Hi Phyliss

I got my copy Wednesday and am on my second viewing. It is probably in the top three Schutzhund Training Videos, I've seen :-) With that being said, I'm not sure how
a video on Drive and Grip and
Focus is going to be applicable to a service dog?
Have you ever trained a Service dog? What kind of dog are you trying to train? It seems to me like you would want a less drivey and calmer
dog to be a service dog?
Is there anybody on the list who has trained service dogs?
What do you think?

Hi Thomas, Yes I hear what you are saying about a less drivey dog, and in most situations I would definitely agree with you.
However, I am training my dog for seizure alert, and it has been noted by some, that some of the drivier dogs have more chance at the alert potential. They seem to be more in tuned with thier handlers. I haven't trained service before, but I have help from two very good trainers, one is a head assistance dog trainer, the other is a Mal breeder who does PPD training. I am getting some fantastic information. Even if this tape isn't the answer to my Assistance dog training, I want to learn anyhow. I feel the more information I get, will enable me to develop my own training style. This list has been extremely interesting and helpful. I have written Ed to ask him to open a section for Assistance dog Training. I don't know if it will be in keeping with his methods, or motivations, but it can't hurt to try. I'd like to open some discussions on training various skills.
The Flinks video will at the very least help me with training the focus. Unlike a few that I've noticed on the list, I don't claim to have the answers, I want to learn them. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> I have used the flirt stick to work on ball drive with my dog, and it worked very well, I'm not sure where to go with that now, but would like to use the ball for reinforcements. There have been some food issues that I would rather avoid with the dog.

WOW!!! Is what I have to say about this video. It was just delivered this a.m. and I have watched quite a bit of it, past the heeling. I highly recommend this video for anyone interested in "serious" training of their dog. That is if they want to work on obedience using an object instead of food.
The answer to one of the questions about using this to train my "assistance dog" is yes, absolutely. This video shows the handler how to use the dog's natural prey drive. Most important, is to build trust, and learn to read the dog. Now I have to admit that I have absolutely no experience with PPD, SchH, or KNPV, but I do have a Lab with prey drive. I can see myself using these methods with great success. I had been using a 'flirt stick' but as the video showed I made some mistakes that I didn't even realise that I was doing. Too slow, too quick, too long a line etc...
Teaching the dog to focus, and learn sit, heel, down etc... using the ball, are just what I need to help with the controlling of this dog. I love the fact that it minimizes compulsion. I had been trying to use the "take, hold, give" for retrieve. The dog has a lot of resentment to this, but I can see him doing really well with Bernard's methods. I will be able to take his training farther, and with more trust on his part. My dog has had poor imprinting, and doesn't easily trust, but I can work on this with these methods. I really like the "into my arms" section to build trust. I obviously won't go on to bite work, but I can go onto pull work. Opening doors and cupboards, pulling the wheelchair and getting objects that require pulling.
I am looking forward to the time when he can do off-leash focussed heeling as well.
Thank you Mr. Frawley! Well done! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />

Phyllis:

Ed is working on his next Flinks tape Training the Motivational Retrieve with Bernhard Flinks. ($50.00 - video 106)
"Keep em commin"!!

Vince, thanks for letting me know about the motivational retrieve video that is in the works. That is one that I definitely won't be able to pass up. This forum is full of amazing information.
There is so much I have to learn, but the more I do, the more I want to get involved.
I'm really enjoying this. I can't wait to start on the "drive" work. I just have to wait until it stops raining. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" /> Oh, and yes, please do keep 'em coming! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />

Hello;
I have tried the ball on a string off and on with my GSD since I got him as a 5 month old puppy. The problem is that he is too smart to fall for it? He sees the ball with the attached string and has figured out that if he grabs the string the ball is not far behind! He has more drive for the string or rope than a ball...Any suggestions?

rescuer,
I think you need to shorten the string a little. Try either bunching it up in your palm so he can't get at it. This may result in a few misssed bites that leave your hand a little sore - but it's all part of the fun isn't it LOL?
You could also try (if he's a young puppy) gently removing the toy from his mouth when he's holding by the string.
Good luck,
Nick

I am going to close this thread and create a separate forum just on the Flnks video that I just finished. It will be easier for people to find - rather than have posts under protection training adult dogs.

In the future I will create a thread whenever I finish a new training video.

<img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />