c h a m p i o n e d , vilif i e d a n d i n s o m e cases d a m n e d . W h e n y o u excel y o u a r e a c t u a l l y sticking y o u r h e a d u p h i g h e n o u g h t o g e t shot. O n l y i f y o u a r e t r u l y e x c e l l e n t w i l l t h e shots all miss a n d leave y o u s t a n d i n g s t r a i g h t a n d t a ll a b o v e t h e masses. T h a t w a s Bill K o e h l e r . Q u i e t , u n a s s u m i n g , s o f t s p o k e n a n d g e n t l e o f h a n d . Bill g a v e u s a w a y t o t r a i n d o g s w h i l e a t t h e s a m e t i m e h o n o r i n g t h e i r v e r y dog-ness. T h e K o e h l e r M e t h o d o f D o g T r a i n i n g i s j u s t a s v a l i d a n d useful i n t h e T w e n t y - f i r s t c e n t u r y a s i t w a s i n t h e T w e n t i e t h c e n t u r y a n d w e suspect i t w i l l c o n t i n u e t o h a v e j u s t a s m u c h m e a n i n g f o r a s l o n g a s w e h a v e dogs to train.

Bill Koehler, The Man & His Method " A l l t h e d a r k n e s s i n t h e w o r l d c a n n o t d i m o u t t h e l i t t l e l i g h t " . . . s a i d Bill Koehler w h e n I asked him h o w he handles t h e people w h o m a d e unjustif i e d c o m m e n t s b e h i n d his b a c k .

Bill Koehler showing my wife, Chai Ngoh how to shoot accurately. Later Bill got my 8 years old son, Jethro (on the right) to do some shooting with a magnum. Mount Baldy, California (1986)

Bill Koehler, The Man & His Method

Affidavit Burbank, California M a y 12, 1967 I , R a y m o n d E . S h u l t z , r e s i d i ng a t 7 3 2 S c r e e n l a n d D r i v e , B u r b a n k , C a l i f o r n i a , d o h e r e b y c e r t i fy t h a t t h e f o l l o w i n g i n f o r m a t i o n , p e r t a i n i n g t o t h e e x p e r i e n c e a n d a c c o m p l i s h m e n t s of W R K o e h l e r of 5059 S t a t e S t r e e t , O n t a r i o , C a l i f o r n i a , is f a c t u a l . According to the W a r Departmen t Credentials, Mr Koehler served as a d o g t r a i n e r a t t h e P o m o n a O r d n a n c e Base, a n d w a s t r a n s f e r r e d f r o m t h a t Base t o t h e W a r D o g R e c e p t i o n a n d T r a i n i n g Center, S a n Carlos, C a l i f o r n i a , w h e r e he s e r v e d as a Principal Trainer. F u r t h e r e v i d e n c e establishes, t h a t in a d d i t i o n t o i n s t r u c t i n g o f f i c e r s a n d e n l i s t e d m e n , Mr. K o e h l e r d i d t r a i n i n g of a s p e c i a l i z e d n a t u r e . F r o m J u l y 1946 t h r o u g h t h i s d a t e , Mr. K o e h l e r s e r v e d a s C h i e f T r a i n e r f o r t h e Obedience program of t h e O r a n g e Empire Dog Club, t h e largest open m e m b e r s h i p d o g c l ub i n t h e U n i t e d States. Statistics s h o w t h a t d u r i n g this p e r i o d m o r e t h a n 14,00 0 d o g s p a r t i c i p a t e d i n t h e o b e d i e n c e classes spons o r e d b y t h e a b o v e o r g a n i z a t i o n . H e also c o n d u c t e d classes i n t r a c k i n g a n d s p e c i a l i z e d t r a i n i n g f o r t h a t c l u b . F r o m 1946 t h r o u g h 1957 Mr. K o e h l e r s e r v e d as Class I n s t r u c t o r f o r o b e d i e n c e classes s p o n s o r e d by t h e B o x e r C l u b of Southern California. Club record s h o w t h a t during t h a t period more t h a n 1100 dogs p a r t i c i p a t e d in t h e s e classes. Mr. K o e h l e r s e r v e d as Instructor f o r o b e d i e n c e classes s p o n s o r e d by t h e Dob e r m a n Pinscher C l u b o f S o u t h e r n C a l i f o r n i a . D u r i n g t h e p e r i o d o f instruct i o n 90 p a r t i c i p a t e d in t h e s e classes. F r o m 1954 t h r o u g h 1960, Mr. K o e h l e r s e r v e d a s Instructor f o r t h e Field D o g Classes s p o n s o r e d b y t h e Irish S e t t e r C l u b o f S o u t h e r n C a l i f o r n i a , w h i c h a r e o p e n t o all p o i n t i n g breeds. R e c o r d s h o w s t h a t 140 dogs h a v e r e c e i v e d i n s t r u c t i o n i n this s p e c i a l i z e d t r a i n i n g p r o g r a m . A d d i t i o n a l classes, f o r w h i c h t h e n u m b e r o f p a r t i c i p a n t s h a d b e e n substan-

Bill Koehler, The Man & His Method

tiated, bring the total number of dog trained in Mr. Koehler's classes to well over 15,700. The following innovations have been credited to Koehler's work in the field of obedience classes: • Introduction of f o u n d a t i o n w o r k w i t h a longe-line, in conjunction w i t h a complete absence of oral communication, as an emphatic m e a n s of i n s t i l l i n g a t t e n t i v e n e s s in a d o g .

• Introduction of a system of gradually diminishing the length of a light line, used in conjunction with other equipment, as an assurance of a dog's reliable off-leash performance. • Development of more widely applicable methods of rehabilitating fighters, biters, and other major offenders. There is no record of his ever having refused a dog the opportunity for rehabilitation for any reason. • Establishing class procedure which demanded that all, class participants make emphatic corrections and which ruled out tentative, nagging corrections on the premise that an indefinite approach to animal handling constituted a major cruelty. Later this contention was supported with evidence supplied by an internationally accredited scientist who revealed that the use of electro-encephalograph, of the same type used by the medical profession showed that the training efforts of an indeterminate person cause great emotional disturbance to a dog.

F o l l o w i n g a r e t h e a c c o m p l i s h m e n t s r e s u l t i n g f r o m Mr. K o e h l e r ' s e f f o r t i n t h e f i e l d o f o b e d i e n c e classes. • T h e rehabilitatio n of an unsurpassed n u m b e r of p r o b l em dogs, m a n y o f w h i c h w e r e r e f e r r e d t o his classes b y h u m a n e o r g a n i z a t i o n s a n d l a w f o r c e s a s a last h o p e t o a v o i d d e s t r u c t i o n .

Bill Koehler, The Man & His Method • T h e g e n e r a t i n g of c o m p e t i t i v e o b e d i e n c e dogs, o u t s t a n d i n g in n u m b e r s a n d q u a l i t y e v e n i n t h e Los A n g e l e s a r e a , w h i c h , according t o t h e A m e r i c a n K e n n e l statistics, i s b y f a r t h e g r e a t e s t obedi e n c e c e n t e r i n t h e U n i t e d States. • A r e c o r d of e f f e c t i v e n e s s a n d p r o v i s i on f o r t h e physical w e l f a r e o f d o g s t h a t has c a u s e d his f o r m a t s a n d t r a i n i n g m e t h o d s t o b e a d o p t e d b y m o r e o b e d i e n c e clubs t h a n t h o s e o f a n y o t h e r t r a i n e r i n this r e g i o n . T h r e e o f t h e o w n e r - h a n d l e d dogs f r o m Field Classes h a v e b e c o m e Field C h a m p i o n s a n d m a n y o t h e r s h a v e w o n points. I h a v e v i e w e d letters f r o m l a w f o r c e s in e v i d e n c e of his p e r s o n a l e x p e r i e n c e i n t h e a r e a s o f police w o r k a n d t r a c k i n g w i t h dogs. A s a n i n d i c a t i o n o f t h e s t a n d a r d o f p e r f o r m a n c e e x h i b i t e d b y m o t i o n pictures dogs h e has t r a i n e d , four of t h e numbers have been selected as deserving of t h e A c h i e v e m e n t A w a r d by t h e American H u m a n e Association. " W i l d f i r e " received the a w a r d f o r his p e r f o r m a n c e in t h e p i c t u r e "It's a Dog's L i f e , " p r e s e n t e d f o r t h e o u t s t a n d i n g a n i m a l a c t o r i n 1955. T h e h o n o r w e n t t o " C h i f f o n " f o r his p e r f o r m a n c e i n t h e p i c t u re " T h e S h a g g y D o g " i n 1959. " A s t a , " t r a i n e d b y Mr. K o e h l e r a n d h a n d l e d by h i m a n d his associates, Hal Driscoll, r e c e i v e d t h e a w a r d f o r best t e l e v i s i o n p e r f o r m a n c e b y a n a n i m a l o f his w o r k i n t h e series, " T h e T h i n M a n . " " B i g R e d , " t r a i n e d b y Mr. K o e h l e r r e c e i v e d t h e a w a r d f o r 1962. My qualifications for the aforementioned statements are as follows: -1. O b e d i e n c e c h a i r m a n & B o x e r C l u b of S o u t h e r n C a l i f o r n i a , Inc. (5 years) 2. P r e s i d e n t & B o x e r Clu b of S o u t h e r n C a l i f o r n i a , Inc. (1 y e a r ) 3. Delegate to the Southern California Obedience Council (5 years) 4. r e s i d e n t & S o u t h e r n C a l i f o r n i a O b e d i e n c e C o u n c i l (2 y e a r s) 5. V i c e - P r e s i d e n t & H o l l y w o o d D o g O b e d i e n c e C l u b , Inc. (2 y e a r s )

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Bill Koehler, The Man & His Method 6. President & Hollywood Dog Obedience Club Inc. (2 years) 7. Chairman of an Advisory Committee to the Southern California Obedience Council (2 years) 8. Director & German Shorthaired Pointer Club of Southern California (1 year) 9. Presently serving as President of the German Shorthaired Pointer Club of Southern California

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The Bill Koehler that I Know

Bill Koehler's family photo taken in December, 1986. Front row, from left: Jethro Quekf Ellen Koehler, Chai Ngoh, Elizabeth Quek, Lillian Koehler (wife). Back row: Harry Quekf Beth Koehler, Gwen Koehler, Sheldon and Bill Koehler.

Simplicity One December my family and I were staying with Bill and Lillian over a month. I ask Momma Lillian what to buy for Bill on Christmas day. Momma told me that I was very fortunate that I need to struggle with the decision only once. She had to struggle repeatedly every year. I then brought him some paperbacks by Louis L'amour. He had everything he needed and wanted and was thrilled to have my family staying with him. Humility Bill wanted to photocopy some notes in Chino, California. Bill suggested that I should drop in at the pet-store a few doors away and check whether his training books were available. On hearing the name of Bill Koehler the

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The Bill Koehler I Know y o u n g lady e x c i t e d l y g u s h e d t h a t h e r f a t h e r used t o w a t c h Bill p e r f o r m i n W a l t Disney's S t u d i o . She w a s d y i n g t o m e e t Bill a f t e r all t h e stories t h a t h e r f a t h e r t o l d her. Bill, a t t h a t m o m e n t w a l k e d in, she w a s o v e r w h e l m e d a n d w a s speechless w h e n I i n t r o d u c e Bill t o h e r

Generous A f t e r my first m e e t i n g w i t h Bill a n d Lillian K o e h l e r o v e r a 15 d a y p e r i o d : he s u g g e s t e d t h a t I s h o u l d stay in his h o u s e t h e n e x t visit. If t h e y a r e n o t h o m e w h e n I a r r i v e , I s h o u l d let myself in. T h e key is at t h e w i n d o w b e h i n d t h e house, he revealed.

Kindness Bill a l w a y s h e l d d o o r s o p e n f o r t h e p e o p l e b e h i n d h i m . W h e n I h a d a 12 m o n t h s o l d A m e r i c a n S t a f f o r d s h i r e T e r r i e r s t a y i n g i n his k e n n e l , h e sugg e s t e d t h a t I t a k e t h e d o g o u t e a r l y i n t h e m o r n i n g t o t h e exercise g r o u n d t o r e l i e ve itself. T h e n p u t t h e d o g i n t o his v a n a n d d r i v e h i m f o r t h e n e x t 1 5 m i n u t e s s o t h a t t h e d o g g e t used t o t r a v e l i n g i n t h e c r a t e b e f o r e his l o n g trip to Singapore. I could not w a k e up in t i m e a n d Bill K o e h l e r e v e r y morning w i t h o u t missing a day w o u l d carry out the routine. Bill K o e h l e r w a s n o t o n l y t h e g r e a t e s t a n i m a l t r a i n e r i n t h e w o r l d , he w a s a w a l k i n g Bible.

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The Bill Koehler I Know

A Letter to Bill Koehler 18th F e b r u a r y 1983. 5059 S t a t e S t r e e t Ontario, California USA 91761 Dear Mr Koehler My n a m e is Harr y Q u e k a n d I b e c a m e a p r o f e s s i o n a l d o g t r a i n e r t w e l v e months ago. Thanks to you. M y first G e r m a n s h e p h e r d d o g w a s t r a i n e d f i v e y e a r s a g o using t h e m e t h o d you propoun d in T h e Koehler M e t h o d of G u a r d Training and until n o w I w o u l d c o n s t a n t l y r e f e r t o this b o o k w h e n e v e r I f e e l t h e n e e d t o polish m y skill. I h a v e t h e o p p o r t u n i t y t o d e m o n s t r a t e t h e results o f y o u r t r a i n i n g m e t h o d , t h e best o f m y u n d e r s t a n d i n g a n d skill, i n t h e first G e r m a n S h e p h e r d D o g Specialty s h o w . T h e j u d g e , t h e P r e s i d e n t o f t h e Police D o g C l u b f r o m Taiw a n , w a s i m p r e s s e d w i t h m y dogs a t t e n t i v e n e s s a n d p e r f o r m a n c e . F r o m c o n s t a n t l y r e f e r r i n g t o t h e b o o k a n d a p p l y i n g t h e m e t h o d y o u insisted, I n o t o n l y f o u n d t h e m e t h o d e f f e c t i v e , b u t also t h e t i m e t r a i n i n g t h e d o g . Y o u r p r o v e n m e t h o d g a v e m e t h e c o n f i d e n c e t o h a n d l e p r o b l e m dogs a n d h e l p me to d e c i d e to t a k e up t r a i n i n g as a career. Presently, e v e r y w e e k e n d I a m assisting t h e D i r e c t o r o f T r a i n i n g o f t h e Singapore Kennel Club and the G e r m a n Shepherd Club in conducting O b e d i e n c e classes. I h a v e s h a r e d m y e x p e r i e n c e s w i t h h i m c o n c e r n i n g y o u r m e t h o d of t r a i n i n g a n d so f a r he is q u i t e p l e a s e d w i t h my results in corr e c t i n g p r o b l e m dogs. H e r e f e r r e d all his f r i e n d s f r o m t h e R o t a r y C l u b w h o w a n t t h e i r dogs t r a i n e d b y m e . M r K o e h l e r , I a m p l a n n i n g t o g o t o t h e States f r o m J u n e t o A u g u s t . I w o u l d like v e r y m u c h t o i m p r o v e m y k n o w l e d g e a n d skill i n t r a i n i n g dogs; a n d I

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The Bill Koehler I Know f e l t y o u w o u l d b e t h e best p e r s o n I s h o u l d a p p r o a c h . M y u n d e r s t a n d i n g o f y o u r t r a i n i n g m e t h o d s has its l i m i t a t i o n a n d 1 s t r o n g l y f e e l t h a t i f I w a n t t o i m p r o v e g r e a t l y I s h o u l d l e a r n f r o m y o u personally. I am n o t sure of y o u r program and I w o u l d be grateful if you could accommodat e my request. Again, I t h a n k you for the things you have t a u g h t me in your book. I hope to hear f r o m you soon. Y o u r s Faithfully , Harry Quek

