April 29, 2011
My friend's Mal won't release her reward when she finds narcotics. Do you have any suggestions?
Full Question:
I work on a k-9 team with the department of corrections and have a question you might can help me with. My partner has a female Mal that will not release her reward when she finds narcotics. He has tried several different things to her pain is not an factor. Any suggestions?Thanks,
Matt
![Ed](https://leerburg.com/Photos/articles/authors/edfrawley.jpg)
![Ed](https://leerburg.com/Photos/articles/authors/edfrawley.jpg)
I could write a chapter in a book on this.
Fact is this is an indication of a relationship problem with the dog and handler. 100% of the time when this happens it’s a respect issue and bad handling. The handler has not gained this dog's respect. You are correct when you say pain is not a factor – fairness is. The dog does not believe the handler is fair in how he handles the rewards so she does not give it up.
If I were his supervisor I would make this handler run his dog through the work in my DVD about Building Drive and Focus. In fact I would not allow him to work his dog on the street unless he could demonstrate this work. Do not misunderstand me here, this dog very well does not have a drive problem – but the DVD teaches respect between the handler and dog and vice versa.
I have written on the OUT in my Q&A on police dog training – you may want to visit my comments there too.
Fact is this is an indication of a relationship problem with the dog and handler. 100% of the time when this happens it’s a respect issue and bad handling. The handler has not gained this dog's respect. You are correct when you say pain is not a factor – fairness is. The dog does not believe the handler is fair in how he handles the rewards so she does not give it up.
If I were his supervisor I would make this handler run his dog through the work in my DVD about Building Drive and Focus. In fact I would not allow him to work his dog on the street unless he could demonstrate this work. Do not misunderstand me here, this dog very well does not have a drive problem – but the DVD teaches respect between the handler and dog and vice versa.
I have written on the OUT in my Q&A on police dog training – you may want to visit my comments there too.
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