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Does Training Create a “Robot Dog”?

September 18, 2016 By Guy Lapierre Leave a Comment

“I don’t need my dogs to be robots.”

This is something I’ve heard several times as a trainer and I’ve had to explain to prospective clients that what you see on the surface may not be what you think. You can’t judge a book by its cover – so to speak.

As a trainer, I often post video of my dogs and show them doing obedience drills that would make people think the dog is robotic like in their movements. I understand that is not what a typical dog owner strives for. They just want a well behaved dog that they can take places and trust on and off leash.

So why do I integrate obedience so tightly into my programs? Why do I think it is so important when all I’m trying to do is modify a dog’s behaviour for things like aggression, anxiety, reactivity, guarding, fear, insecurity, pulling on leash, barking, jumping, rushing the door, etc.?

The Short Answer

The short answer is that in almost all cases I am faced with a dog that doesn’t listen very well to their owners. I’m not trying to develop a robotic dog, or even a competitive dog, for most of my clients. I’m having a dog rehearse their listening skills and developing a better relationship that is full of engagement with their owners. If I can’t get that outside of the context of their problem behaviours, I will certainly have no chance in getting it when they are.

The Long Answer

Everything I do with a dog I perceive as having a conversation with them. That is why I first condition them to a communication system. In my case I use a marker system that allows me to instantly communicate to the dog that they are doing something right or wrong. They are also instantly aware if they are expected to hold the behaviour or are being released from it.

While conditioning a dog to markers, I make it fun, build drive, and development engagement between the dog and handler. I want the dog to want to work for the handler and perceive it as a fun activity to engage in. While this develops and they learn their makers there is a conversation going on between the handler and the dog. The dog is constantly being asked to do something, the dog is responding, the handler is marking and rewarding or letting them know when they are incorrect and encouraging them to get it right. The dog becomes engaged in the process and understands the conversation completely.

Once we have an engaged dog then we begin to teach the dog obedience that is practical. Yes, some of those coincide with competitive obedience skills but some do not. They are practical in a sense that they allow me to continue have my conversation with the dog. When changing behaviours, I use obedience commands that are incompatible with the problem behaviour. So my conversation is not about the undesired behaviour itself but about the obedience being asked for in the presence of the triggers that cause the undesired behaviour. For instance, if a dog is sitting it can’t be jumping. If a dog is heeling, it can’t be pulling or lunging. So my conversation with the dog could not be any clearer and when done right it allows me to desensitize, or block, or redirect, or build confidence; whatever that particular dog may need while continuing to establishing trust and strengthening a bond between the dog and handler. I’m asking them to do something they’ve learned to enjoy and that they’ve rehearse hundreds of times. I’m asking them to do something they absolutely understand how to do, what the outcome is for doing it and what the consequence is for not. This has all been taught through hundreds of dress rehearsals. They know it to the point that you would believe they are a robot. Just like the golfer who takes thousands of swings to perfect it but when the round is over, they are just normal people – they just happen to be very good at something. The dogs I train are the same in the end. They get to be normal, balanced dogs after they overcome their behaviour issues – they just happen to be very good at obedience. And like the athlete who puts all the work in for the love of the game, so does the dog.

Do you have any dog problems? Do you want help? No matter the size, sex, age or breed We Can Help!

Would you like  FREE dog training advice? OR to just learn more about Duke’s philosophy on dog training?  GET ACCESS HERE to his Exclusive, FREE Mini video series  Click Here!! This mini series is not found on Youtube… Get Access Now… You will love the mini series and its Free!! 🙂

To find a UPK9 Trainer near you or to Book your  FREE Demonstration and Consult Click Here

For more information on how you can  purchase Dog Training Genesis and become a member  CLICK  HERE or on the photo below of Duke and his dogs.

ARE YOU A TRAINER LOOKING TO BETTER YOUR SKILLS OR SOMEONE WANTING TO LEARN TO BECOME A DOG TRAINER or JOIN THE UPK9 TEAM ? CLICK HERE TO LEARN HOW YOU CAN COME AND TRAIN WITH DUKE FERGUSON

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Learn More About Dog Training Genesis CLICK HERE !

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Filed Under: Guy Lapierre, UPK9 Halifax, UPK9 Main Blog

When other trainers failed this schnauzer UPK9 Halifax pulled him through!

November 20, 2012 By Duke Ferguson Leave a Comment

When Other Trainers failed this schnauzer  Unleashed Potential made the difference in this dogs life!

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– Dear Unleashed Potential, I wanted to write and say a Huge THANK YOU!!  for all of your help with Ginger. As you know, before we met you, we worked with TWO other dog trainers  and felt like we had tried everything. 100% positive reinforcement training, and then correction based methods. Despite all of our work with her, Ginger was still almost impossible to walk because she would bark and lunge at dogs, growl at children, and bark at anyone who tried to speak to us on the street. It was so bad that we would get up before dawn so we could walk her when no one else was around. We had pretty much given up until I found your website.

Since starting to work with you we have seen such amazing progress!

I never thought I would say that I now enjoy walking our dog, and after going through private, semi private classes and now group classes, I am beyond shocked to say that we are now working with her off leash at the park! 🙂

We still have work to do, but it is most notable is that Ginger seems to be building confidence and really seems like a happier dog. Our dog that used to be scared of everyone and everything, is becoming more curious and outgoing. It’s really remarkable to see. Throughout this process, I have been very impressed with your ability to match your recommendations to the individual needs of each dog. You truly care about dogs and their owners. Keep up the great work  and thanks again!