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The Bill Koehler I Know E K Koford 12 C a m b o r n e R o a d S i n g a p o r e 1129 Feb 24 1983 Mr. W i l l i a m K o e h l e r 5059 S t a t e S t r e e t Ontario, CA USA D e a r Mr. K o e h l e r H a r r y Q u e k has a s k e d m e t o w r i t e a l e t t e r o f r e c o m m e n d a t i o n i n connec t i o n w i t h his p r o p o s e d visit t o y o u i n t h e States. I do n o t k n o w if my lette r w i l l carry a n y w e i g h t b u t I am v e r y p l e a s e d to h e l p H a r r y if I c a n . I am t h e T r a i n i n g D i r e c t o r of - Singapore Kennel Club - Germa n shepherd Club Both of which are voluntary and unpaid. H a r r y has v o l u n t e e r e d his services at my classes a n d has b e e n a g r e a t h e l p to m e . He is an a v i d a d m i r e r of y o u r s a n d is g r a d u a l l y p e r s u a d i n g me to adopt your training methods. I have f o u n d him dependable, level-headed and a good trainer w h o w o u l d b e n e f i t e n o r m o u s l y f r o m a p e r s o n a l visit w i t h y o u . Sincerely, Ernst K K o d f o r d

16

The Bill Koehler I Know A p r i l 2 2 n d 1983 Mr. Bill K o e h l e r 5059 State Street Ontario California 91761 USA D e a r Mr. K o e h l e r T h a n k you very much for t h e kind letter and pleased to k n o w that you w o u l d assist m e i n e v e r y w a y y o u c a n . I h a v e s c h e d u l e d f o r a business a p p o i n t m e n t in D a y t o n , O h i o on t h e 2 6 t h M a y a n d h o p e t o stay f o r t h e w e e k e n d s h o w a n d O b e d i e n c e Trials i n Cinc i n n a t i . S h o u l d I be a b l e c o n c l u d e t h e d e a l as p l a n n e d , I s h o u l d be a r r i v i n g O n t a r i o on t h e 3 0 t h May. As I am in no h u r r y a n d my p r o g r a m is f l e x i b l e , I w o u l d like t o s p e n d a s m u c h t i m e o b s e r v i n g , l e a r n i n g a n d assisting i n a n y or every w a y I can rather t h a n sightseeing or w a t c h i n g television. If t h e re i s a n y o t h e r o p p o r t u n i t i e s t o l e a r n besides t h e class h e l d d u r i n g t h e n i g h t s a n d S a t u r d a y I w o u l d n o t w a n t t o miss o u t . E v e n like a n o p p o r t u n i t y like b e g i n n i n g f r o m scratch. I w o u l d really a p p r e c i a t e b e c a u s e t h e k n o w - h o w s w o u l d h e l p m e t o b u i l d a solid a n d r e l i a b l e f o u n d a t i o n : a n d t h e g r e a t e r t h e e x p o s u r e t h e m o r e c o n f i d e n t t h a t I w o u l d p e r m a n e n t l y impress w i t h t h e correct m e t h o d a n d a p p r o a c h . Mr. K o e h l e r , i f i t i s n o t t o o m u c h t r o u b l e t o ask, d o y o u k n o w o f a n A m e r i c a n f a m i l y w h o is w i l l i n g to t a k e in a b o a r d e r ? It w o u l d be a t r e m e n d o u s experience for me. T h a n k you, again Gratefully, Harry Quek

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The Bill Koehler I Know

The Koehler Method will introduce you and your dog to the following aspects of growth and character development, so that your present relationship will evolve into one of positive responsible communication. Your dog will: • • • • •

Become more emotionally stable. Gain higher confidence. Possess a keener capacity for learning. Be able to adapt to new situations and handle fresh challenges. Remain relaxed and self-assured in the presence of a veterinarians, show judges, guests etc. • Realize full potential to be a well-behaved and reliable companion and family protector.

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A Real Life Experience A real life e x a m p l e s e e n f r o m my years of e x p e r i e n c e . Mr. B w a s a r e t i r e d agriculturist a n d s u f f e r e d f r o m h i g h b l o o d pressure. His d a u g h t e r w e n t t o C a n a d a f o r f u r t h e r e d u c a t i o n a n d left h e r 6-years o l d f e m a l e G e r m a n s h e p h e r d b e h i n d . B w a s advised to call me up, a f t e r his d o g t r i e d to a t t a c k a n o t h e r d o g in a p a r k . His d o g has a history of killing a c o u p l e of dogs in t h e n e i g h b o r h o o d . S o w e l l - k n o w n w a s her r e p u t a t i o n t h a t t h e n e i g h b o r s ' dogs w o u l d hastily r e t r e a t into t h e i r houses w h e n B's d o g w a s t a k e n o u t f o r exercise. We h a d a l r e a d y s t a r t e d t h e lessons f o r 2 w e e k s w h e n B a n d his d o g j o i n e d u s o n t h e 3 r d w e e k . T h e first t h i n g t h a t B's d o g d i d w h e n she a p p r o a c h e d t h e t r a i n i n g g r o u n d w a s t o c h a r g e a t t h e nearest dog. I t w a s chaotic trying t o g e t t h e class started. S o e x p l a i n i n g t o t h e class w h a t n e e d e d t o b e d o n e , I instruct B to p u t his d o g on t h e c h o k e c h a i n correctly a n d h o o k e d o n t o t h e longe-line a n d h e a d f o r w a r d t o t h e d o g 3 0 f e e t i n f r o n t o f him. I specifically r e m i n d h i m u n d e r a n y circumstance, h e w a s t o c o n t i n u e m o v i n g f o r w a r d a n d n o t look back. W h e n I t a p him o n t h e s h o u l d e r h e w o u l d h a n d t h e loop o f t h e longe-line t o m e a n d KEEP ON WALKING FORWARD. B's G e r m a n s h e p h e r d s a w w h a t she t h o u g h t w a s a n easy t a r g e t . Lunging f o r w a r d , w i t h B s t r u g g l i n g a n d t r y i n g to h o l d back t h e dog, I m o v e d t o w a r d h i m a n d t o o k o v e r t h e longe-line. T h e m o m e n t a r y slackness o f t h e 15 f o o t longe-line, I o p e n a n d close my p a l m , a n d w i t h a quick righta b o u t t u r n , I h e a d e d t o w a r d s t h e opposite direction. B e f o r e t h e d o g could f u l l y recover f r o m t h e impact o f opposite m o m e n t u m , I a g a i n b r o u g h t him closer t o w a r d t h e s a m e t a r g e t . T h e m o m e n t t h e longe-line t i g h t e n s a s she charges, I a g a i n d r o p t h e longe-line a n d h e a d e d t o w a r d s t h e opposite direction. T h e d o g t h e n realize t h e g r e a t e r t h e t e m p t a t i o n , t h e m o r e she needs t o k e e p her eyes o n me. W e c o n t i n u e t h e class w i t h o u t t r o u b l e a n d B g r a d u a t e d f r o m t h e Novice class on t h e 10th w e e k off-leash by t h e Director of T r a i n i n g of t h e Sing a p o r e K e n n e l club w h o w a s also t h e Director o f T h e S i n g a p o r e G e r m a n s h e p h e r d Club. H e w a s a m a z e d b y t h e result h e s a w a n d could n o t believe

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A Real Life Experience that Mr. B had just taken less than seven weeks of work to reach this level of obedience. Best of all, B's high blood pressure dropped to a healthy level when he went for his monthly check-up.

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Table of Content Bill Koehler, The Man & His Method

6

The Bill Koehler I Know

12

A Real Life Experience

19

Care & Housing

22

Lesson 1: Fables and Foibles

24

Lesson 2: Correct Equipment

25

Lesson 3: The Foundation

28

Lesson 4: Heeling

36

Lesson 5: Sitting

44

Lesson 6: The Automatic Sit Lesson 7: The Sit-Stay

.

48 49

Lesson 8: Stand-for-Examination

54

Lesson 9: The Down

60

Lesson 10: Down-Stay

66

Lesson 11: Recall

69

Lesson 12: Finish

—

72

Lesson 13: Polishing

77

Lesson 14: The Throw Chain

80

Lesson 15: The Light Line

86

Lesson 16: Don't Lose It - Use It

92

Problems

g«7

Be A K o e h l e r T r a i n e r

21

Care and Housing Y o u h a v e b o u g h t y o u r f i r s t p u p p y a n d y o u w a n t t o m a k e s u r e y o u raise h i m up correctly. Before you bring him home, decide w h e r e you w o u l d house him. If your puppy is b r o u g h t into a h o m e or a p a r t m e n t as a house-pet, section off an a r e a l a r g e e n o u g h w h e r e h e c a n lie d o w n c o m f o r t a b l y a n d a l s o his n e e d s t o relieve after a meal. Cover t h e w h o l e

area with a quarter inch of old

newspapers to paper-train him.

Introduction to Obedience Training T h e K o e h l e r m e t h o d ha d helped thousand s to train their dogs to high standards of o b e d i e n c e in all conceivable situations. A m o n g these t h o u s a n d s of o w n e r s are w o m e n a n d children w i t h pets just as strong in body a n d will as your o w n dog, indicating this m e t h o d can help you meet your o w n r e s p o n s i b i l i t i e s a s w e l l . A l s o , t h e w i d e s p r e a d success o f t h o s e less p h y s i c a l l y c a p a b l e t h a n y o u r s e l f s h o u l d r e m i n d y o u t h a t y o u r d o g ' s o b e d i e n c e w i l l inevitably be subjected to comparison. T h e step-by-step m e t h o d of o b e d i e n c e t r a i n i n g t h a t f o l l o w s d o e s n o t l e n d itself t o o m i s s i o n s . C o m p l e t e e a c h s t e p in proper order. W i t h y o u r d e t e r m i n a t i o n , t h e m e t h o d w i l l do m o r e t h a n help y o u shape y o u r d o g into a reliable a n d effective c o m p a n i o n . Happily, you will find that you and your dog will give something to each other that w a s not in t h e original job description. R e g a r d l e s s o f his k i n d o f w o r k a n d his m o t i v a t i o n s , a d o g t h a t h a d b e e n t r a i n e d i n t h e K o e h l e r m e t h o d i s less c o n f u s e d b y d i s t r a c t i o n s . He focuses more quickly and accurately on t h e task at hand.

22

Care & Housing

She was an Obedience instructor in the kennel club and regularly participated in competition with her poodle. In one exercise where the dog was commanded to fetch the dumbbell accidentally landed on the spectators' feet, the dog spooked and refused to obey. To say she was disappointed is an understatement: after all she was an instructor. She quietly contacted me and spent several private sessions training her poodle to retrieve under multiple distractions. She then entered her dog for the competition and came in first even though the dumbbell again landed on the spectators' feet. The judge, to her surprise, was impressed with the dog's confidence to obey under such stressful challenges. The judge later asked to meet up with me and attend one of the sessions conducted at the American school ground.

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Lesson 1: Fables and Foibles As the standard of living rises in cities all over Asia, more and more people are owning dogs. And with so many dogs and humans living in such close proximity, well-trained dogs are no longer an added luxury but a critical necessity, for the safety of both man and "best friend." He was a nine years old male daschund. The professional couple had him since he was a puppy and they treat him like their own son. He looked very cute. The trouble as he grow older he became a hoodlum. Whenever he got into an elevator and happened to see someone he would grab for the nearest leg. Add to the owners' woes he would protest his loudest whenever any of their friends drop in for a visit. He would only quiet down when the visitor left. Thirdly the dog had been marking his territory all over the newly installed wall-to-wall carpet. The owners are at their wits end. Their love for the dog and their hope and belief that something should and could be done other than follow all-the-well-rationalized theories that "he didn't understand - he really wants to please." The first step to training dogs is to debunk the myths and foibles. 1. The first myth is that the dog really wants to please. An intelligent dog rarely wants to please a person he does not respect. 2. The second myth that it is cruel to make a dog obey. The dog, like all God's creatures wants its own way. It will lunge after other dogs, bark indiscriminately at passers-by, and even attack a human being. The dog has to learn that its action have consequences. 3. You must catch the dog in the act. Consideration of the above examples and recollection of other things you have read and observed, should convince you that there are ideas expressed in books, training classes and by experts that are not only unworkable but risky. You will understand too, why he doesn't always "want to please". 24

Lesson 2: Correct Equipment No owner should handicap himself with a short leash, or one made with chain, plastics or other slippery materials; nor should he attempt to use an improper training collar. Bill Koehler drove me 20 miles to the pet store just to show me what the correct leather leash should be and elaborate how it will make a difference to the dog's performance. Remember - it will be impossible to employ some of the most effective and labor-saving techniques if you are not properly equipped. Do not substitute. Article 1: The Collar

Known as "chain training collar" or "choke chain," it is the most widely use for show rings and Obedience training. To determine the correct length, when made into a noose, your training collar should slide comfortably over the dog's head, yet not slip up on the dog's ears when his neck is bent towards the ground. It should be 21/2 to 3 inches of extra chain when the collar is pulled tight. Leather slip or choke collars do not function efficiently, and the conventional, buckle-on leather collar recommended for tying a dog is useless for training. The training collar should tighten securely to prevent any possibility of slipping during moments of resistance or excitement. Article 2: The Longe-line The second equipment is the longe-line. Do not dismiss it as "just another line." Its length is 15 feet. It is braided, light and strong and suitable for dogs ranging in size from the largest (it will hold a horse) down through the small but sturdy breeds such as the beagle and the Cocker Spaniel (For thickness for toy breeds one-quarter inch, medium breeds, half an inch and large breeds three-quarter of an inch). Make sure, for your effectiveness 25

Lesson 02: Correct Equipment and comfort, to get the material of sufficient weight and strength.

Article 3: Leather Training Leash A good training leash should be made from leather. It is six foot long and the width may vary from 3/4 inch to an inch for large breeds, 1/2 inch to 5/8 inch for medium breeds and 1/4 inch to 3/8 inch for toy breeds. It has a hand loop sewn and riveted in one end and a bridle snap is fastened to the other in the same substantial manner. Strength alone is not the reason for demanding top quality in your leash. The good, authoritative feel contributes to confident handling. Article 4: Throw Chains A necessary quality of the throw chain or chainette is the "feel" or balance that assures accuracy in throwing. That's why it must be of sufficient » weight and must be linked with rings as shown. The weight of the chains varies from eight ounces four and two ounces depending on the size of the dog you are training. The Throw chain will not hurt your dog and do not try to use the chain before you are completely informed of the psychology that is fundamental to its fullest effectiveness. Article 5: The Tab

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Lesson 02: Correct Equipment T h e t a b i s o n e o f t h e m o s t i n t e r e s t i n g p i e c e s o f e q u i p m e n t y o u w i l l use. T h e thickness should be similar to t h e longe-line used. It is also o n e of t h e s i m p l e s t a n d l e a s t costly. W h e n a t t a c h e d t o t h e live r i n g o f t h e c h o k e c h a i n , t h e t a b provides a good hand-hold in t h e absence of t h e leash.

Article 6: Light-line Light-line bridges t h e gap b e t w e e n control on t h e leash a n d control w h e n t h e d o g is physically free. It is very strong, very long a n d very light: so strong t h a t y o u r dog c o u l d n ' t b r e a k it; s o l o n g t h a t reg a r d l e s s o f his b o l t i n g s p e e d a n d y o u r s l o w n e s s y o u w i l l h a v e n o d i f f i c u l t y in grabbing it a n d so light t h a t it offer no discouragement for the dog to run.

27

Lesson 3: The Foundation

Prior to the training, confine your dog for at least 2 hours.

