We all want solid obedience but that doesn't mean we have to take the drive down.
I spent a lot of years "getting compliance" out of my dogs. Trailed at upper levels of AKC OB and had military performance with dogs.
Today it's markers and motivational. I may still use correction/compulsion if it's needed but I haven't needed it for the past 8+ yrs with the two GSDs I have.
You'll get a ton more out of a dog if it thinks it's having fun and having fun doesn't mean the dog isn't going to comply.
would you rather obey a command to get a reward or obey a command to avoid correction? Maybe a little of both if needed but it doesn't have to take the drive out of a dog. You'll never again see me in a ring with a perfectly performing dog that looks like it's afraid to make a mistake. They can look perfect, enjoy the training and STILL not have the drive taken down.

Yep, that's what I meant by opening new doors. Now that I am learning to work with my GSD in drive, my previous method seems so antiquated.

 Quote: Duane Hull

Yep, that's what I meant by opening new doors. Now that I am learning to work with my GSD in drive, my previous method seems so antiquated.

My dog training started in the 50s. No doubt in my mind that things aren't light years better and the past 10 yrs or so have taken off like a rocket from the previous methods.

when I work with my "three musketeers" I keep it very short. They are food driven so I can provide treats for them like most of you do for rewards. I am learning alot about keeping things fun. I am also learning once they understand a behavior, I can mix it up and ask for it when I am in different positions.
To keep it fun I change things up a little (again after they get it). When calling a recall I sometimes run away from them as I recall them, or run a little and then stop, or bend down in a play stance.
I sometimes toss the treats. Or have them chase them before they get them.
I incorporate their obedience into everything they do in the house, or in their every day lives.
At home when feeding I reinforce a new behavior by asking for it before feeding.
I too want to be excited myself, then they get excited. I have found that goofy is something they really love to see in me. I am trying to be more relaxed when training. As someone new to formal training, I was concentrating so hard on trying to do it right that I wasn't acting like it was fun.
I act very, very excited when my pups do what i have asked them.
Now I am going to mix it up with a toy now and then when they do a behavior right.
My dogs are food motivated but do like to play with that poor stuffed bunny on the end of the flirt pole. So, we will see what happens.
I am grateful for all the things I have learned here on the forum and through the DVD's I have ordered from Leerburg.

Thanks for sharing what you do to excite your dogs in learning.
Oh, one other thing to remember that I learned from Ed was that you want to find out what treats are the highest value to your dog and use them.
My pups will do almost anything for steak, sausage, bacon. That always helps to know what they love. When I take them to the vet they always get the highest value treats, and the same when I take Bindi to school. They get really excited when they smell these favorite treats.

Great pic! They do look happy. What a joy to interact with the dogs. I love learning how to communicate with them. I have so very much to learn. thanks for the pic

Working when in drive, keeping the sessions short, I've been guilty of going for that 1 more.

I keep it up beat but I can't say my movement is bouncy.

By doing my best animated girly voice is a huge difference.

I remember some guys switching from verbal markers to clickers mainly because of an inability to use the kind of voice they wanted to use.

That's for sure a guy thing.

Connie,
I think that handler enthusiasm is key - I want my students to imitate a hyperactive cheerleader on meth amphetamine when they're praising their dog, that dog needs to be the center of their universe for as long as training lasts.

I see that men usually do not praise their dogs effectively, male ego gets in the way of good dog training, which is sad.

Will,
This reminds me of our first day in handlers school, with the instructors (all ex-military, biker guys with goatees and tattoos) jumping around like cheerleaders doing "oggie-boogie" praise voices and all the students looking at each other in bewilderment.

Connie,
I know a handler that uses whistles for praise and markers because his voice is so low and gruff. Whatever it takes right