DOGGIE DOG BLOG

Posted by: David Harris

Video by: David Harris

As a puppy Diesel was developed using a combination of methods.  The primary method in the beginning was shaping using a clicker as an aid in developing very accurate communication between the handler and the dog.  As part of his early training Diesel was taught to retrieve.  And by taught I mean to imply that he learned if he retrieved he would be rewarded, but that not retrieving caused him no grief.  It was good to retrieve, but there was no compulsion behind his desire.  So, he progressed well to a point and then soon found other behaviors more suited to his desires.  He was a happy retrieving dog, but lacked discipline and would not stay on task if other distractions became to strong, or if he was tired or simply not in the mood.  The sport of Schutzhund couples retrieving with jumping a one meter fixed hurdle and a two meter tall A frame for a blind retrieve in which the dog cannot see the dumbbell until after it has completed the jump.  In advance levels of Schutzhund the retrieving dumbbell is very large (2 000 gram = 4.4 lb).  These retrieves require strong, focused drive to stay on and complete the task despite the intimidating obstacles incorporated into the exercise.  Very few dogs come by this drive without balanced training methods and so it was with Diesel.  He could and knew he should retrieve, but lacked the strong desire to stay on task if presented with a difficult obstacle.  So, at eight months of age (to early for most dogs, but not for Diesel) I started adding a consequence to non compliance of the retrieving behavior.  I started by simply teaching Diesel to take, hold, carry, heel, jump and bring the dumbbell to me from a sit stay.  As he progressed he learned to move from my side to grab for the dumbbell farther and farther away from the basic position, but never was the dumbbell thrown at this point.  Once he was proficient at taking, holding and carrying I moved on and started asking Diesel to take the dumbbell off a raised platform directly ahead of him while in the basic position.  Further and further I moved from the platform each day.  I would place the dumbbell on the platform, back away with Diesel in the heel position and then require him to move away from the basic position to grasp the dumbbell and return it to me in the front position.  Once, and only once he was able to complete this task from about ten feet away and without correction did I move on to throwing the dumbbell.  At this point things moved rapidly forward due to the fact that Diesel had an excellent understanding of retrieving from the beginning and only lacked the WHY SHOULD I to become an excellent retrieving dog. 

This method of training is commonly called a Forced Retrieve and is frowned on by many modern trainers.  But, I have yet to find fault in this method if done correctly.  As you will see in the accompanying video Diesel has mastered in six days what takes many dogs years to learn and he still has all his happiness and drive intact.  This is not a method to be attempted without support from a professional trainer with many years of experience.  So, don’t try this at home :)  At least without help.  But, I wanted to post this information and the video to show what can be accomplished with the right balance of positive and negative reinforcement methods.  Happy and consistent is the goal.  Judge for yourself where this dog is headed.  Please forgive the amateur nature of the video.  I was working alone and had no one to hold the camera.   But, you can see clearly what is needed to judge if this method has merit when applied correctly.

http://ca.youtube.com/watch?v=PuWIT-F_vuA

 As always your questions and comments are valued.

David