The Foundation: Getting your dog's attention Prerequisites: 1. Your dog should be at least 4 months old. Don't wait for the "just trained one dog expert" advice that the dog should be one year old before you start training (by then your house has been destroyed). 2. Restrict the dog's liberty for at least 1-2 hours before each training period by putting him in a crate, penning him in his run, a porch or by tying him with a six foot chain. If the area you

28

Lesson 03: The Foundation confined your dog to is small, he will be eager for a change of scenery. N o w y o u a r e r e a d y f o r t h e firs t lesson. H o l d o n e r i n g o f t h e t r a i n i n g collar w i t h t h e t h u m b a n d f o r e f i n g e r a n d d r o p t h e c h a i n t h r o u g h . M a k e a l o o p i n t h e t r a i n i n g c o l l a r a n d place i t o n t h e dog's n e c k . T h e " p u l l r i n g " o f t h e r u n n i n g p a r t o f t h e collar s h o u l d b e f a c i n g t h e t o p a n d c a n b e s m o o t h l y l o o s e n o r t i g h t e n a s i l l u s t r a te b y t h e p h o t o o n p a g e 25. A t t a c h y o u r 15-foot l o n g e - l i n e t o t h e c o r r e c t r i n g ( T h e " p u l l r i n g " t h a t t i g h t e n s ) r i n g o n t h e collar. G e t a g r i p o n t h e loop o f y o u r long-line . T h e l o o p i s h o o k e d t o t h e t h u m b o f t h e r i g h t h a n d a n d t o h o l d t h e slack l o n g e - l i n e i n t h r e e n e a t b u n d l e s . T h e l e n g t h o f t h e slack f r o m y o u r h a n d w h e n a t t a c h t o t h e t r a i n i n g c o l l a r s h o u l d f a l l slightly b e l o w t h e k n e e . L e a v e t h e plac e o f c o n f i n e m e n t . W e a r e n o t g o i n g t o t a l k t o y o u r d o g o r t h e least i n t e r e s t e d i n t e a c h i n g y o u r d o g t o " h e e l - h e e l - h e e l " n o r t o "sit-sit-sit." W e a r e f u n d a m e n t a l l y c o n c e r n e d w i t h instilling a n d d e v e l o p i n g t h e q u a l i t y t h a t i s p r e r e q u i s i t e o f a g o o d student - attentiveness. R e g a r d l e s s of y o u r p r o b l e m - g a t e c h a r g i n g , d e s t r u c t i v e c h e w i n g etc. - t h e s o l v i n g w i l l b e e a s i e r i f w e lay t h e p r o p e r f o u n d a t i o n . W e a r e g o i n g t o . t e a c h y o u r d o g t o b e a t t e n t i v e . T h e r e i s h i g h possibility t h e d o g w i l l l e a v e t h e area a h e a d of you. T h e open gate is a great invitation. He will hit t h e e n d o f t h e l o n g e - l i n e b e f o r e h e r e m e m b e r s t h a t his f r e e d o m has a " s t r i n g a t t a c h e d . " I n a f e w cases, s o m e dogs, t h e t i m i d o r q u e s t i o n i n g t h e n e w e q u i p m e n t a n d situation may be reluctant a n d freeze. Regardless of t h e dog's a t t i t u d e t o w a r d s his i n c r e a s e d f r e e d o m , s t a r t w a l k i n g t o w a r d s t h e a r e a w h e r e y o u p l a n t o b e g i n y o u r t r a i n i n g i n a business like m a n n e r . Resolve to head for a b o u t 50 f e e t a w a y ; a n d to keep going until y o u arrive. It is important for both you and the dog to feel t h a t you have a purpose in y o u r d i r e c t i o n . D o n ' t l o o k b a c k . J u s t l e a v e . M o s t i m p o r t a n t , g i v e n o silly inv i t a t i o n a l t u g s o r w a i t f o r his a p p r o v a l o r q u e s t i o n y o u r r i g h t t o m o v e n o w o r later. T h e l o n g e - l i n e l o c k e d i n y o u r h a n d s , i g n o r i n g t h e d o g , j u s t w a l k .

29

Lesson 03: The Foundation S h o c k e d by y o u r d e t e r m i n a t i o n , y o u r d o g m a y react in any one or a combin a t i o n o f m a n y w a y s . H e m a y brace himself; o r try t o rush all o v e r f r o m left t o right: o r f o l l o w m e e k l y a l o n g o r try t o m o u t h t h e longe-line o r scream s o loud t h a t w o u l d convince a n observer t h a t y o u a r e s k i n n i n g h i m alive. Regardless of his antics or his vocal protests, k e e p on m o v i n g until y o u reach t h e t r e e or o t h e r a v o w e d objective, t h e n stop. If it is d i f f i c u lt to resist l o o k i n g a t y o u r dog's f a c e a t t h e m o m e n t y o u stop, occupy y o u r s e l f w i t h w a t c h i n g t h e antics of a bird or s t u d y i ng t h e cloud f o r m a t i o n s f o r a m i n u t e or t w o . A f t e r a f e w minutes, start w a l k i n g a g a i n t o w a r d s y o u r second marker. D o n o t let t h e d o g stop until y o u reach y o u r d e s t i n a t i o n . A f t e r a n o t h e r breather, h e a d a g a i n t o w a r d s a n o t h e r marker.

Mr. Y brought a beautiful well-structured trained adult rottweiler from overseas. He must have been over 100 pounds. Everything looks very good except that the dog had a serious disposition flaw. He hates people standing at the bus-stops. The dog could do all the Novice exercises flawlessly when he was isolated from other dogs with the leash on. The new owner did not want to take the risk by keeping him on the leash always. I told the owner that the dog needed obedience training. I had to explain to him that just because a dog can sit, down and do all the rest of the exercises does not mean that he is obedient. Far from it! Obedience means simply responding to the owner's command. No arguing, protesting or excuses. When a dog is on the down-stay; and the owner goes into a store, the dog should remain in the same position until the owner returns and released him with the command, "Okay." Should a dog or even a cat pass by? It is not the dog business to get up. This is what we can define as an obedient dog. I started Rocky (the rottweiler) out early in the morning on a longeline. Regardless of his previous training, I want to instill in him the foundation of attentiveness. Yes, you heard me right. Rocky was bought with the purpose of protecting Mr. Y and his family. He needed to keep his eyes on the family members all the time and go into action if he sees something amiss. Therefore he must have a solid foundation of attentiveness.

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Lesson 03: The Foundation One early morning I took Rocky out of his house. There w e r e some stray dogs a hundred yards away. W i t h o u t saying anything, I started off w i t h my left foot towards the dogs. The instant Rocky saw the dogs, he lunged. As the longe-line tightened at five feet, I dropped the longe-line but w i t h the loop still in my closed palm, I w e n t into opposite direction. Because of the laws of physics, Rocky w e n t flying backwards. I again approached t h e dogs; and before he realized w h a t w as happening, he again lunged towards the dogs. This second time, I took the opposite direction w i t h greater force... and again he w e n t backwards. The third time I brought him hearer to the dogs; and w h e n I made a right-about turn he w a s w a l k i n g obediently next to me step for step. A couple of days of training under different distractions, I wa s ready to show Mr. Y and his family the results of training applying The Koehler Method. I took him to an open car-park surrounded by dogs and people. I had my assistant acting as a heavy 100 yards away. Commanding Rocky in a soft voice to sit-stay, I took off the leash and directed him to nail the heavy. He w e n t straight to t h e heavy and brought him down. After a f e w seconds of struggles, I command Rocky to release t h e heavy. He promptly sat w h i l e keeping his eyes on the heavy. A f t e r a b o u t 4 0 m i n u t e s , w i n d d o w n t h e t r a i n i n g s e s s i o n. G i v e a p a t o n t h e d o g ' s s h o u l d e r a n d s a y " O K " t o l e t h i m k n o w t h e t r a i n i n g i s over. Y o u c a n h a v e o n e session of 40 m i n u t es or b r e a k into a t w o - t w e n t y m i n u t e session. Let you r d o g d r a g t h e line w h e r e he w i l l for 5-10 minutes so he can relieve himself before heading home. Do not m a k e t h e mistake of releasing the dog and playing and encouraging him to run around in wild celebration. B y s u g g e s t i n g t o t h e d o g t h a t h e h a s h a d a n a w f u l t i m e a n d e n d o f lesson should be celebrated will teach him to regard t h e removal of leash or l o n g e - l i n e a s a c u e t o e n d his c o n c e n t r a t i o n a b r u p t l y a n d b e o u t o f c o n t r o l Y o u w i l l save yourself a lot of t r o u b l e a n d mishaps by an e n c o u r a g i n g p a t t h a n horseplay w h e n e n d i n g t h e lesson. C o n f i n e h i m a n o t h e r o n e hour. Do not f e e d or let him mix w i t h a n o t h e r pet or h u m a n being. Leave him alone to recollect w h a t he has gone t h r o u g h . L e t t h e l e s s o n s o a k i n his h e a d . Do this for t h r e e days.

31

Lesson 03: The Foundation *

Distractions has to appeal to your dog. This require proper planning beforehand.

On the fourth day, you are ready to add a new element. Before starting the session, plant distractions for your dog, a carefully planted dog, the cat that insulted him and whatever... that will cause to take his eyes from you. Make sure your dog sees the props you've set up. Hook the thumb of the right hand. Lock the right hand to your waistline (belly button). You can lock the left hand over the right hand for leverage and balance. The moment your dog lunges towards the prop you've set up, make a right-aboutturn and head in the opposite direction. You should be going at least eight miles an hour to ensure the dog's abrupt stop and complete reversal as the collar tightens around his neck. When he hits the end of the longe-line, slow down to a walk and gathers the slack as the dog catches up with you. Once your dog comes to an abrupt stop, move towards him to give him enough slack to repeat his dash. When your dog takes the bait, repeat your quick reversal. After the fourth try, your dog will have learned that it is most important to stay close and keep his eyes on you all the time.

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Lesson 03: The Foundation For t h e next f o u r days, increase t h e a p p e a l of t h e t e m p t a t i o n s . Stand y o u r d o g b e s i d e y o u close t o a w a l l a b o u t f o u r f e e t b a c k f r o m t h e c o r n e r . A s y o u hold t h e d o g on a slack longe-line, a r r a n g e have s o m e o n e a p p e a r f r o m a r o u n d t h e corner, leading or carrying a distraction of some sort. W h e t h e r it is a k i d on r o l l e r - b l a d e s , or b o u n c i n g b a l l , it s h o u l d c o m e as a complete surprise to y o u r dog. T h e instant y o ur dog sights t h e distraction, quietly trot in t h e opposite direction. If t h e line tighten s before y o u r d o g n o t i c e s y o u r m o v e m e n t , i t p r o v e s t h a t he's n o t a t t e n t i v e t o s t a r t t h e lesson on heeling on a six-foot t r a i n i n g leash. To start t h e leash w o r k before y o u h a v e a b s o l u t e a t t e n t i v e n e s s u n d e r a ll c o n d i t i o n s w i l l r e s u l t i n poor, u n p r e dictable performance. K e e p t e m p t i n g your do g until y o u are positive t h a t you r do g takes t h e strongest distraction as a cue to w a t c h you. So ends t h e first w e e k of training.

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The Koehler Method of Dog Training Novice Obedience Class Handout Sheet 01 Equipment A . T r a i n i n g Collar, a l s o k n o w n a s C h o k e C h a i n . (1) G o o d q u a l i t y

(2) P r o p e r l e n g t h

(3) M e t a l o n l y

B. 6-foot leather leash w i t h swivel snap. C. 15 f o o t long line m a d e of stron g sash cord or w e b b i n g . Longe Line: G e t t i n g y o u r dog's a t t e n t i o n ! O n e 4 0 m i n u t e s o r t w o 2 0 m i n u t e s sessions p e r d a y w i l l b e r e q u i r e d t h r o u g h o u t t h e 1 0 w e e k - c o u r s e e x c e p t o n d a y s t h e class m e e t .

1st & 2nd Day 1 . A t t a c h l o n g e l i n e t o t r a i n i n g c o l l a r a n d w a l k f r o m p o i n t 'A' t o p o i n t ' B ' ( a p p r o x i m a t e l y 5 0 f e e t ) s h o r t rest; f r o m p o i n t ' B ' t o p o i n t ' C ' ( 5 0 f e e t ) ; r e p e a t p a t t e r n t h r o u g h o u t session . 2. Do not give verbal c o m m a n d s or praise or o t h er c o m m u n i c a t i o n to dog while walking. 3. Do not nag d o g w i t h t u g g i n g on leash, just t a k e off a n d w a l k . 4 . A t t h e e n d o f e a c h session, r e m o v e t a p e a n d g i v e d o g " O K " c o m m a n d , let d o g c o o l o f f f o r 5 m i n u t e s w i t h l o n g e l i n e still a t tached.

3rd & 4th Day 1.

Continue'A'to'B'to'C'pattern.

2. D o a b o u t t u r n a n d r u n in o p p o s i t e d i r e c t i o n if d o g g e t s

more

t h a n 5 feet a h e a d of you. 3 . T a k e o f f r u n n i n g i f d o g lags 5 f e e t o r m o r e b e h i n d y o u . 4 . R e m e m b e r t o use t h e s l a c k i n t h e l i n e . . . d o n o t let l i n e t i g h t e n before running. 5 . U s e d i s t r a c t i o n s s u c h a s o p e n g a t e , c a t , m a i l m a n , g a r b a g e collector, e t c .

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5th & 6th Day 1 . C o n t i n u e 'A' t o ' B ' t o 'C' p a t t e r n . 2 . C o n t i n u e a b o u t - t u r n s f o r f o r g i n g a n d r u n n i n g f o r w a r d f o r lagging w h e n dog is more t h a n 2 feet ahead or behind. 3 . C o n t i n u e t o use d i s t r a c t i o n s ! F i n d n e w o n e s !

NEXT CLASS: B r i n g d o g o n 6 - f o o t l e a t h e r leash; d o g s s h o u l d w a l k o n leash w i t h i n 2 feet of you w i t h o u t forging or lagging. * N o i m p r o p e r l y e q u i p p e d d o g w i l l b e a l l o w e d i n class n e x t w e e k . N o inapp r o p r i a t e l y dresse d h a n d l e r w i l l b e a l l o w e d t o w o r k i n class n e x t w e e k .

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Lesson 4: Heeling

Dog travels about a foot to the left of the handler with his head parallel to the handler's body.

When, regardless of the distraction at the corner, your dog thinks only of you, you are ready for the first lesson with the training leash. T h e transition to the leash will be a continuation of those infallible right-about turns, with two important differences. With reduced length, from 15 f e e t to 6 feet, the demands on coordination and technique will be greater t h a n when you worked with the longe-line. A n d you are not just interested in making the dog go attentively in your direction, you w a n t him to also heel correctly. The ideal heel position is that where the dog travels about a f o o t to t h e left of the handler with his head parallel to the person's body.

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Lesson 4: Heeling 1. M a k e sure t h a t t h e chain feeds f r o m t h e leash t h r o u g h t h e ring a n d over t h e dog's neck w h e n he is on y o u r left side. 2. See t h a t t h e right t h u m b is inserted in t h e loop of t h e leash a n d hold t h e leash so t h a t t h e slack angles across t h e handlers k n e e w h e n t h e d o g i s b r o u g h t i n t o t h e h e e l p o s i t i o n a t t h e l e f t side . Suppose y o u r dog lunges t o w a r d s a place of t e m p t a t i o n , y o u c o u l d s i m p l y o p e n y o u r h a n d t o r e l e a s e t h e w h o l e six f e e t o f slack a s y o u r m a k e y o u r r i g h t - a b o u t t u r n . Y o u ar e n o w ready t o start. Give o n e c o m m a n d , prefaced b y t h e dog's n a m e . For e x a m p l e , say, " S h a d o w , h e e l . " S t e p r i g h t o u t i n t o t h e l e a s h w i t h t h e left leg a n d start w a l k i n g . M a k e sure y o u r c o m m a n d is really a comm a n d , not a request a n d t h a t it is simultaneous w i t h y o u r first step. W h e n h e m o v e s t w o f e e t a h e a d o f y o u , o p e n a n d close y o u r h a n d a n d lock it back to y o u r w a i s t l i n e as y o u m a k e a very, very e m p h a t i c right-about t u r n . Because y o u are holding y o u r leash correctly, y o u w i l l give y o u r d o g a j o l t i n g surprise w i t h o u t losing y o u r grip. If y o u r d o g tries to switc h direction, you w o u l d catch him flat-footed w i t h a right-about-turn. A f e w man e u v e r s w i l l c o n v i n c e h i m t h a t it's b e t t e r t o k e e p his e y e s b a c k i n a p o s i t i o n w h e r e h e c a n s e e w h a t y o u ' r e d o i n g . S o o n his r e s p o n s e s w i l l b e s o q u i c k ; i t w o u l d b e d i f f i c u l t t o s u r p r i s e h i m . R e w a r d his a t t e n t i v e n e s s w i t h a c a l m w o r d o f praise. G a t h e r t h e loop o f slack back t o y o u r w a i s t l i n e .

