Quote: ray fajardo

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

Ray,
I've been watching this thread, and I was going to make some comments, but I think that something needs to be cleared up before I can offer advice.
First, to be clear - what is your definition of "civil"?

It always helps if folks are on the same page and understand each others use of technical words.

My definition of civil...

What I understand about civil training is that...it's getting the dog to focus on the helper without the sleeve or any visible protective equipment. For the dog to treat the helper as a real threat. For the dog to extend an invitation to fight, or to show aggression towards the helper/person that is or is not posing a threat, on a command.

I've seen posted around the protection forum(I think it was), about someone being able to make their dog "civil" on command towards a person, whether that person is posing a threat or not.
Then be able to command them as "friend" and the person that was the dogs target of agression was able to come and pet the dog in a friendly manner. Then again, the dog was commanded to get "civil"; Like an on and off switch if you will.

I realize that not all dogs are suited for this, but I'm trying to learn the concepts of the stages in training that lead up to that "on and off switch"; Without using the Table training and forcing the dog to exhibit such behavior before the dog has matured.

Will's the man to answer this but, I'd like to take a shot at it.

I would think that would start with getting control of the dog's reaction first, while in a playful setting. Will the dog "leave it" or "enough" (civil/friend/whatever) and giblout (speak/bark/alert) on command? That seems like it would be the foundation of the on/off switch.

Personally though, I don't really want other people petting my pup...which is something he agrees with. I just want him to be calm and confident until I decide there's a reason not to be or a physical threat presents itself.

Loosely at this stage, but he does "leave it" and he does "bark" on command.

I don't let people pet my pup either, and to be honest he doesn't like getting pet anyhow. He doesn't hate it, he just does not enjoy it. He even tells me to back off sometimes,lol, in a non threatening way of course.

bump

Ray, check your PM's!