Amanda Bennett – Halifax NS

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If you know someone who needs help with their dog then Show the love and share this with a friend!!

Do you have problems training your dog or dogs? Do you want help? No matter the size, sex, age or breed We Can Help!

Want FREE dog training advice? OR to just learn more about Duke’s philosophy on dog training?  GET ACCESS to his Exclusive, FREE Mini video series  Click Here!! This mini series is not found on Youtube… Get Access Now… You will love the mini series and its Free!! 🙂

To find a UPK9 Trainer near you or to Book your  FREE Demonstration and Consult Click Here

For more information on how you can  purchase Dog Training Genesis and become a member  CLICK  HERE or on the photo of Duke and his dogs.

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Learn More About Dog Training Genesis CLICK HERE !

 

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Filed Under: Testimonials, UPK9 Halifax, UPK9 Main Blog

Testimonial with “Zeus” German Shepherd UPK9: Halifax

July 17, 2012 By Duke Ferguson Leave a Comment

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Testimonial with “Zeus” German Shepherd and UPK9

My German Shepherd dog Zeus and I just completed our training with Unleashed Potential  and the training  was great!  . UPK9  helped me turn my dog into a very happy well trained dog who now gets along with others. I could not be more pleased with the results and was worth every penny to have a 120 lbs. of manageable dog. My husband thought I was crazy at first but even in the first lesson he was impressed.

This training is worth the time and effort and money.  If your dog is not very social or does not listen call Unleashed Potential and they will give you a more loving friend that you can take with you anywhere.

Thanks again, from myself and Zeus!

Elise Le Brun

Do you have problems training your dog or dogs? Do you want help? No matter the size, sex, age or breed We Can Help!

Want FREE dog training advice? OR to just learn more about Duke’s philosophy on dog training?  GET ACCESS to his Exclusive, FREE Mini video series  Click Here!! This mini series is not found on Youtube… Get Access Now… You will love the mini series and its Free!! 🙂

To find a UPK9 Trainer near you or to Book your  FREE Demonstration and Consult Click Here

For more information on how you can  purchase Dog Training Genesis and become a member  CLICK  HERE or on the photo of Duke and his dogs.

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Learn More About Dog Training Genesis CLICK HERE !

 

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Filed Under: Duke Ferguson, Testimonials, UPK9 Halifax, UPK9 Main Blog

Unleashed Potential Dog Trainer Presents at Eastern College in Halifax.

January 31, 2012 By Duke Ferguson Leave a Comment

Unleashed Potential Dog Trainer with Vet Tech Students at Eastern College in Halifax.

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One of the things I love most about my career as a dog trainer with unleashed potential is that I have an opportunity to educate Veterinarians, Vet technicians, students, doggy daycare workers and pet store staff. Over the years I have learned a wealth of knowledge from some of the best dog trainers in North America, and I am more than happy to share that experience with those who want to learn more about dog training, aggression, rehabilitation and animal behavior.

Today I had the great privilege of doing a seminar for the students of Eastern college in Halifax, all of the students were Vet technician students. I have to say it was really fun watching light bulbs turn on as people listened, connected, asked questions and had a really good time. At the end of the seminar I brought one of my dogs up to the class room to show how our training methods work. Automatically the entire classroom fell in love with BB, it was a great way to bridge the gap between theory and practical.

I would like to thank Nadine at Eastern college for having me in, and inviting me back next year.

-Ted Efthymiadis

Does your dog not come when you call it? Do you want help? No matter the size, sex, age or breed We Can Help!

Want FREE dog training advice? OR to just learn more about Duke’s philosophy on dog training?  GET ACCESS to his Exclusive, FREE Mini video series  Click Here!! This mini series is not found on Youtube… Get Access Now… You will love the mini series and its Free!! 🙂

To find a UPK9 Trainer near you or to Book your  FREE Demonstration and Consult Click Here

For more information on how you can  purchase Dog Training Genesis and become a member  CLICK  HERE or on the photo of Duke and his dogs.

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Follow us on FACEBOOK  and subscribe to  us on YouTube

 

Filed Under: UPK9 Halifax, UPK9 Main Blog

Doberman is now a new dog!

January 18, 2012 By Duke Ferguson Leave a Comment

Ryker the doberman is unleashed and is now a new dog!!!

Ryker is a Doberman who recently came in for training from Cape Breton. We are seeing massive changes in only one week. He’s happy, safe and off leash already!! If you are wanting dog training that will produce the best results possible for you and your dog and you can’t do it your self, we can do it for you!!
Unleashed Potential’s Board and train program produces amazing results and has lasting results even after the dog goes home.

Does your dog not come when you call it? Do you want help? No matter the size, sex, age or breed We Can Help!

Want FREE dog training advice? OR to just learn more about Duke’s philosophy on dog training?  GET ACCESS to his Exclusive, FREE Mini video series  Click Here!! This mini series is not found on Youtube… Get Access Now… You will love the mini series and its Free!! 🙂

To find a UPK9 Trainer near you or to Book your  FREE Demonstration and Consult Click Here

For more information on how you can  purchase Dog Training Genesis and become a member  CLICK  HERE or on the photo of Duke and his dogs.

Fotor111122448

 

Follow us on FACEBOOK  and subscribe to  us on YouTube

 

Filed Under: UPK9 Halifax, UPK9 Main Blog

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