Walking on the Wrong Side Y o u r d o g s h o u ld a l w a y s w a l k on y o u r left, a little b e h i n d so he could w a t c h you. If you find your dog slinking around behind you, keep on w a l k i n g until t h e t i g h t e n i n g of t h e leash s h o w s t h a t he is g e t t i n g w e l l a r o u n d . Lock your hand hard against your body an d m a k e a sharp right-about turn.

As

y o u t u r n , t h e l e a s h n a t u r a l l y w r a p s a r o u n d y o u r legs, c a u s i n g t h e c o l l a r t o restrict t h e d o g ' s f r e e d o m a n d his b r e a t h i n g . I f y o u r d o g i m m e d i a t e l y r e t r a c e s his p a t h b a c k t o y o u r l e f t , p a t h i m w i t h y o u r l e f t h a n d a s e n c o u r agement. If he doesn't, t a k e a hard driving step b a c k w a r d w i t h your right l e g a n d t h e n g o f o r w a r d a n d h e w i l l a d j u s t b a c k t o y o u r l e f t side . V e r b a l l y praise him

37

Lesson 4: Heeling

Dog forging ahead.

Dog lagging behind.

38

Lesson 4: Heeling

Dog heeling wide.

Left turn into dog.

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Lesson 4: Heeling However, if your d o g panics a n d struggles t h e w r o n g w a y , do not try to d i s e n t a n g l e . K e e p o n w a l k i n g i n t o h i m u n t i l a c h a n c e l u n g e lessens his pressure a n d shows him t h e w a y back. Be quick in praising him fo r getting back to y o u r left side.

Left-Turns I f t h e d o g c a n g e t a c o u p l e o f i n c h e s t o a f o o t a h e a d a n d i s still a w a r e o f your right-about-turns, y o u can t u r n left a n d b u m p into him in such a manner t h a t he'll not be anxious for a repeat performance . Give t h e heel c o m m a n d a n d start. As he starts to ease past you, pivot on t h e right foot, m a k i n g a left angle t u r n into him in such a w a y t h a t your turning step will convincingly thrust, not experimentally probe, your knee o r l e g i n t o t h e d o g p r e f e r a b l y b e t w e e n his n e c k a n d t h e n o s e . W h e n y o u r e a c h t h e p o i n t w h e r e he's h o l d i n g a p o s i t i o n t h a t w i l l n o t int e r f e r e w i t h his l e f t t u r n s , y o u c a n use a l i t t l e v a r i a t i o n t h a t w i l l m a k e h i m even m o r e pace conscious. Increase y o u r speed to a fast w a l k ; t h e n , as t h e e x h i l a r a t i o n o f y o u r f a s t e r g a i t c a u s e s t h e d o g t o r e l a x his a t t e n t i v e n e s s , suddenly slow a n d m a k e a left turn. Repeat t h e f o r m u l a of speed up, slow d o w n , a n d l e f t t u r n u n t i l h e t a k e s all y o u r w a l k i n g s p e e d a s a c u e t o e x p e c t the unexpected.

The mother of the owner of the schnauzer w as complaining that w h e n she tried to train him, the dog w o u l d nip her shoe or try to untie her shoelace. The dog w o u l d only do that to her and no one else. I told her that Bill Koehler reminded under "Fables and Foibles" the dog withhol d respect f r o m those loved ones w h o m he so easily bested in every battle of w i t s . " She wa s instructed to follow-up w i t h a correction and had no problem w i t h the dog since.

Right-Turns Y o u are equipped to correct t h e dog t h a t tries to go a h e a d by pulling or easing, we will consider the remaining t w o way s in w h i c h a dog might break t h e heel position. He m i g h t lag behind , or he m i g h t v e e r s i d e w a y s

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Lesson 4: Heeling a w a y f r o m y o u w i t h t h e intention o f t i g h t e n i n g t h e leash, t h e r e b y preventi n g y o u f r o m s u r p r i s i n g h i m . W e w i l l c o r r e c t t h e s e t a c t i c s w i t h t h e last o f our trainin g turns - right turn. This is d o n e by planting t h e left foot, pivoting sharply to t h e right a n d m a k i n g a right a n g l e t u r n . Praise t h e d o g w h e n he catches up to y o u r left side.

The monk joined t h e class on t h e 2nd lesson. Every time he started w a l k i ng the dog w o u l d turn around w i t h his legs up in t h e air; and the handler also stopped and tried to coax the dog and the n carry him. After observing him for a couple of futile attempts, I took over and started walking. The dog after a f e w seconds of sliding on the cemented ground decided that it is more sensible to be right side up w h e n heeling. The monk expressed surprise w h e n he saw his dog walking.

Refusing to Move I f t h e d o g h a s n o e x p e r i e n c e o n a l e a s h a t a l l , i t w o u l d b e b e s t t o let h i m d r a g a longe-line a r o u n d f o r t w o to t h r e e days ( w h i le he is being supervised). T h e n as he shows no concern for t h e longe-line t h e handler is ready t o pick u p t h e loop a n d start w a l k i n g . T h e r e is no such t h i n g as a d o g t h a t w o u l d not w a l k on a leash. Regardless of t h e resistance, do not coax; k e e p w a l k i n g until you r d o g comes to y o u There are things the dog must do w h e t h e r he w a n t s to or not. 1. Grabbing t h e Leash: W h a t if y o u r d o g grabs hold of t h e leash a n d tries to s h a k e or carry it? Lock both hands o n t o t h e leash f o r m a x i m u m traction a n d lift s t r a i g h t u p . T h e d o g s h o u l d g o u p l i k e a r o c k e t a n d descend like a parachute. Lift y o u r dog clear off t h e g r o u n d . Under-correction will only encourage your dog to try again. 2. Fouling t h e Leash: If your dog tries to foul t h e leash w i t h one f o o t as he w a l k s along, the correction is the same as t h o u g h he w e r e grabbing it w i t h his m o u t h .

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The Koehler Method of Dog Training Novice Obedience Class Handout Sheet 02 On Leash Heeling 1 . M a k e s u r e y o u a r e h o l d i n g leash correctly-slip r i g h t h a n d t h r o u g h l o o p a n d lay across p a l m . Use i n d e x , m i d d l e f i n g e r a n d t h u m b t o a d j u s t slack i n leash. 2 . W i t h d o g s i t t i n g o n y o u r l e f t side, h o l d leash i n r i g h t h a n d a n d p l a c e i t o n y o u r belly b u t t o n a n d l e a v e i t t h e r e ! E n o u g h slack s h o u l d b e l e f t s o t h a t t h e leash h a n g s j u s t b e l o w t h e l e f t k n e e . 3 . D o n o t place l e f t h a n d o n leash! 4 . Use y o u r dog's n a m e a n d c o m m a n d " H e e l " a n d s t a r t o f f o n y o u r left foot. 5 . D o g s h o u l d a l w a y s h e e l o n y o u r l e f t side.

Turns 1. R i g h t A b o u t T u r n - d r o p slack in leash, p i v o t on l e f t f o o t a n d w a l k in opposite direction. T h e Right A b o u t Turn is a correction for the dog that is forging ahead. 2. Right Turn - for dogs heeling w i d e , or lagging 3 . L e f t T u r n - t u r n i n t o d o g , f o r d o g t h a t leans a g a i n s t y o u , o r crowds you.

1st & 2nd Day 1. H e e l i n g Exercise - include s R i g h t A b o u t T u r n , L e f t T u r n , R i g h t T u r n , Fast a n d S l o w . 2. W h e n y o u c o m e to a h a l t - plac e d o g in s i t t i n g position. NO c o m m a n d t o sit!

3rd & 4th Day 1 . C o n t i n u e h e e l i n g exercises, u s i n g R i g h t A b o u t T u r n , R i g h t T u r n a n d Left Turn. 2 . G i v e c o m m a n d t o " S I T " a n d plac e d o g i n s i t t i n g p o s i t i o n .

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5th & 6th Day 1. C o n t i n u e h e e l i n g exercises a n d t u r n s . 2. Give c o m m a n d " S i t " a n d give correction if d o g does n o t sit. Start f r o m b e g i n n i n g t o g e t s t r a i g h t sits.

NEXT CLASS: D o g s h o u l d hee l o n left side in p r o p e r position. A f t e r y o u c o m e t o a halt, d o g s h o u l d sit a f t e r o n e c o m m a n d t o " S i t " w i t h o u t correction.

43

Lesson 5: Sitting

Dog in sit position beside the handler. B e f o r e m o v i n g to t h e lesson on sitting, give y o u r d o g this test. Bring y o u r dog, at heel, to a n e w t e m p t a t i o n , such as an o p e n car d o o r or a cat in a cage. W h e n y o u reach t h e point of t e m p t a t i o n , stop. If your d o g stops a n d stands w o n d e r i n g w h a t you're about to do next, you are ready for the next exercise. If your d o g is not yet ready, bring him to a n e w t e m p t a t i o n each day a n d correct a n y i n a t t e n t i v e n e s s w i t h t h e m e t h o d s i n t h e last chapter. W o r k f o r only a f e w minutes, t h e n put him in a place of confinement. Of t h e m a n y w a y s a d o g can s h o w c o n t e m p t , t h e "sit exercise" is o n e of t h e most expressive. He could w a i t for the second, third or fourth c o m m a n d , o r n a g g i n g t u g s b e f o r e sitting. H e c a n also sit s i d e w a y s , his e y e s a n d m i n d

44

Lesson 5: Sitting

Bearing weight down on left hand, forcing the thumb and fingers into the loin muscles. f o c u s e d o n s o m e t h i n g o t h e r t h a n his master. S o assure a c c u r a c y b y s t a r t i n g correctly. A s y o u w a l k a l o n g w i t h t h e d o g a t h e e l , p r e p a r e t o s t o p , r e d u c e y o u r slack. T h e n s t o p , d r o p y o u r l e f t h a n d d o w n across t h e dog's loin . M a k e s u r e y o u r t h u m b i s p o i n t i n g t o w a r d y o u . K e e p t h e dog's h e a d a n d b o d y i n l i n e w i t h t h e d i r e c t i o n t h a t he's b e e n t r a v e l i n g . G i v e h i m o n e c o m m a n d t o sit, w h i c h consist o f his n a m e a n d c o m m a n d . For e x a m p l e , " S h a d o w , S i t . " A s h o r t r i g h t h a n d e d g r i p a f e w i n c h e s close t o t h e s n a p w h i l e h o l d i n g t h e t e n s i o n o n t h e leash, b e a r y o u r w e i g h t d o w n o n y o u l e f t h a n d a s i t closes, f o r c i n g t h e t h u m b a n d f i n g e r s i n t o t h e l o i n muscles. T h e i n s t a n t h e r e a c h e s t h e sit p o s i t i o n , r e l e a s e t h e t e n s i o n i n y o u r g r i p a n d praise h i m a n d let t h e left hand w o r k at patting him. N o w give a heel command, and immediately start w a l k i n g . Vary your speed a n d correct any inattentiveness a n d poor position w i t h t h e proper t u r n and

45

Lesson

4: H e e l i n g

Handler bending knees for correction if dog is slow r e w a r d i n g c o o p e r a t i o n w i t h praise. W o r k a t h e e l i n g u n t i l y o u r d o g i s g i v i n g y o u his f u l l e s t a t t e n t i o n , t h e n s t o p a n d r e p e a t t h e sit exercises. I m m e d i a t e l y a f t e r h e c o m p l i e s , praise h i m . W h a t i f t h e d o g w i l l n o t f o l l o w t h e i n s t r u c t i o n s t o sit? Sto p w i t h y o u r dog's l e f t side close to a f e n c e or a b u i l d i n g . As y o u p l a c e h i m on a sit, his s i d e - s t e p p i n g w i l l b e l i m i t e d t o a f e w inches. W h a t i f he's s o s t r o n g y o u can't push him d o w n ? K e ep him boxed in b e t w e e n y o u a n d t h e fence, put a lot o f pressure o n t h e r e a r a n d s u f f i c i e n t u p w a r d pressur e o n t h e leash t o m a k e his b r e a t h i n g a c h o r e . D o n ' t e a s e u p u n t i l h e w e a k e n s a n d sits. P r o m p t l y e a s e t h e pressure o n t h e leash a n d praise h i m . Heel h i m o f f , a n d d o a n e x e r c i se h e d o e s w i l l i n g l y . I t m i g h t s w e e t e n t h e dog's a t t i t u d e tow a r d t h e d i s t a s t e f u l exercise . K e e p o n t e a c h i n g t h e Sit e x e r c i s e b y p l a c i n g t h e d o g i n t h e sit p o s i t i on f o r 5 days, t h i r t y t i m e s p e r d a y t o b r e a k d o w n resistance a n d i n s u l a t e a g a i n s t

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Lesson 5: Sitting a dog t h a t is mentally dull. This principle of overloading on t h e teachin g p h a s e c a n r e a l l y m a k e t h e c o r r e c t i o n p h a s e a lot e a s i e r e v e n i f h e s e e m s t o o b e y m o s t o f t h e t i m e . W o r k till y o u r d o g w i l l sit i m m e d i a t e l y w i t h o u t a n y c u e e x c e p t t h e c o m m a n d t o sit. R e m e m b e r , o n e c o m m a n d .

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Lesson 6: Automatic Sit R e p e a t t h e exercises t o sit o n c o m m a n d . S o o n y o u r d o g starts s i t t i n g w h e n y o u stop, even before y o u give t h e c o m m a n d . W h e n this happens about 50 p e r c e n t o f t h e t i m e , h e i s r e a d y f o r t h e A u t o m a t i c Sit. N o w s t a r t c o r r e c t i n g h i m w h e n h e f a i l s t o sit a u t o m a t i c a l l y w h e n y o u stop . W h e n y o u g e t t o t h e p o i n t w h e r e h e sits t e n t i m e s i n a r o w w i t h o u t c o r r e c t i o n , y o u a r e r e a d y t o use t h i s e x e r c i s e f o r " c h a r a c t e r s h a p i n g . " T h e n e x t t i m e h e a d t o w a r d a s p o t t h a t w i l l f u r n i s h g r e a t t e m p t a t i o n f o r y o u r d o g like a n o p e n door. W h e n y o u stop, your dog may remain standing, looking at t h e t e m p t a t i o n . At this p o i n t , f i r m l y c o r r e c t h i m . Lock b o t h h a n d s t o g e t h e r a b o u t t w o inches f r o m t h e s n a p w i t h t h e p a l m s o f t h e h a n d s f a c i n g t o w a r d s t h e g r o u n d f o r best leverage, knees bending, give a forceful straight u p w a r d thrust a n d release w h e n dog's r e a r c o n t a c t t h e g r o u n d . N o v e r b a l c o m m a n d t o 'Sit' i s n e e d e d . T h e c o r r e c t i o n m a d e , g i v e h i m a h e e l c o m m a n d a n d g o back t h e w a y y o u came; do a right-about t u rn a n d stop again at t h e point of temptation. Praise h i m i f h e sits; corrects h i m i f h e d o e s n ' t . R e p e a t t h i s u n t i l y o u r d o g d o e s t h e a u t o m a t i c sit w i t h o u t a n y fuss. A t t h i s p o i n t , y o u r d o g i s g i v i n g y o u his f u l l a t t e n t i o n w h e t h e r y o u a r e m u n c h i n g a n a p p l e o r s t u d y i n g t h e clouds. T h i s i s t h e f o u n d a t i o n f o r f u t u r e l e a r n i n g .

