Basics of dog training

Training theory

• Teaching participants about human-dog relations, evaluation of a given pair.
• Processes accompanying learning
• Types of motivation and ways to build it.
• Penalty and reinforcement systems. Learning to reinforce properly.
• Behavioral disorders and their impact on training.
• Effect of training on the therapy of dogs with behavioral disorders.
• Review of training methods in working with a dog.
• Environmental enrichment and its influence on the psychomotor stimulation of the dog.
• Training types
• Working with a dog with behavioral problems.
• Practical work with a dog

Training session

We start the session from the moment the dog concentrates on its handler.
The end of learning a given exercise is marked with a verbal signal and a social reward. The verbal signal and the social reward are to relax the dog by giving him a signal that we have completed a certain stage of the training, we are satisfied with it and we will continue to work. It should be remembered that we finish learning after the dog performs the exercise correctly, i.e. we always finish successfully, which is an extremely important motivational element. At the end of the training session, we give another verbal signal, which means that we have finished work and that the dog can rest.

Ways of obtaining behavior

• Scanning/Capturing)
• Baiting/Luring)
• Environmental Manipulation)
• Targeting (aiming at the target – target; using the target to shape a given behavior (touch, focus, mat).
• Shaping Principles (by Karen Pryor)

Klicker

Learning to introduce a clicker, work with and without a clicker. The principle of the clicker. Learning to replace a clicker with other elements.
Basic ways to prolong behavior, incl. “Keep going signal”
Clicker fun

„Pool”

Environment control during training

Reward systems:

• social
• material
• situational
• jackpot
• analysis of reinforcements on the example of the hierarchy of needs

Ways to build motivation

the use of elements of the hunting chain, different reward systems, interrupting the task at the moment of success and much more

Concentration of attention on the guide

Learning to focus as the basis for all other commands. Why? With a distracted dog, we cannot work through any training.

Stage I – the dog in front of the handler

Stage II – the dog at the handler’s leg

Hand targeting

Target is used to guide the dog and teach him (from the beginning of training) that it is possible to work even when the handler’s hand has no visible treats.

Stage I – the dog touches our hand with its nose

Stage II – the dog follows the hand

Following – Forward and Backward

Following and maintaining eye contact with the guide is an incredibly useful exercise. It is a base for learning to walk next to the leg and maintaining contact with the dog.

Stage I – the dog follows the handler who moves backwards

Stage II – the dog follows the handler who moves backwards and then, after a few steps, turns and moves forward with the dog at the leg

Position by the leg and between the legs

As an introduction to walking with the leg or finishing a task, e.g. after recall.

Obtaining Behavior: Guiding, Shaping, “on the bowl” method

Learning to walk with the leg: the command “equal”

Walking with the foot in contact

Stage I – straight walking

Stage II – walking with a change of directions

Position changes: sit, down, stand and control position changes. Just because the dog is able to sit down from a standing position does not mean that it will do the same from a lying position.

Stage I – in front of the guide

Stage II – at the guide’s leg

Loose leash:

Learning to walk on a loose leash is an absolute basis for functioning with your dog in society. We teach you how to react properly when your dog is pulling on a leash and how to teach him that walking on a loose leash is much more beneficial for both parties.

Stage I – straight walking

Stage II – walking with stop – cue “stop”

Stage III – walking with a change of directions

Stage IV – passing with other dogs

Staying

Learning to stay the dog in one place and in a specific position, while controlling emotions (working in distractions).

Recall

It is the freedom and comfort behavior that makes the dog’s life safe.

There is no skill more valuable than that which draws a four-legged companion away from all dangerous situations. Often even saving his life.

Training with a strong emphasis on recalling the dog, especially in situations of strong distractions. Input of a signal, e.g. a whistle.

Proper play with the dog

Subject – reward / motivation (first, the right balance between motivations)
Learning commands: “your”, “mine”, “let go” – playing with a jerk
Contribution

Giving an item

Learning by capturing.

Not taking up food – learning the commands “DO NOT MOVE ” and “TAKE” – learning self-control

One of the most important skills a dog should learn. Making his life safer.

Not taking food:

Stage I – the dog does not take the food from the handler (from the hand, from the ground)

Stage II – the dog does not take treats from third parties (from hand, from the ground)

Stage III – the dog does not pick up flavors from the environment (familiar surroundings, on a walk)

Learning to put on and wear a muzzle

Learning to put the cage / playpen / commands “to the place”

Learned exercises will be refined using four work criteria: speed, time, distance, dispersion. They will only be introduced gradually after the dog has mastered the exercise.

Counterconditioning with desensitization as the primary method of behavioral therapies

In addition, the course includes communication workshops.

Warning!

Dogs that have trouble staying in a place should be prepared and taught to stay in a pen / cage.
We provide cages on site for people who have trouble transporting their own.
You can participate in the course without your dog. We then lend our dogs from temporary homes, a shelter cooperating with Ethoplanet, or other previously agreed source. Homework then takes place with a familiar dog, or we agree on the rules of work with a given pupil. If you want to use this option, please notify us as soon as possible. All details of further work are discussed in detail individually.
The exam is the same for everyone. However, bearing in mind the different emotional level of dogs, for problem animals or with certain behavioral disorders, we give more time to prepare. In the case of dogs with problems and possibly appearing in the course of training, the learning and work mode will change and will be adjusted individually.
Students take responsibility for their dogs, both when working with dogs and when the dogs are left alone in the hotel room. The organizers are not responsible for any damage caused by the students’ dogs.
Aggressive dogs that may cause harm to other course participants will not be allowed to participate in the classes. Participants with aggressive dogs are asked for an initial consultation qualifying their dog for the classes, and will also be required to sign an appropriate declaration to guarantee safety during the classes, including training equipment adapted to work with aggressive dogs.

Place:

soon

Price: 2500 PLN.

In price:

lunch, coffee break
starter pack
HCCR workshops
access to the e-learning zone

Warning! Participants are responsible for the condition of the room! The organizer is not responsible for any damage caused by dogs or their owners