New here

[Hayne]

Hello Guys”
New here and having a bit of a time finding my way to the instructions of how to start training, I also went to the online forms but received a message that the document was no longer available?
I would appreciate any directions on the best way to use this sight.
Thanks

[Mike D'Abruzzo]

Hi,

Which document is no longer available? Make sure you are signed in then try. It is possible to be signed in to the forums and not the main site and vice versa. If still not working just let me know so I can fix the problem.
If you are not sure where to start with training, tell us about your dog and what you want to accomplish and we'll point you in the right direction and give you the best links to focus on. There are a bunch of obedience videos in the video section, but the foundation information in the "triangle" is more important at first. Definitely take advantage of using these forums so we can fill in any holes where you still have questions.

Look foward to hearng about your dog,

Mike

[Hayne]

My new dog is an 11 week old Colby bred pit bull. My last dog of 11 years was also a pit bull from the animal shelter; I lost him to several health problems two years ago.
Years ago I was an assistant to a local dog trainer who taught William Koehler’s method and I’ve always wanted to learn more dog training methods to go along with what I learned years ago. I did find the videos and a different section with the forms after logging out and back in.
Thanks for your help

[Mike D'Abruzzo]

A big difference you will find with this method as compared to William Kohler style training is the use of more positive reinforcement based training in the earlier stages, the use of softer level corrections and fair warnings to the dog.

Especially since you have a pup I would concentrate on teaching all the commands with strictly positive reinforcement first and don't stress about reliability around distractions just yet. The more the pup wants to do the obedience - the easier it will be later on and the less stressful for both you and the pup.

Also very important is the information in the pack structure section. I can't stress how important it will be to follow those theories. It will help the dog to more naturally understand his role as the follower and more importantly it will communicate to him that you want the role of the leader in a gentle way that he will understand.

Also, following those rules will help set the stage for better obedience since it will put you in control of the top three motivators - affection, toys, and food. If you are not in control of these things they become less valuable to the dog in training.

I would also strongly suggest getting started on the "out" command through tug exercises. The quicker you get in control of the bite the better and easier for future training.

[Hayne]

I know there is a mild joke about the Koehler method being the “yank - n - crank method but it does produce reliable results, even though it is for the most part becoming outdated.
The one major drawback I saw was the lack of enthusiasm displayed by the dog. At different times I’ve been able to watch dogs that were trained with different methods show a lot more playful enthusiasm while maintaining a high level of obedience. The Koehler method can produce an obedient dog with a lot of correction fear if the dog owner tends to strong arm the corrections.
I may not be explaining this very well but I still want to have a happy go lucky dog after training is complete; my last pit had excellence obedience on and off leash with the Koehler method but he totally lost that playful spirit over a period of years. Hopefully my new buddy “Charlie” and I will avoid that this time.
Thanks for the advice

[ChrisNJudy]

Hello Hayne,

That is what make this style of training different. we use possitive reinforcement, with the most minimal amount of correction. We use the least amount of a correction that is needed to get a result. Dogs that are trained by "Foundation Style" dog trainers will never show that lack of playful spirit you talk about. We do not over work the dogs and we always make it an enjoyable expierence. When a dog comes to see a "Foundation Style" dog trainer they come in with a low wagging tail and get all excited. RESPECT comes first for our dogs. Unlike the Koehler method, we even introduce a warning "No" to give the dog a second chance to avoid the correction and no matter what, they always get praise..
You will never see a "Foundation Style" dog trainer disrespecting dogs and over correcting them. In fact, we usually have owner's practice on us first, so they don't start over correcting their dog.

Read through the triangle first, and then move on to the videos.. if you stick with this style of training, Charlie will keep his spirit throughout his training and his life.

Keep us updated and always feel free to ask questions if you need to trouble shoot something, etc.

Thanks
Chris