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Lesson 7: Sit Stay Bring your dog, at heel, from his place of confinement. Stop just as you leave the area. If he sits without the slightest cue, he is ready. If not, he needs another lesson in the Automatic Sit.

In the Sit-Stay, the dog stays seated until another command from his handler causes him move. The dog is to stay seated in the same position at the same location whether you the handler stay within sight or not. To do this right, each step must be meticulously followed. 1. First, before making a stop, reduce the amount of slack to about ten inches. After you've stopped, and your dog has sit automatically, raise your right hand and evenly apply pressure to encourage your dog to stay seated. Give a command, "Shadow, stay!". 2. As you speak, extend your left hand, fingers fully spread to a few inches of your dog's face. Hold that hand in position and take one step with your right foot and face the dog. Make sure the tension of the leash is taut enough to encourage your dog to stay seated. 3. As you continue to hold your left hand in position, without letting the tension go completely, increase and decrease the pressure in a series of weak, unemphatic tugs, which your dog should resist. 4. After about five seconds, with the restraining tension still in the leash, reverse your pivoting step so that it puts you back at the side of the dog. DO NOT PRAISE THE DOG. You do not want the dog to break from the Sit-Stay. Give the command "Heel" and take one step forward with your left leg and stop. Then praise the dog for having done the Sit-Stay. The taking one step forward with the left leg, releasing the dog from remaining in that position and spot is called "Exercise Finished". 49

Lesson 7: Sit Stay 5.

S t a r t w i t h f i f t e e n s e c o n d s f o r t h e f i r s t d a y and t h i r t y seconds on t h e n e x t d a y a n d b y t h e t h i r d day, t h e d o g c o u l d b e e x p e c t e d t o "Sit-Stay" for forty-five seconds.

Since t r a i n i n g in reliable o b e d i e n c e can best be d o n e in situations w h i c h t h e t r a i n e r sets u p o r rigs t o his o w n a d v a n t a g e , y o u m u s t g e t t h e d o g t o disobey in a situation w h i c h y o u can control. S t a r t t r a i n i n g o n t h e f o u r t h d a y b y r e v i e w i n g t h e e x e r c i s e s o f h e e l i n g , sitt i n g a u t o m a t i c a l l y a n d t h e b e g i n n i n g o f t h e sit-stay. T h e n o n t h e f o u r t h automatic-sit, give t h e usual stay c o m m a n d a n d h a n d gesture. Release t h e t e n s i o n by l e t t i n g t h e f u l l a m o u n t o f t h e s l a c k c o m e i n t o t h e leash. B e sure to k e ep an u n b r e a k a b l e grip on t h e h a n d loop. T a k e o n e step b a c k w a r d so t h a t y o u a r e t w o f e e t f r o m y o u r d o g . H o l d f o r f i f t e e n s e c o n d s . D o n o t say a n y t h i n g m o r e , r e l a x y o u r l e f t a n d let y o u r d o g d o t h e r e m e m b e r i n g . I f h e s t a y s s i t t i n g w i t h o u t m o v i n g f o r f i f t e e n s e c o n d s , r e t r a c e y o u r steps, p i v o t b a c k t o his s i d e d o a n " E x e r c i s e F i n i s h e d " a n d p r a i s e h i m . B e c e r t a i n n o t t o let y o u r d o g use t h e a c t i o n o f y o u r r e t u r n a s a n e x c u s e t o m o v e before t h e Exercise Finished. End t h e exercise w i t h a heel-comman d a n d start b a c k i n t o y o u r w o r k i n g p a t t e r n o f h e e l i n g a n d a u t o m a t i c sits. W h a t if your dog moves before t h e fifteen seconds is up, or before the heel c o m m a n d ends t h e exercise? W h a t e v e r t h e case, don't o p e n y o u r m o u t h , m o v e quickly t o w a r d w h e r e your d o g should have stayed sitting. As y o u m o v e , g a t h e r t h e slack w i t h y o u r f r e e h a n d s o t h a t y o u w i l l h a v e j u s t e n o u g h to t a k e up w i t h a t w o - h a n d e d corrective jerk t h at propels the dog b a c k t o his p r o p e r p o s i t i o n . W h e n y o u r d o g r e p e a t e d l y stays f o r a t least fifteen seconds he will be ready for a progra m of stability-building temptations. Progress f r o m f i f t e e n seconds to longer periods, using properly t i m e d a n d applied praise a n d corrections. O n f i f t h d a y h a n d l e r takes t w o steps back f r o m d o g ( a b o u t f o u r f e e t ) a n d dog should hold f o r thirty seconds. Handler returns, does an Exercise Finished a n d praises dog. T h e h a n d l e r should c o n t i n u e to increase to fortyf i v e s e c o n d s t h e s i x t h d a y o n t h e Sit-stay a n d s t e p b a c k a f u l l s i x - f o o t l e a s h away.

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Lesson 7: Sit Stay

Give the command " S t a y " before taking pivoting step in front of the dog.

Step forward beginning with the right foot and stand in front of the dog.

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Lesson 7: Sit Stay

The dog should sit stay with the handler several feet away.

Return to the dog in counter-clockwise direction.

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Lesson 7: Sit Stay Proper timing is vital to your success. After making a correction, insist that the dog hold his position until you finish the exercise. To get the full benefit from your corrections, follow this rule: after a correction, take the dog's first sign of cooperation as the moment to return and praise him for proper response. When your dog holds a one-minute sit-stay for five consecutive times, your dog is ready for a new distraction. After consistent praise and correction has taught your dog to ignore your step you might try doing push-ups, dropping on one knee to tempt him to move. It is fair temptation as long as it is not personally addressed to your dog. Having convinced your dog with praise and correction that your stepping, kneeling, and jumping are not an invitation for him to break from his stay you should be prepared to return to your dog on a new route. As you return to your dog, switch your loop of the right hand to your left. Extend your arm as far as possible to his right side, walk around behind him and return to his side. Change the leash back to your right hand. Pause for a few seconds to adjust to the leash to a comfortable length and do the exercise finish and praise the dog. Be careful not to step on his tail when going around the dog's rear. The counter- clockwise when returning around to the side of your dog is not done until one week work of reliable Sit-Stay.

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Lesson 8: Stand for Examination

Dog lifted up in standing position

This is not just a formal exercise for dog shows. Instead it is an exercise that will train your dog not to bite indiscriminately. Since there is no confusing similarity between the trainer's actions on the Sit-Stay and the Stand-forExamination, the two exercises can be started at the same time. Review previously learned exercises. Praise him for his automatic sit when you stop so that he will not take your action of putting him on the stand as disapproval. Adjust your left foot slightly in between the front and the back legs of the dog. The right foot securely forward for comfortable balance as shown. Change your grip so that your right hand is holding the leash close to the dog's neck. This will keep his front end from drifting about as you work 54

Lesson 8: Stand for Examination with his rear and at the same time prevent an accidental upward tug which would give your dog a cue to sit. The right hand pulls slightly forward on the leash to control the dog's front end. Adjust your position so that you can extend your left arm across the small of the dog's back beneath his loin. Give a command such as "Stand" and gently raise your dog to a standing position. When he is standing, move your left hand from under him and gently stroke his side and his back in the area of his shoulders. When he has stood for ten seconds, show your approval with praise as you heel him one step forward to where he should sit automatically. This is to discourage the dog from ever sitting back down on the spot where he was placed on the Stand for Examination. If he should try to sit before this terminating step, raises him back to a stand with a gentle tug forward with the leash close to his neck. If he makes 501 attempts to sit, raise him 502 times. When he has worked on the exercise about fifteen times each day for seven days, your dog should hold a stand for half a minute as you lightly stroke his back. By now you should begin conditioning him to the approach and touch from all angles in preparation for later accustoming him to strangers. Begin the sixth day on the stand by placing your dog in the usual way. Let all the leash, except for the grip, fall from your right hand. This is to make it impossible for you to accidentally tighten the leash as you begin to work your way around the dog. Give a stay command, and, with your left hand lightly stroking the dog near the shoulder, begin to sidestep around him in a counter-clockwise position. As you passed in front of him, change the leash grip to your left hand. The leash must remain on the right side. After you have passed behind the dog and are moving back along his right side toward the starting point, switch the leash grip back to the right hand. At all times, make sure he does not break from the stand you have placed him. Practice your exercises, periodically repeating the standing and conditioning to touch routine at least ten times each day. For the first two days, do a counter-clockwise circle around the dog while stroking the dog's withers. The next two days, continue to stroke the dog's withers while moving counter-clockwise around the dog twice. Increase

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Lesson 8: Stand for Examination

Helper approached and touched dog in Stand-for-Exa mi nation

to move around three times on the fifth and sixth day. If the dog moves, a firm lift under the tummy and a jerk forward for the correction. On the second week on the Stand for Examination, move around your dog at arm's length change the circling pattern to an oval that lets you move out to face him from a distance of three feet in front. On the sixth day of work on the Stand by placing him in the usual manner. Let the whole length of the leash except the grip fall from your right hand. Give a stay command, and with your left hand lightly stroking the dog near the shoulder, begin to sidestep around him smoothly and confidently in a counterclockwise pattern. After you've passed behind the dog and are moving back along his right side towards the starting point, you need to switch the leash grip back to the right hand. Immediately give a heel-command, take a step, straighten up and adjust to the proper leash grip-all in one motion. Face the dog out in front for about five seconds, and then pass your leash to the left hand, which extends out at your side about chest level. Move

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Lesson 8: Stand for Examination back toward him and continue on a casual walk that takes you past his left side, behind him, and around back to the heel position. Finish the exercise by heeling him one step forward. Begin the third week on the Stand for Examination by placing your dog in the stand the usual way and give the stay command. Now as you have told him to stay take 1 step out in front of him. Here the progression of 1 step out for the 1st and 2nd days for 10 seconds then 2 steps out on the 3rd and 4th days for 20 seconds then 3 steps out on the 5th and 6th days for 30 seconds. Four days after you begin to face your dog from out in front, he should be ready to be introduced to the approach and touch part of the exercise. The person doing the touching can be a stranger or a friend as long as he will scrupulously follow your instructions. To prepare the dog for the Stand-forExamination you can do the Sit-for Examination. Your dog by now have two weeks of work on the Sit-stay. A good preparation for the Stand for Examination is the Sit stay (for exam) where someone approaches and pats the dog on the head and the dog must hold regardless of his emotion. The person should neither be a timid, uncertain type, nor a know-it-all who will disregard your instructions. Tell your helper to stand quietly a few feet from the dog's right side until the dog has been placed on the stand and you have taken your position out in front. Without the appearance of reaching toward him, a hand should hang impersonally near the dog's nose so that a slight move of his head will allow the dog to sniff the hand. When his sniff shows that he is resigned to the helper's presence, the person should touch the dog confidently on the head or neck, and immediately, turn and walk away. You should then walk around the dog and break him loose in the usual way. When you are certain your helper will do as he is told, work a few of the stand-and-touch exercises into your practice pattern. Practice the exercise faithfully, having your helper touch the dog from all angles. A disciplined dog will increase security for you and make any vet visits a lot more pleasant.

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The Koehler Method of Dog Training Novice Obedience Class Handout Sheet 03

Sit-Stay Hold left hand in front of dog's nose, give command "Stay" and pivot directly in front of and facing dog, then pivot back into place. Leave dog on right foot. Heeling Post Use a pole for heeling post for dogs that heel wide. Exercise Finish After completing any exercise, take one heeling step and halt. Then praise dog (this is called "Exercise Finished). Use the "Heel" command and insist on the "Automatic Sit." Stand Place right hand on leash close to collar, while reaching over dog flank area of dog and raising up into a standing position with left arm. When dog is in standing position, stroke shoulder lightly and correct if dog moves. No verbal command for two days. 1st & 2nd Day 1. Dogs should be corrected if they don't sit automatically upon halt. NO verbal command! 2. Practice "Sit-Stay," stand in front of dog for 15 seconds, pivot back to dog, sit correction if dog moves. 3. Continue heeling and heeling post work. 4. Practice "Stand," complete stand with "Exercise Finished." NEVER let dog sit from Stand position. 3rd & 4th Day 1. Sit-Stay for 30 seconds, move out to three feet in front of dog. 2. Continue all phases of heeling work 3 Give dog the command to "Stand."

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5th & 6th Day 1. Sit-Stay for 1 minute, move out to end of 6-foot leash. Dog should Sit-Stay while being petted by a member of your family. If he moves, correct! Family member should NOT use dog's name while he is going over the dog. 2. Continue all phases of heeling work. 3. Dog should hold "Stand" for one minute.

NEXT CLASS: Dog should do Automatic Sit and do 1 minute "Sit-Stay." On leash heeling should become more polished, with straight Sits.

Lesson 9: The Down Prepare for the first lesson of the Down exercise by a careful study of the drawing. Memorize the step-by-step procedure for properly placing your dog in the down position. Begin by bringing the dog, at heel, from his place of confinement and reviewing all exercised learned to date. When you reach a point where there is not the slightest contention on an exercise, make a stop and after the dog has sat automatically, command the dog to "Stay." He must be able to hold his Sit-Stay before you give one command, "Down." Then slide your left hand down to the collar, bend down on your left knee to the ground parallel to the dog' body. Hold the collar snugly to keep his neck from sliding and turning. Take the right hand with the palm facing up to the sky, reach under his right leg, take hold of his left leg and gently lift out. At the same time the left forearm bears down across his shoulders as you say "Shadow" Down and praise. Keep the downward pressure of your left arm on the dog's back as you move both his feet straight forward from under him. If his legs are small enough you can hold them both in your right hand; otherwise, grasp his left leg at a point high enough to prevent him from raising his right leg above the path of your arm to carry his feet from under him. Praise the dog immediately when he reaches the down position and let him get up. Walk off with the dog at heel and practice the other exercises one or twice each, then repeat the placing and praising on the down. The average training period, with time spent on practicing exercises and meeting a dog's occasional challenge will be fifteen times per session. To greatly reduce the resistance to the Down Correction it is advisable to increase the Down exercise to thirty times per days for ten days. During the training periods of the first ten days spent on the down, continue to place and praise your dog in the down position. If you've done a good job of pleasantly associating the exercise with the command, your dog will be 'melting' cheerfully down into position by the end of the eleventh day's training

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Lesson 9: The Down

Step 1: Getting into position.

Step 2: Place your hand under your dog's legs.

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Lesson 9: The Down

Step 3: Lift the legs and bring your dog into the "Down" position.

Step 4: Remember to praise your dog once he is in position

Lesson 14: The Throw-Chain

Correction for a "Down".

