I'm trying to figure out things in advance before I actually get to the training stages for my 11 month GSD. Is there such a thing as Operant Civil/Aggression training, if that makes sense?
If so, would those of you with experience please enlighten me. I'm trying to figure out the best way to train my pup.
Thanks,Ray

You mean like the bad guy runs away when your dog shows aggression? Or he gets to bite at the right barking or something?

If you mean alert barking (Steve's first question), yeah. It's not only easy to do, it's also extremely fun for both you and the dog.

If this is the path you're taking, I'm using this: http://leerburg.com/bark.htm

I think what I'm trying to say is some people use the "Table training" to bring out the fight/aggression in the dog. I realize how it is perceived here on the forum and I would like to know the other ways of bringing out the "fight" in the dog.

 Quote: ray fajardo

I think what I'm trying to say is some people use the "Table training" to bring out the fight/aggression in the dog. I realize how it is perceived here on the forum and I would like to know the other ways of bringing out the "fight" in the dog.

The dog is under a year old?

"Fight" means defense?

Go a little slower and let the helper get a feel for him Ray. They'll evaluate and know what to reward and how to build his confidence. They can tailor it to your dog.

And at 11 months, you should be a year away from it too...

I love Ed's analogy of teaching a kid to do karate. It is all fun and games until the sh!t hits the fans. Our ten year old is a black belt, and if you ask him, he is tough stuff. We adults know different, and when he heard a scary noise outside the window, he reverted back to the kid he is and came running to our bed.

Your pup is the same. At his age, and perhaps tough as nails, he is still a pup. You don't want him to be scared into defence right now. Teach him through LOTS of repetition with an experienced helper how to feel confident when the GAME gets a little rough. VERY slowly and over a long period of time, that will solely depend on the dog, that GAME gets rougher. He learns success while it is fun and gains the confidence he needs over time.

The training you alluded to is used to force the dog into it before they are ready for it on the ground. For a more balanced dog that is more comfortable going in and out of defence, take it slow. A good helper is a MUST!

Ray, I remember you were looking for a trainer/decoy, have you found one yet?

Steve,
I understand...he slips into defense/civil relatively easy or maybe a puppy version of it. It's like a more serious prey/play type attitude. He does not need a sleeve on the helper to start barking at him. He knows.

Jessica,
That pretty much sums up the info I was looking for.

Betty,
My schedule has been kinda hectic so its on hold for a minute.

Scott,
I just briefly looked at the link you referenced...looks like fun. My dog will go bonkers. He's pretty protective/particular about strange people/things(ie: cats, stray dogs in particular(his defensive bark always drives them away til now) setting foot in our yard. He does not mind people exercising or walking on the street, but generally he will keep an eye on them.lol. He's a serious fella.