positiveprotectiondog-blog

[positiveprotectiondog-blog]

The Scariest Thing about a Positive Working dog

Something that I have learned is that when it comes time to do bite work it will be nothing more than a game to Stark. Traditionally dogs are forced to bite out of defense, it was the only way to accomplish it. 

Now however we're smarter and are able to tap into a dog's natural drives. So in the end Stark's favorite thing in the world is going to be to take down an "aggressor". That's right, run away, you'll make it way more fun for him. He's going to run you down, grab you by the arm or the leg until I ask him to come back to have even more fun with me. 

I find that to be more intimidating than a dog that has been forced to bite out of self preservation. Just a random thought!

[positiveprotectiondog-blog]

It Starts

I started this blog to chronicle Stark's training in the world of protection sports. I am lucky enough to have found wonderful trainers that compete at high levels using positive methods. Not even a week into the class and I have already learned so much! I have plans to compete with Stark in many sports depending on what he enjoys the most, agility is my first love and I am interested to see how the sports effect one another.

IPO (Schutzhund) is a sport of precision and explosive action. It consists of three disciplines; obedience, tracking, and protection. The obedience aspect is much like that of confirmation obedience with the addition of a steep A-frame. Tracking is the locating of articles/people through the use of scent. Protection is the dog's ability to seek out, subdue, and release the "aggressor". IPO is now open to all breeds so my puppy border collie is able to compete should we ever get that far. **Note that this is very basic and also what my current understanding of the sport is. I'm sure it will change/evolve as I learn more.

Traditionally dogs are taught through compulsion; that is using punishments to control the dog's behavior. Such as commanding an out (let go) and when the dog doesn't comply administering a correction either from a metal collar or an e collar. This is not how Stark will be trained, he will never be put in a situation where he feels defensive and I will not use compulsion. Stark will be a willing participant through the entire process it will be our game.

I've decided to start this blog for many reasons; I'm excited to start this training and learn more about different types of training. I want to share my thoughts about the process, our triumphs and our challenges. I also want this information out there so that on the off chance someone is looking for positive methods to train for the sport I can help them find them. Or maybe if you do this sport and have trained using compulsion but wonder if there's a better way.

One thing I will try very hard to do is not slam the people who choose to use harsher methods. I know that they love their dogs the same way I love mine and I am never trying to say otherwise. 

So I hope you enjoy, thanks for reading!