On the eleventh day, bring your dog from his place of confinement and go through the usual pattern of reviewing the exercises. After placing him on the down once or twice, make a stop and, after the dog has sat automatically, step out to where you can face him from a position of about twenty degrees to the right of the direction in which the dog's body is heading. With both hands locked on the leash about two inches from the collar, give one and only one command, "Down." If your dog goes down on command, praise him warmly. If the dog does not respond immediately, use your arms, shoulders and back in a chopping down stroke that jerks the leash at a forty-five degrees angle enough toward the dog's right side so that all of the force is centered on his right front leg. Simple mechanics will cause your dog to crumple downward and forward. Give him a pat, then let him up again. When your dog is reliably responding under ordinary conditions, work until he responds in the same way in more distracting situations

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The Koehler Method of Dog Training Novice Obedience Class Handout Sheet 04

Down Hold collar with left hand close to back of the dog's neck; place left forearm across neck. With right hand lift up dog's front legs, while applying downward pressure with left arm until dog goes into down position. Left About Turn On about turn, turn left into dog. Switch leash from right hand to left hand behind your back. Once the Left About Turn is completed, immediately switch leash back to right hand. Down Correction Give verbal command "Down." If dog doesn't go down, pivot at 45-degree angle in front of dog. With both hands on leash, about 6 inches from end give a quick jerk downward to your left until dog goes down. Do not 'nag,' or apply steady pressure. Use a Quick Strong Jerk! Figure "8" Practice figure "8" pattern with 2 people, garbage cans etc. Recall Leave dog on Sit-Stay and go to end of leash. After at least 20 seconds give dog's name and command "Come," with a tug on the leash. If the dog shows sign of coming, praise the dog while he is coming to you. If he doesn't come, reel in the leash. When dog is in front of you, have him sit. Make sure Sit is straight. 1st & 2nd Day 1. Place dog in down position, NO verbal command. 2. Give dog straight 'Stay' command and circle dog. 3. Practice figure "8" exercise. 4. Continue with "Sit-Stay." Leave dog for 30 seconds and return around dog. 5. Continue all heeling exercises, all turns, fast and slow.

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3rd & 4th Day 1. Give command "Down" and place dog in down position. 2. Continue "Stand," Figure "8" and heeling. Circle dog 2 times on "Stand." 3. Continue with "Sit-Stays" for 1 minute at end of leash. 5th & 6th Day 1. Start "Down Correction," follow instructions above. 2. Place dog on "Stand-Stay" and circle dog 3 times. Use the "Exercise Finished" to break dog out of stand. 3. Recall, Follow instructions described above for recall. 4. Continue all heeling exercises. NEXT CLASS: By next class, all dogs should be completely past the point of contention while heeling on the leash. Use lots of distractions. There will be a mid-term exam next week in class.

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Lesson 10: Down Stay This is one of the most valuable exercises in basic obedience and useful to keep the dog in one place for a long stretch of time. It is also increasing the dog's capacity for restraint and emotional stability by requiring to hold the "Down-Stay" in long periods.. By now your dog understands what "stay" means "don't move" and what "down" means. I remember hearing of the chief trainer of a kennel club was putting up a demonstration in a public community center. Together with some other dogs and handlers they were putting their dogs through the paces. Everything seems to be going well until the 'Long Down-Stay.' This is one exercise where they have to take the leash off dog and move a short distance away from their dogs. As soon as the chief trainer turned his back away from his 'trained' Samoyed," the dog saw the opportunity to have some fun, bolted through the open gate onto the road. He was promoted to be an obedience judge. Begin with a few minutes of review of familiar exercises. Down your dog in the usual way followed with the command "Shadow, Stay." Step out with your right foot and face the dog for fifteen seconds and then return to your dog right side. The corrections used when a dog breaks the down-stay are exactly the same as those used when he fails to respond to the down command. When your dog stays down for fifteen seconds, move back to his side, heel him and praise him. Make sure he does not move as you move back to his side or praise him. When he has held a few seconds following the praise, give a heel command, start off on the left foot spend a few minutes on the practice of other exercises before repeating the down-stay experience. Remember that the dog is to stay in the same spot. While it is desirable for the dog to be relaxed and shift his weight a bit, the shifting should not move him from his designated spot. Don't let the stretching take him inch by inch from his spot. Make sure he is corrected.

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Lesson 10: Down Stay

Step 1: Command your dog to "Stay".

Step 2: Step out with your right leg.

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Lesson 10: Down Stay

Step 3: Move in front of your dog and wait for 15 seconds.

Add a distraction of side-stepping back and forth in front of the dog. Make sure you do not confuse the dog by saying anything. By the end of the third day, you should be able to leave your dog on the down-stay, stand facing him a slack leash length away for one minute, return, and praise him without his moving until you give the heel command. But be careful that your steps do not tighten or jerk the leash. By the end of the fourth day, your dog should be able to stay for 3 minutes even when exposed to people and animals walking nearby and can be used to work miracles in the calming of a "geared" or restless dog. You will realized that he will become more resigned and relaxed regardless of his surroundings and backward and forward the length of a slack leash from your dog. Most importantly you will be convinced that the benefits of reliability and character development from the "Down-Stay" are limited by your own determination, constant effort and correct technique. Your dog should now be holding for five minutes.

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Lesson 11: The Recall

Step 1: Command your dog to "Come".

Many residential areas have leash laws. But regardless of the amount of restraint required, it is imperative that a dog comes unfailingly when he is called. The goal of the recall exercise then is to be able to control the dog off-leash, to make sure he comes all the way back to a definite sitting position in front of the handler without relaxing his attention on the handler. To successfully teach a dog to come when called, you must first make sure that he learns the exercise while on-leash. Begin by reviewing all exercises previously learned. Leave your dog in a sit-stay and face him from a slack leash length away, the loop of the leash on the thumb of your left hand. This is because most handlers can more efficiently reach out to grip and reel in the slack with the right hand. Make sure your dog has held his Sit-Stay for at least half a minute before the reeling in with the command, "Shadow come." 69

Lesson 11: The Recall

Step 2: Retrieve the leash as your dog come to you.

Step 3: Place your dog in the sit position.

Lesson 11: The Recall When your dog has reached the proper spot with his head directly one and a half-foot in front of you, give the command to sit. If he fails to do so, give a light upward correction. The moment he is seated in front of you, reach over and praise him, followed by a heel command as you make a right-about turn, and adjust the leash in a manner that brings the dog into a proper position for walking.. Spend some time on the practice of other exercises and then repeat the instruction on the recall. Don't let your dog break his sit-stay before you issue the command to come to you. You can lessen the possibility of him doing that if you vary the time of his sit-stay. Correct your dog if he sits out of position using the appropriate hand to straighten his hind end depending which way he sits before it hits the ground. Control on the stay, certainty of response, and accuracy on the Sit are three reasons you should continue this exercise of leash even though it seems your dog have learnt the exercise perfectly. Practice your recall about ten times a day. On the third day your dog should be ready for the "Finish" which will move your dog from his position in front of you around behind you to complete the exercise at your left side.

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Lesson 12: The Finish

Step 1: Dog should be sitting directly facing you.

Your dog has already made some progress in learning the finish. That is because to your dog, your correct heeling side is to the right of him when he is walking. You have given him plenty of practices with the Left-About Turns the week before. To execute the Left-About Turns, take a step forward with your right foot and pivot 180 degrees to the left as you pass the leash from the right hand to the left. With the same right foot heel off as you smoothly pass back your leash to the right hand. Your dog will then move behind you to your left side. Leave your dog on the Sit-Stay. Do a recall. The dog should come and sit directly in front of you the distance close enough for you to praise him. Continue the exercise on leash even though it seems your dog had learned the exercise perfectly. Fold the leash in two short bundles holding slightly taut with your right hand, give the command "Heel" and walk backward. Then, without stopping, pass the leash behind your back, and take a few steps 72

Lesson 12: The Finish

Step 2: Taking a right step backward.

Step 3: Dog circle from right to left of handler

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Lesson 12: The Finish

Step 4: Dog complete the Finish by sitting next to handler

forward shifting to the correct leash grip. Your dog will adjust by crossing behind to keep you on his right. The dog should be walked through the Finish for one week, twelve times a day before starting the Correction. Now do the recall from the sit-stay in the usual way and after the dog has sat in front of you, wait a few seconds, then arrange the leash-hand behind your leg. Bend your knee slightly and keep the leash taut. Command the dog to "Heel." He should respond immediately and move to your right and behind and around you to your left side. If he hesitates, make a driving step back into the leash with the right leg to propel the dog around to the "Heel' position. If the dog stops and sits or stands behind you, you should explode a few steps forward.

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The Koehler Method of Dog Training Novice Obedience Class Handout Sheet 05

Down Stay Give verbal command "Down ... and then verbal command "Stay" and leave dog with right foot first. (Progression is the same as that of Sit-Stay n end of leash by the end of the week.) Remember to move back to dog and make the down correction if dog moves. Tab Be sure it is on the dog's collar all week. Be careful of the length of the tab as you don't want your dog to get his leg caught in it or trap and choke himself. Do not leave your dog unattended while tab and collar are on. The Finish Call dog to you for recall. After he sits straight in front of you for a few seconds, tighten up the slack of the leash and place behind the right thigh with the leash in the right hand. Give command "Heel," step back and then step forward with the right leg, switching the leash behind your back to the left hand and step forward pulling the dog into heeling position. Praise dog after he sits. 1st & 2nd Day 1. Give down command and leave dog on "Down-Stay" with one step in front of dog. Give down correction if dog moves 2. Leave dog on Sit Stay for one minute at end of 15-foot long line. Use distraction. 1. Place dog on Stand Stay, go three feet out, leave for 10 seconds and return around the dog 2. Leave on Sit-Stay and go to end of leash. After 20 seconds call dog. Dog should begin to come on command without tugging leash. Finish dog. 3. Continue heeling and figure 8 3rd & 4th Day 1. Continue "Down Stay," two steps in front of dog. 2. Continue "Sit-Stay" on 15 foot longe line 3. Place on Stand-Stay; go to end of leash, wait for 30 seconds and 75

return around dog. 4. Continue Recall and finish on 6-foot leash. 5. Continue heeling and Figure 8 5th & 6th Day 1. Continue "Down-Stay," one minute at end of leash. 2. Use same format as with 3rd and 4th Days, except on "StandStay. Continue Stand-Stay" at end of leash but have another person go over the dog. Correct if he moves. REMEMBER: Polish heeling using a figure "8" pattern (use people, posts, trees, etc.) Incorporate new lessons into your regular training session and do them about 25 times per 20-minute period. Sit-stay should be up to 5 minutes by end of the week, n Progress, not Jump. BRING THROW CHAIN TO CLASS NEXT WEEK!

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Lesson 13: Polishing Your dog has now learned seven exercises. He has become a bit more easily managed on leash and improved on his behavior. If you are thorough in your efforts, your dog will benefit more in obedience and character in the next seven days. Now you have to make sure he's ready for off-leash control. Don't assume readiness. Get a piece of string you use for sewing, about a foot long, nothing stronger. Tie one end to the live ring of your training collar and the other end to the snap, the part where the leash is connected. We are about to find out whether you have been training your dog or restraining. It is also to show if early ineffective handling has delayed his learning to perform as expected. Heeling and Sitting Lay out a pattern of distracting points. Use at least three distractions. They should be different from ones you've used but just as appealing. Bring your dog into the area at heel and start using them in the usual way, making momentum-packed Right-About Turns the instant the dog is not paying attention. Each day, during the week of polishing, you should work to increase the strength of distractions. There is something else you can do. Walk along with your dog at heel, and turn, as if for the usual right-about. But now, as you pivot, take three running steps, then slow to you normal walking gait. Your dog has half the amount of time to change direction to avoid a jerk. This speed-up can also be used coming out of Right-Turns as well. Make three of these turn-and-speed-up maneuvers, then make a turn at your normal walking speed. You will find that your dog has increased the speed with which he reverses direction. If you do your part, the dog will turn good square corners and heel attentively in the correct position. Automatic Sit Work your turns with stops, especially where the dog seems a bit inattentive. If he fails to sit immediately, correct him so that he'll be reminded to always take distraction as a cue to think of you. If your dog sits out of position, correct him. If the dog is scootching, give him a jerk that brings

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Lesson 13: Polishing him, airborne, back to where he knows he should be sitting. Be sure to use both hands locked together for any corrections. Reduce the leash slack just as you stop so that the dog can't back up without tightening the collar on himself. If your dog swings his rear away from you, and faces you as he sits, bring the stiffened left hand down in a sharp chop that will catch him in the loin. Do not push or force your dog into position after he has sat. Catch him on the way down. When you dog has learned his lesson and is not swinging away, the hand could be used to give him a pat in appreciation. Stand for Examination No distractions should be used while polishing for the Stand-for-Examination. Have your helper come toward your dog both slowly and rapidly and from all directions. The dog may now be gone over more thoroughly. Any disobedience on the stand should be met with corrections, only more forcefully. The Down Make sure that the dog gets on the down promptly even when under distraction. Give the Down command while standing upright. No stooping, gesture or curtsey when giving the Down command. He should respond simply to your command. Waiting for a movement from you when he is told to down, he's waited too long. Correct any delay. Sometimes your dog will try to anticipate a down after a 'sit.' Break him of that fault by giving enough slack to start down but not enough to get there. Sit-Stay and Down-Stay The principles are the same but at this point do not do not follow a Sit-Stay with a Down- Stay. After you finish one of the exercises, work on other things before practicing the second stay position. By the end of the first day, he should be holding a sit-stay for two minutes and a down-stay for five minutes while you face him from a leash length away. Gain reliability by having the dog do his stays close to new distractions. Along with the distractions, see if you can find a building with both angles of the corner unobstructed for at least ten feet. Place your dog on a stay

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Lesson 13: Polishing about two and a half feet back from the end of the building. Then step around the corner so that you are standing a loose leash length from the dog and hidden from his sight. From the dog's standpoint, you've disappeared. He may break. If he goes away, the leash will tighten. If he comes towards you, you'll see him. Either way, he will learn that you can get to him in a hurry. Gradually increase the length of these corners until, by the end of the week, your dog will hold the two minutes on the sit-stay and the five minutes on the down-stay with you hidden from sight. Always make sure that your dog holds until you have finished the exercise in the proper manner. Recall Do not use distractions while polishing the recall. Simply make sure that your dog does not sit more than a foot and a half in front of you. It should be a straight Sit. Be ready to lean forward and cut off any attempts to sit one side or sideways. The force of the "side chops" will make the dog aim for the comfort and praise for his correct sitting position. Finish Correct, when needed, to ensure accurate and prompt response. After a week of polishing, check on your success. Link your collar and leash with the string. We do not want the string to be strong enough to hold your dog, only as a symbol of a relationship you have established. When the collar and leash are linked with the string, give the heel command and go for a tour around the premises, using random distractions. If your dog fails to perform any of the exercises, return to the practice of using the leash until you are truly the boss.

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Lesson 14: The Throw-Chain The time has arrived that the dog has to learn to behave correctly when he is off-leash. He has come to a point when he takes distractions as a cue to be even more attentive to your actions. Bring your dog to a new place. If possible, have a helper. The miraculous turn-around of your dog response will be determined by the principles underlying its use. First: Do no let the dog see you throw the chain. The dog has two ends only: the front end and the rear end. Your dog has eyes ONLY on the front end. Throw at the other. There are four reasons to this rule. 1. It is impossible to injure the eye when the chain strikes the rear end. 2. He cannot dodge. 3. The chain will not be associated as a threatening act to drive him away. 4. There will be benefits from mystery and surprises if he does not see you throwing. Second: Don't miss. Get as close to the rear of the dog as you can. There's no need to test your throwing skills. When you are able to tag him twice, you will find it difficult to catch him off-guard the third time. Your dog will be sticking so close to you and keeping his eyes on you all the time. Remove the idea of asking someone to throw the chain for you. Third: Don't let your dog see you pick up the Throw-chain. Have your helper to pick up for you. Should you be alone, tie your dog behind a wall or corner and then quietly pick up the chain. Better still, have a couple of throw chains so that in case you miss the first time, you will have the chance for another shot. Note where the Throw-chain lands. Bring your dog to the training area. Give him a pat on the side and tell him," Okay." With the left hand on the loop of the leash and your right 80

Lesson 14: The Throw-Chain palm snugly holding the Throw- chain close to the ear, let the dog relax and wander around with the full length of the leash. Follow him but stay behind him. When your dog shows an unusual interest in an object or spot, softly call him in a whisper tone. If he turns around and take one step towards you, quietly reel him like the Recall exercise and praise him. Complete it by doing the Finish and praise him. If he does not respond immediately after you call him throw the chain at his rear. Reel him in swiftly and make him sit in front of you. Praise him lavishly. Then do the Finish. Tell your dog "Okay" again. Quietly steer your dog to the same spot of interest. Relax. You may have to wait longer for another opportunity to use the throw chain. You do not object to his "going visiting," only when his responses to your Recall commands are slow. Be sure that the calling, throwing, pulling and praising are done in correct order. The Chain is thrown only if he fails to turn and take the step towards you. The chain is used for the first half of the session and then the rest of the session is used for polishing the exercises. Increasing the dog's reliability in heeling with the Throw chain. START THIS AFTER ONE WEEK OF WORK ON THE RECALL WITH THE CHAIN THROWN. Hold the leash on the left hand, thumb in the loop and the Throw-chain in the right hand tight fisted so that the dog does not get cued by its rattle. Give the usual heel command and start walking. Move in a straight direction. Should your dog moves away or forge ahead and exposed his rear, tag him and do a Right-About-Turn. He, because of his early training, knows that his comfortable position is to be besides you. The Throw chain is not to be used for lagging problem. When your dog realized your ability to contact him at a distance, you can use the Throw chain for the third situation.

