The Value of Working K9
As a recognized master trainer by many organizations, I’ve seen just about every method used to motivate dogs. Praise, toy reward, treats, clickers — you have to understand what drives your dog and what method best allows him to find his focus.
Dogs are not intellectual beings; they are motivated by instinct. To have consistent detection success, a trainer must manipulate an animal’s focus and drive. This requires a cool head and controlled demeanor.
Make sure you’ve thought through what you’re doing before you do it. Take your time. Remember that dogs learn through habit and repetition. Start by making a plan and then stick to that plan for every training session. And never work your dog when you’re angry.
Working with canines can be an incredibly rewarding experience, but beware; detection dog training is not for hobbyists or the faint of heart. It is an industry where mistakes can be costly, even deadly. Training your dog will not be a leisurely pursuit; it is a lifestyle that requires commitment and sacrifice. Having a drug, bomb, accelerant, or bed bug dog requires constant maintenance. To succeed as a business, you’ll need to be on call seven days a week, while constantly on the lookout for ways to expand and innovate.
If you’re still up for the challenge, then read on. You won’t be disappointed, and I think you’ll find it’s worth the effort. By following my proven methods, you’ll soon be training and maintaining successful detection dogs.
View more tips on training from my book, Detection Dog Training, “It’s not a Job, It’s a Lifestyle” available on Amazon.
About ATS K9 Detection Dog Training
When choosing a Detection dog team for your specific job, ensure that they have third party certification, (not in house ) Insurance, and training records to prove proper maintenance standards. Our ATS K9 Detection dog inspections have set standards in the detection dog industry for more than 25 years.