May 17, 2011
My Malinois K9 is handler sensitive, and has a problem ranging out to search. Is there something I can do?
Full Question:
Ed,I work for a Sheriff's Office in Utah as a K9 handler and I have great Malinois with plenty of drive. My problem with him is he tends to be handler sensitive and at times I struggle with getting him to range out and search without coming right back. Do you have any books, video, dvd, articles, etc.. that deal with this problem. I looked on your website, but I was unable to find what I was looking for.
Thanks,
Shawn
Ed's Answer:
A difficult question without seeing the dog and knowing the temperament. If it's a training issue then that's easy - just set up your finds then repeat them at a further distance.
The dog has to learn (through training) that there is ALWAYS someone out there. If he was properly selection tested he will do the work.
When you categorize your dog as being a soft dog - I don't think you are using the correct description for SOFT. A soft dog is a dog that does not recover quickly from a correction. I have seen handler soft dogs that are tough as nails.
The fact that your dog will not range out really is not a softness issue - there is something else wrong.
The dog has to learn (through training) that there is ALWAYS someone out there. If he was properly selection tested he will do the work.
When you categorize your dog as being a soft dog - I don't think you are using the correct description for SOFT. A soft dog is a dog that does not recover quickly from a correction. I have seen handler soft dogs that are tough as nails.
The fact that your dog will not range out really is not a softness issue - there is something else wrong.
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