Rushes out the gate, charging at the garbage collector, mailman or owner walking his dog pass your house. Put a Tab on your dog's choke chain with a long Light line attached to it. Fasten the other end of the Light line to a pillar. The length of the light

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Lesson 14: The Throw-Chain Irene, an American expatriate lived in a posh condominium. Her dog, a huge cross-bred was undergoing Obedience training on the ground of the American school on Saturday mornings. Her problem was whenever someone walked past her apartment alone corridor, the dog would rush to the w i n d o w and start barking and wake up the newly born baby. I suggested that she set up the situation by arranging someone to walk pass her apartment. In her left hand she will hold a book and the right hand holding the throw-chain ready to tag the dog's rear. Following my instructions she arranged for her neighbor to walk past her apartment. As usual, her dog rushed towards the w i n d o w and started barking. Without any command, she managed to tag the dog's rear without the dog seeing her use the throw-chain. The impact on the dog' rear shocked the dog. A f e w minutes later, the prearranged scene was set and the dog again rushed towards the window. This time, the dog turns around and looks at the owner and then turn towards the w i n d o w and bark. In that split second of opportunity, Irene managed to tag the rear of the dog. On the third round, w h e n the dog heard the footsteps outside the window, he decided to stay by his owner's side. Her problem was permanently eliminated. The dog understands that he should be reasonable and allow the neighbor to pass by without being challenged.

If

line should stop before the gate. Arrange for someone like the mailman, garbage collector or a distant neighbor to walk past your gate. Be ready. The moment your dog starts to charge, hit him with the Throwchain. The impact and the Light line will stop him from crossing the gate. Grab hold of the Tab with both hands and haul him back where he belongs. Don't praise him. Allow the helper to get out of sight before second attempt. Instruct your helper to announce his arrival by pressing the horn or dragging a garbage container or any familiar noises that will provoke the dog. He is reminded that he should not look or tease the dog. It will take a few sessions before the dog will lose interest and ignore the garbage collector

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Lesson 14: The Throw-Chain Reasonableness-Character development is one of the objectives of training your dog. A word of caution: The throw chain is not to be used to correct a Sit-stay or Down-stay

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The Koehler Method of Dog Training Novice Obedience Class Handout Sheet 06

Throw-Chain A. (1)Do not let the dog see you use the throw chain. (2) Do not miss. (3) Do not let the dog see you pick it up. B. With dog on 6 foot-leash and held by a loop with your nonthrowing hand, give your dog an "OKAY." When your dog gets distracted, call him using a voice level to a 'whisper' (dog's name and 'Come'). If he comes immediately, praise him. If he hesitates, or doesn't come, tag him with the throw chain and reel him into you and get him sitting in front of you. PRAISE HEAVILY, and then Finish. Try again. Remember, it may take some time to get him lost again, but take the time because it is important. 1st & 2nd Day 1. Devote onenhalf of session to the throw chain. Try to do throwchain work in a different training area than the rest of the session. 2. Give dog "Down-Stay" and go to end of leash. Wait for one minute and return around dog and 'Exercise Finished." Place dog on "Sit-Stay"... Go to end of leash and have person go over dog (stranger if possible). Return around dog and 'Exercise Finished.' Correct if dog moves. 3. Place dog on "Sit-Stay" and go to end of 15-foot longe-line. Wait at least 20 seconds and call dog. Make sure dog is sitting straight in front of you. 4. Continue with "Sit-Stays" on longe-line for five minutes and use distractions. 5. Continue all heeling and Figure 8 3rd & 4th Day 1. Continue with throw-chain (onenhalf of session, even if you never get to use it on your dog again.) 2. Leave dog on "Down-Stay" for three minutes on end of 15foot 84

3. 4. 5. 6.

longe-line. Return around the dog. Continue on "Stand" on 6-foot leash. Continue on "Sit-Stay" on 15-foot longe-line. Continue with "Recall" on 15-foot longe-line. Polish heeling

5th & 6th Day 1. Continue with throw-chain (one-half of session.) Try using throw-chain on dog that charges gate, or people outside fence, etc. 2. Continue Recall, Sit-Stays" and Stand for Examination. 3. Leave dog on "Down Stay" for five minutes. NEXT CLASS: Dog should be completely familiar with throw-chain. Dog should do Recall, Sit-Stay and Down-Stay for five minutes on 15 foot longeline. Stand for Examination on leash. Bring 15-foot longe-line, 50-100 foot light line, tab and throw-chain to class next week.

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Lesson 15: The Light-line The Light-line bridges the gap between control on the leash and when the dog is physically free. It should be very strong, long and very light: so strong and long that it can stop the largest dog in his tracks regardless of his great speed and the slowness of the handler to grab at the trailing end. It is so light in weight that it is impossible for a person or a dog to estimate the length from the feel of the drag. It gives the dog the impression the opportunity to make a fast escape. I remember a university professor in one of my class was so impressed with his dog's response to his command that he decided to continue his training without the Light-line. He was advised against training the dog without the Light-line. Only and until he has given the dog lots of opportunities to bolt and be distracted should he follow the instructions in the assignment notes. Suddenly without any indication the dog bolted. He learnt to his chagrin that his dog had outsmarted him. Stretch your Light-line out in the training area. Make sure it is free of knots and snarls that offers resistance when drag. The length (a minimum of 50 feet) of your Light-line must be determined by how fast you think you can run in comparison to your dog. Have both the Tab and leash fastened to his training collar. Spend ten to fifteen minutes reviewing with your dog on leash. Finish the practice with an Automatic Sit at one end of the Light-line. Quietly tie the end of the Light-line to the loop with a good firm knot. Give the dog more time dragging the light line before removing the leash and doing momentum-right and about turns while on the leash to get his mind off the light line. With the leash in your left hand, give the command to heel. After a couple of starts and stops, remove the leash. Hold the Throw-chain in your right hand. Throw the leash about three feet on the left away from the dog. Give a heel command and start walking. The discarded leash and weightlessness of the line will give him such an unrestrained feeling that he might make a break and expose his rear. Tag him with Throw chain and put your foot on

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Lesson 15: The Light-line the Light-line to slow him down before you grab it. To grab the light line while the dog is bolting will slice a groove in your hand. Turn right about as you reel in the line and keeps on walking. It is almost certain that your dog would head to your side the moment the tightening line reminded him that he wasn't as free as he felt. Praise him lavishly as he made the correct decision to remain close to you. Keep this part of heeling in a straight direction short, stopping every ten feet to praise. Do not cover too much distance the first time. You can slowly increase each day the distance as your dog continues to heel correctly by your side. When you stop and regardless how your dog sits, shower him with sincere praise that he is doing exactly the right thing in obeying as though you held the leash. If the dog stays with you and was praised numerous times, then it is best to end the work on the Light-line Recover your Throw-Chain and re-attach the leash and repeat the exercises of using the leash and the Light-line together as you do your starts and stops for fifteen minutes. Use the remainder of the training period to increase accuracy and reliability by practicing the routine exercises without the Light-line. Keep the tab on as you work the dog on the leash. When your training period is over, replace the leash with your Longe-line and release the dog with an "okay" for a well-earned quiet relaxation. He will learn eventually that the Longe-line not only signifies authority, but can provide fun as well. Bill Koehler in the introduction 'Fables and Foibles' of his opening statement, "In the beginning, God created the Heaven and the Earth. Man, a bit later, created the fable that "the dog, when he understands, always wants to please." The dog, the world's first opportunist, in some ways knowing more of man than man knew of him, sensed and endorsed this delightful state and was so constant and clever in his professions as to give man scant time to review the theory. Through generations the dog worked his wiles, sincere in his faith and devotion, but seeing no harm in throwing man an occasional herring, and in withholding respect from those loved ones whom he easily bested in every battle of wits. But w h a t if the dog acted differently and remains still when the leash comes of and told to heel? Put him back on the leash with the Light line dragging and provide him w i t h

Lesson 15: The Light-line lots momentum-packed turns of heeling work. It will accustom him to keep moving even though the Light-line brushes on his legs or slides between his toes. Recall on the Light-line. First have the dog practice Sit stays for one minute and Down stays for three minutes on the light line after 4-5 days of the heeling work. Then do the recall from about 20 feet away. Gradually extend the distance. As the dog is now heeling on the Light-line, simply add the Recall to the heeling work. After four to five days of heeling on the Light-line add to the dog having to hold a one minute the Sit-stay from twenty feet out. Then work the same with the Down-stay. Give your dog a week of heeling with the Light-line before you do the Recall. Tell the dog stay and move towards the end of the line. After facing him for a few seconds, give a recall command. If he responds promptly, praise him enthusiastically as he start towards you. If he doesn't respond promptly, grab hold of the Light-line and reel him in. praise him nevertheless even though you have to drag him to sit in front of you. But what if he anticipates and come before he is called. The Light-line comes in useful to stop him as you charge back to grab hold of the tab and make your stay correction. Regardless of the absence of the weight on his training collar or the distance from you, he had better stay until called and then come immediately. Within a week after you begin the Light-line, you dog will no longer disobey the heel and recall commands. The more tempting the distractions you set up for him, the more he seems to turn his attention back to you. Reliability without the Light-line. Work with the full length of the Light-line and the Throw-chain on the heeling exercise until his attitude confirms that distractions are only making him more attentive. Gradually reduce the length of the light line every few days providing the dog reach new levels of reliability. Give the command heel and start off with your usual confidence. The dog will respond to your command in the usual way. Physically the trained dog

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Lesson 15: The Light-line

will not know the difference and will not dare to run without being certain of the length of Light-line tied to his tab which is attached to the training collar.

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The Koehler Method of Dog Training Novice Obedience Class Handout Sheet 07

Light-line Lay your light line out in the training area before you bring the dog to it. Review the basic exercises (on leash). You may want to do a lot of fast turns to make your dog aware of the leash. Bring your dog up to the end of the line with an Automatic Sit. Carefully (and without making the dog aware of your actions) tie the end of the line to the loop in the tab. He is already used to the weight of the tab, so this slight addition of the light line shouldn't be noticeable. Do some heeling and Sits with both leash and light line on, making turns that cause the dog to be jerked by the leash. Remove the leash and throw it a few feet away in front of the dog. Give another "Heel" command and start walking. If you are lucky, the discarded leash and the weightlessness of the light line will give him an unrestrained feeling he'll break, exposing his rear (the end without eyes) and give you an opportunity to use the Throw Chain. Reel in the line without a word as you keep on right on walking (remember you gave him ONE "Heel" command, so DON'T REPEAT IT!) The light line is an unfailing assurance that a dog will perform in a pattern that has been established. Repeat this procedure several times and correct the dog as the opportunity presents itself. Work for about 15 minutes. Do the usual routine exercises on leash for the remainder of your training period. Keeps the light line dragging as you work on the leash. Soon he will come to ignore stepping on it and you can still fool him periodically with GOOD DISTRACTIONS when you take your leash off. If you have a problem with "bolting," Sit or Down-Stays, or even Recalls' use a stake with the light line and pretty soon he won't gamble that he can outrun the length of the light line and after he won't gamble at all because he always think he has a line on him! 1st & 2nd Day 1. Devote one-half session to Light-line work while doing heeling exercises. 2. Do "Recalls' on 6 foot leash, wait 30 seconds, give command "Heel," wait 1 second and do "Exercise Finished." 3. Do "Sit-Stay" for 1 minute from 20 feet (gradually build up the distance) away with dog on light line. Do NOT use Throw Chain to correct a dog breaking a Stay. 90

4. Do "Down-Stay" for 3 minutes from 20 feet away with dog on light line. 5. Do "Stand for Examination" on light line, standing 6 feet away with person going over the dog. 3rd - 6th Day 1. 2. 3. 4.

Devote one-half of session to Heeling on light line. Continue Recall and Finish on 6 foot leash. Continue on leash heeling and Figure "8" pattern. Continue Sit, Down and Stand-Stays on light line.

NEXT CLASS: Dog should heel off leash on light line. Dog should still be worked on leash and should not touch handlers on any Turns, or Figure 8, while never allowing leash to tighten. Dog should do 1 minute Sit-Stay on light line from 40 feet and a 3-minute Down-Stay from 40 feet away on the light line. Dog should do the Stand for Examination with another person going over the dog on a light line, with handler 6 feet away.

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Lesson 16: Don't Lose It - Use It You have invested a lot of time and energy instilling obedience with the exercises learned over the past weeks. Just because your dog had appeared faultless in all the exercises, do not be overconfident. In your daily living whether you take your dog out or relaxing in the home continue to use the control developed in your formal training. It will increase reliability and become permanent. Be consistent and follow with correction should the dog indicate any sign of disobedience. Set aside ten minutes a day for a week going through all the exercises in every part of your house. The dog should be on the leash. During other times of the week, let him relax and enjoy his domestic bliss.... with the Tab on and a piece of Light-line fastened to his training collar. Make sure your Throw chain is available for use. In your typical activities like when you are occupied talking on the phone, watching your favorite program on television or having visitors in your house, command the dog to down and stay in the corner. Should he get up; let the speed of the correction leave no doubt that you are willing to interrupt any activity at any time to enforce your command with action. By now your experience with the Light-line and a good hand-hold on the Tab has given you control of the situation. Further the Tab's presence will remind the dog of your authority when you no longer feel the need for the Light-line. Continue to have the dog wear the Tab. Like in the house you should expect the dog to behave in public. Have your car park with the door open on each side. Bring your dog to a halt within a step or two of one of the doors. Instead of the Automatic-Sit, he tries to rush in. With both hand s locked on your leash do a Sit-Correction. Then tell him to stay. And have him hold for a minute and then order "Okay, In." with a helpful tug of the leash into the car. Good car manners require entering in the proper way. When the dog is in the car, put him in the Down-Stay and stand a few feet 92

Lesson 16: Don't Lose It - Use It from the car. After he has held a few minutes, call him to a sit position in front of you. After the finish, heel him off. Incorporating the car into a pattern of obedience practice will cause your dog to realize you are able to enforce your commands. After a few days of workout, your dog should enter respectfully on your command, and hold a Down-Stay for at least twenty minutes with the doors wide open while you get yourself busied in some needed activities that tempt him to think you are too much preoccupied to do anything about his breaking. You can vary the procedure by making the dog do a Sit-Stay outside while you enter the car on the driver's side. If he should break or try to jump out, correct him and return to your seat. After he has held for a full minute, command him to get in the car and do a Down-Stay for a few minutes. After he has held for a couple minutes, call him out with a regular recall and finish. This waiting for the command to get in as well as get out will be a great comfort and convenience, and may sometimes save the dog's life. Now for the next step in controlling the dog when the car is in motion. Get a friend to take over the wheel so that you can move in to correct the dog should he disobey. As usual, have your dog wait for the command to enter the car. Put him a Down-Stay as your driver cruises along a quiet road. Give him a few short trips and if his attitude is right, change places with your driver. Let your dog know you are ready to stop the car should he decide to get up and break his stay. Your program of training and practice will soon make your dog a better traveling companion having the assurance that he is consistently under control. Leash laws and regulations against dog running at large can be best observed by owners when trained dogs can be brought back instantly when called. So with dog on the leash, practice the routine exercises within the house, in all types of street activities like movement of heavy construction vehicles, buses moving out of the bus bay, playground until he seems relaxed and reliable regardless of the situations. Be consistent in handling your dog the right way...at home, in the car or in the park - use it-don't lose it.

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Lesson 16: Don't Lose It - Use It A word of advice: Be sure to keep a safe distance to avoid accidents or dangers when working in public places. Be aware of sensitive spots or places where people of different cultures and beliefs congregate and stay clear away.

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The Koehler Method of Dog Training Novice Obedience Class Handout Sheet 08 - 09

The Pattern of Exercises for Graduation 1. Heeling on leash (at least one Left Turn, one About Turn, one Right Turn, one Halt, one Fast and one Slow.) 2. "Figure 8" on leash (twice around with two Halts) 3. Stand for Examination off leash (leave dog and stand six feet away) 4. Off leash heeling (usually same pattern as on leash) 5. Recall (ONE command to call your dog). 6. Group Examination (with the other dogs in the ring.) (a) Long Sit for one minute (b) Long Down for three minutes. 1st - 6th Day 1. Continue working with Throw-Chain and Light-line (don't get too anxious to take dog off line until you are ready). 2. Continue working on the Finish. Dog should go around you on command, without you having to use a correction. 3. Continue with Sits, Downs and Recall. Use as many distractions as possible. 4. Continue with Stand for Examination and make sure dog stays while strangers go over your dog. 5. Work all the exercises for graduation at least twice each session in the order outlined above. Hints for Graduation 1. Obey all commands of judge. Listen carefully for instructions. If you have any questions, ask the judge before you start. 2. When you have the "Heel" command, move at brisk pace. 3. Praise dog ONLY between exercises after judge says, "Exercise Finished." 4. During the next two weeks work on those exercises you are having trouble with. Most dogs fail on the Sit or Down Stay, Stand for Examination and the Recall. 5. Make commands loud and clear, ESPECIALLY ON RECALL. 95

. Don't worry too much on passing or failing. Everyone gets a graduation certificate and even the best w o r k i n g d o g m a y f a i l . The important part of your training is to keep you and your dog working together after graduation-whether it is just heeling around the block a couple times a week, or working towards an Obedience Degree.

Problems "Koehter's approach was NOT to correct a dog until it had complete understanding of the command" Capt Haggerty Most of the problem can be solved through obedience training. IT IS CRITICAL YOU COMPLETE YOUR OBEDIENCE TRAINING BEFORE TRYING TO USE THE CORRECTIONS GIVEN IN THIS CHAPTER. I did ask Bill Koehler since he started his dog classes for all these years, had there been anyone who has taken him to court for ill-treatment of their pets. He assured me there was none. Peeing & Pooing Toilet training begins when you bring the puppy home. You should have prepared a place to house him where he can rest. Because he eats two to three meals a day, the puppy needs more frequent opportunities to relieve himself. Work out a regular schedule of feeding that will allow you to take the puppy out. You will be taking an advantage of the dog's instinct for cleanliness. Secondly, you can confine him where you are able see the signs of his need and be able to take him outdoors. If you live in an apartment, you may want him to relieve himself on the old newspaper. Use a stack an eighth to quarter of an inch thick. Spread them out in an area where the dog is forced to take his choice between the papers and the non-absorbent floor. Do not allow lingering odor and stains. (See page 107 for full explanation) Stool Eating Whatever reasons for your dog to eat his own stools due to boredom or mineral deficiency, this disgusting habit has to be stopped. 97

Problems

The simple solution is to change the brand of dog food. Apparently the dog food is not suitable to his needs, no matter how expensive and exotic the packaging looks. You may want to consider taking the dog for a walk daily to cure his boredom or join a dog class where he gets to be trained and meet other dogs. Also, feeding the dog twice a day may help to offset this habit. My friend kept a German shepherd puppy for 5 months in an apartment. He called me up because his wife found out that the dog was eating his own stools as soon as he passed them out. For a while she was wondering how the puppy managed to relieve himself with little or no mess until she spotted him eating them. She threatened to throw the puppy out of her window unless the husband found him another home in quick time. Because I brought him to buy the puppy, I was kind of obligated to help him out of the predicament. I left the puppy in a 4 feet by 8 feet enclosure (shaded by a mango tree) where he had room to lie down as well to relieve himself. Incidentally over the next few days, the German shepherd found the ripe mangoes fallen from the tree were more attractive and tastier to his liking and stop eating his stools.

Jumping on People Some owners love to have their dogs jumping on them when they reach home. But if you decide otherwise, you may want to raise your knee sharply upward as he jumps on you. If your action was emphatic enough, he should bounce off. If you are half-hearted, or poorly timed in your motions, he'll think he's discovered a delightful new game and will encourage him to jump on you more. Follow through on the knee trust each time he jumps on you. Do not call him to jump on you. It would be unfair. On average after two successful kneeing, your dog will wise up.

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Problems Bolting, or Running Away See Light- line. Fence Running Should your dog continue in running along the fence, fasten a four feet Light-line to the dog's training collar and in the center of a two by four piece wood on the other end. The size of the dog will determine the length of the wood: from three inches to eight inches. When the dog runs it causes the wood to bounce erratically and give him some discouraging whacks. Gradually reducing the size of the wood over the week, the dog can be reminded to stop running with only a short piece of light line and the tab. Staying Home, Gate Charging The dog can be taught to stay within the compound by simply marking a line before the gate. With the light line attached to the tab, release the dog with an "Okay" command. Encourage him to wander. The moment his feet reach the marked line stop him by stepping on the light line. Continue to hang around near the marked line. The instant the dog cross the marked line, stop him, and pick him up and swing him back. Effectively you can use the throw chain with going out of bounds along with the line. You have shown him where he should not cross. Now you must supply him with the temptation to forget his restriction and give you the opportunity for correction until the dog can no longer be tempted. Each time he makes the correct decision to stay before the marked line, his character of obedience grows stronger. Soon even without your presence he will stay at home. 1. Tell the dog "Okay and kind of move around aimlessly. Open your gate and check and carry your garbage bin. Do not call the dog. Just leave him alone. Should he decide to join you, catch hold of his Tab and haul him back across the marked line. 2. Arrange for your helper to leave a cat about six feet in front of your gate before you bring the dog out. Get your throw chain

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Problems ready. The moment the dog cross the marked line, tag him and haul him back Destructive Chewing Whether a dog chews your mother's favorite plant, shoes or household treasures (and there are specialists in each field), the vandalism ends in two ways. The dog is made to stop chewing or exiled to a situation where there is nothing to chew.

In one of my classes, a beagle chewed his way to his neighbor's apartment through a six-inch concrete wall. Another will eat the charcoal from the orchid flower pot. Before going through the method of correction, you must carefully consider the possibility of a mineral deficiency in your dog's diet. Such a deficiency can cause destructive chewing that defies imagination; but in reality is done to satisfy a craving for something his body lacks. Our obligation is to make certain that there is adequate mineralization of the dog's system before punishing him for chewing. Bill Koehler always recommended a sea kelp based supplement to help curb nervous habits and morbid appetites. Select a piece of material he has chewed (and you need not catch him in the act) and place it well back, crossways, in his mouth. Use a strip of adhesive tape to wrap the muzzle securely in front of the chewed material so that no amount of gagging and clawing can force it from his mouth. When after an hour or so, the tape is removed from his mouth (a bit of ether will remove it easily) he seems to hate the sight of the object. Don't be fooled into thinking he's cured. His recent experience may be just a temporary influence. You want a permanent impression by repeating the "tape in" process the next day, even if he hasn't chew anything. Naturally if he does chew before the next day, you should immediately tape the last-chewed object in his mouth. Follow through every day until you complete one full week. Don't take a couple of days without chewing as a sign that your dog is reformed. Be sure any object you tape in his mouth is too big for him to

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Problems swallow. Remember no one can afford to keep a destructive chewer. Barking, Whining, Howling, Yodeling, Screaming and Wailing One day a young man came to see me in Klang, Malaysia. He was crying. He was summoned to court by his neighbors for public nuisance. His 4 months old German shepherd puppy would scream and howl whenever he leaves for work. It continues throughout the day. It was a well constructed male specimen and would make any owner proud to parade him. I told him he has a couple of choices. (A) move. (B) Soundproof his holding area. (C) Train him to be quiet. (D) Get rid of him. So for a few hundred dollars and a promise I will take good care of him, he sold his dog to me. I then housed the puppy in a room next to the kitchen. Within less than half an hour the puppy began his music practice. The howling was eerie and upsetting. Desperately, I refer to the book, "The Koehler Method of Guard Dog Training" and turn to the problem page. What I read did not go down well with me; but I had no other answers other than to follow the instructions in the book. A week later the previous owner came back. He was surprised to see the puppy well and behaved. I resold the dog to him and because I could see he love the puppy very much. This was in early 1978.

The neighbors take a vocal interest when your dog keeps them awake the whole night or every time someone by your house. Attach a six foot light line on the Tab. Make sure the Tab is correctly fastened to the ring of the choke chain. Set up the situation where the dog will vocalizes his lonesomeness. Equip yourself with a man's leather belt heavy enough to give him good tanning. Yup - we are going to give him real hard tanning. Remember, you are dealing with a dog who knows he should be quiet, and neighbors who have the legal rights to see that he does. Now leave, and let your fading footsteps tell your dog of your going. Find a comfortable waiting place nearby, stop, keep quiet and listen. The moment you hear his protest, bellow "out" and charge towards him. Catch

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Problems hold of the Light-line or Tab, and reel him until his front feet is above the ground, lay the strap vigorously against his thighs. Then let him down and let him think over for a moment while you catch your breath. Leave the area. Reflect on the truth that a high percentage of barkers are given to "good homes" and end up in black plastic bags. Personally, I always felt that it is even better to spank children, even they "cry out," than "to put them to sleep." You may have to wait for a while before your dog starts broadcasting. When he does, rush in with the "out" and repeat the spanking, if anything emphasizing it a bit more. It may necessary to spend a Saturday or a day off so that you will have time to follow through sufficiently. Biting The small number of dogs that bite people shows that the dog is the most kind and forgiving creature God has created on earth. However, the law demands that something must be done to the few dogs that do bite. Since the 'biting problem' may be implanted and cultivated by the owner's ignorance and inept handling; and the motivations that make the dog bite are different, the correction must also differ in type and application. The Real Hood Protest biters are the result of "humaniacs" who always have excuses for their dog's violent misbehavior. By avoiding correcting the first sign and subsequent acts of biting, the "baby" has turned into a monster. Make sure the training collar and the leather leash are strong to absorb the strain and jerk of a frantic dog. Then start to work the dog deliberately to the point where the dog starts to protest and grab you. Before the teeth reach the intended target, the dog is jerked from the ground and suspended in mid-air. To let the dog down and recover his footing while he still had the strength to renew the attack would be cruelty. Hold him suspended until he stops struggling. When it is obvious that he is physically incapable of expressing his resentment, lower him to the ground. The sight of the dog staggering is not pleasant to behold. Experiences prove that the dog would walk when a new command to heel follows a few minutes

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Problems of "struggling to live" much to the apprehension of the owner. No dogs which required even the maximum suspension were physically affected in such a way that was unable to continue his training within a few minutes. None have ever been injured physically. Nearly all have been helped mentally. If you think you are incapable of carrying out the correction, engage a professional before he causes serious injury to someone. What if the dog is too big for anyone to hang up? First equip yourself with a piece of rubber hose about sixteen inches in length and one and a half inches diameter. The rubber hose should have an equal length of dowel in it. Hold the hose in a ready position behind your right ear above the dog's view. To slow the motion of his target, he would have to use a left-handed, close to collar grip instead of the regular leash hold. Now work with the dog until it shows resentment. Bring the right hand down with the hose across the dog's muzzle, between the eyes and nose. Make sure it is forceThe Pekinese dog had not had a bath for 3 years. He was all matted and stinks. The owner warns us the dog bites and resent water. For a full fifteen minutes, we struggle to get the training collar onto him while at the same mindful to steer clear of his teeth. As we calmly adjust his position on the grooming table, he turned around and tried to grab hold of my hand. Knowing and ready for such reaction, my other hand holding the leash automatically went up and took his four feet above the table top. I waited for him to stop struggling before I let him down. For a few moments he was staggering and gagging and then I continued my work. He tried to bite me the second time and again I took him off the table top. When he realized that I was doing him a favor and his reaction was unjustified, my grooming associate completed her job without mishap.

ful enough to be effective. This will only work if you.are decisive and firm. If you hesitate even for a few seconds, you lose the effectiveness getting your point across to your dog. Hole-Digging Generally the first action the owner is to direct the dog's attention on the hole and spank him. Sometimes this procedure does work; but there are

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Problems dogs that are determined to dig more holes. Fill the newly dug hole full of water. With the training collar and leash, bring the dog to the hole and shove his nose into the water. Hold him there until he is sure he is drowning. If your dog is medium or large size you may get all of the action of a cowboy wrestling a steer. However to make a permanent impact, fill the hole with water and repeat the correction the next day. On the third day, let him watch you dig a hole and prepare him for dunking. Class surveys have shown that more than seventy percent of the dog that experiences this form of correction for as many as six consecutive days swears off hole digging. Another correction found to be effective and easier to administer is to tie the dog with a two feet chain near to the hole. Leave him to meditate for an hour or so. Be consistent and tie your dog even though he has not dug any holes. Your dog will find the smell of freshly dug earth repugnant. Carsickness Carsickness is normally triggered from early unpleasant experiences. The best way to correct this messy situation First let your dog get used to be in a parked car with you while you read or listen to music. Then take him from the car for a walk where he is allowed to sniff around. This enjoyable experience established a pleasant association. • • • •

Short, pleasant trips over a straight road The dog should have an empty stomach Each ride should end before the dog has time to get sick. Progressively increase the distance and conclude with a walk, some play or an enjoyable activity that will make the dog regards car traveling more favorably.

Obedience Competition Observe closely the practice matches and novice judging at shows whenever possible. Get someone familiar with the rules and put you through the routine. If you have grasped and faithfully followed The Koehler Method without mixing, adding or omitting, you should succeed in helping your trained dog acquire the title of Companion Dog.

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Representation I, hereby grant permission solely to Harry Quek to register the KOEHLER METHOD OF DOG TRAINING in Singapore and authorize him to be the only one to claim training by me and my staff and represent qualifications to instruct in my methods.

August 4, 1986

I, being the lawful beneficiary and administration of the late Bill Koehler's estate HEREBY grant permission and exclusive licensing rights to use the trade mark and register solely to HARRY QUEK and herby duly authorize him to be the only one to represent being qualified to instruct the KOEHLER Methods of dog training. I further declare that this licence and grant shall be authorized for use in the following countries: Republic of China Japan Malaysia Brunei

• • • •

Hong Kong Thailand Korea Burma

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Taiwan Vietnam India Sri Lanka

July 24, 1994

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Be A Koehler Trainer Do you possess the Character Qualities of to be considered as an Instructor in The Koehler Method? Integrity Your best may not be good enough. Do not compromise yourself or the standard. Courage You need not apologize nor defend Bill Koehler or his method. The results will continue to speak for themselves. Kindness Be compassionate and helpful. To you the problem had been heard a hundred times; to the owner it is critical to warrant your attention. Loyalty Be true to the author or his method. Don't try to mix with your own. Hybridizing makes good corn but poor training method. If you are interested in the Koehler Method of Dog Training or you would like to be a professional dog trainer, you can contact me at (65) 9-197-3797 or (65) 6242-2357. Email me at [email protected].

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