Articles

Questions related to obedience training continue to occupy the minds of many
handlers and trainers within the Police K-9 Community. What does obedience training represent ? Should you let things develop on their own with little interference as to not suppress the drive of your dog ? Is training a learning based exercise ? While are some handlers successful and others struggle and fail when using the exact same methods, devices etc ? What is the role of certain devices ? Without a doubt many K-9 Trainers and handlers have debated and invested time into finding answers to these questions.
  For me these questions sent me on the journey that would cause me to question everything. The relationship I had with my first Police K-9 “Reuben” was to become the foundation to source out not only the problem but also the key to finding the answers. I knew right away that something wasn't aligning for many who adopted learning and with motivating responses once behavior issues were already ongoing. Dogs were getting the blame. I knew something wasn't adding up and that the human was to blame.
  One thing I learned right away is that appearances can be very deceiving. Especially when it comes to the dog training world and the very popular idea of what training represents. Appearances have caused much confusion on both sides of the blue line. While Police K-9 Officers are somewhat insulated from the negative outcomes associated with the outside forces of learning theory they have the very real potential of causing problems for the K-9 Handler and team. The lack of insight into what the source of the problem really is keeps the door open for a wide rage of issues associated with a relationship issue between handler and dog. While many K-9 Handlers and Trainers stick to a “formula that works” based on experience its does not eliminate these questions and potential problems associated with a intuitive process.

  I understood this very clearly once I continued my journey with helping the average pet owner. This was both a challenge and opportunity to better identify the source of the problem. During this journey I came alongside a behaviorist who was very willing to allow me to put learning under the microscope and to the test. This only confirmed my suspicions. Responses could not be trusted and the end point via positions should not be the focus. Certain concepts such as counter conditioning were also problematic based on the context of agreeableness. A parent can gain the agreeableness of a selfish child to be accepting and
respond via negotiation, accommodation and bribery but it doesn't represent that the overall relationship is actually getting better.

  The problem and rub is with trusting that responses are aligning the right way when the relationship is already going sideways once a dog has already gained control within the relationship. The superficial way in which many trainers jump into a relationship problem and with how they motivate dogs to respond often translates into problems for many dogs and owners. When does motivating a dog to respond cross the line and become bribery is the question that continues to challenge many. The answer can be found when considering the parent and child example. Once a child becomes selfish their motives and perceptions change while behavior issues escalate. To assume that response automatically represents that perceptions are changing is to ignore the depth of what is happening beyond appearances. While quadrants have become accepted by many as the vehicle on which to build a picture the inherent problem is the starting point itself. Motivating a already selfish child to make their bed and pick up their toys may represent good responses however one must connect the dots properly.

  The way in which learning is being applied, marketed and used as a standard within the framework of response is the source of the problem within the dog training world. Lack of depth while ignoring how perceptions are influenced socially via the human create this disconnected counterfeit picture for many. Unresolved behavior problems continue to frustrate owners even as dogs respond and look great via the sit, down, come and stay. While the word “behavior” is often used as a dog is responding alluding to perceptions changing the reality is often very different. Appearances and assumptions become the focus. Handlers and Trainers can find themselves in this same trap if they are not aware of certain dynamics that follow the path of this popular idea and approach. Focus shifts. Performance is impacted. Dogs can get washed out needlessly. Time and money wasted. Liability issues. For a larger department they can absorb these issues. It may mean the end for another. Once a dog has already gained a level of control within the relationship than the focus of the dog shifts. Just like the focus of a selfish child shifts.
  This can directly impact task associated training and the overall success of the K-9 team. Examples of this can be seen during the track with the dog lifting their head to shortcut while visually scanning to locate the quarry in eager anticipation of getting a bite instead of investing in the scent. This short cutting represents the handler being faded out of the relationship picture at a level which is problematic to the overall success of the team. Getting the dog to take full advantage of its natural abilities is critical. This fade out issue can also be seen with a dog refusing to release the bite on command. This can create a liability issue for not only the team but the program as a whole. Stress and reactivity becomes another issue that follows the path of a dog gaining control in the relationship. While often resolvable with the right approach many dogs get washed out as a result. Just like a selfish child comfort is not found in the right parenting approach. Reversing course follows the path of a intervention with the focus more on the human than dog.

  The narrative that obedience training has the potential to suppress a dog's drive was born from the confusion that follows the path of a superficial idea and process.
Allowing the dog to always get the bite as not to inhibit the dog's drive is one of the counter measures that has been deployed by those taken down by this confusion. This follows the drive based approach with deciding to not bring “disciple, punishment or corrections” into the equation until a certain point of a dog's development. This hesitation to disciple and correct a dog comes from the confusion of what obedience represents as a whole. When considering the parenting example the confusion can be sorted out with defining what influence represents as well as its role. Being invested, dialed in and proactive in the relationship as you “interact” in “meaningful” ways to establish parental “influence” with your child. You would not wait until the child is 8-9 years old before deciding to bring your child under influence for fear of discouraging them etc. This delay can create the opportunity for a relationship problem with a dog gaining a level of control within the relationship and the issues that come along with that.
  Within the developmental process and relationship of the handler and dog the focus is on a interaction based approach to establish focus which seamlessly transitions into task specific training. Once the perceptions of the dog have changed the right way than motivating responses is no longer an issue. It is time to connect the task associated dots. When a dog has gained a level of control in the relationship reversing course follows the path of an intervention vs a learning based exercise. Again using the parenting example as a reference point the parent needs to come into agreement with the right parenting style while “interacting” with the child in meaningful ways.
  The question that every K-9 Trainer and Handler needs to ask is “Is training really a learning based exercise ?” Certainly not the way this idea is being applied within the dog training world and once a dog has already gained a level of control in the relationship and their perceptions has changed. When the process is wrong than the focus and blame will shift onto the dog as the problem. It is the way it must go down. This idea restricts and limits the true potential of the K-9 Team. Ultimately as a Police K-9 Handler and Trainer the question is how can I achieve the very best result ? The goal should be to be set free from anything which holds back the true potential of the K-9 team. The following are just some of the obvious benefits of adopting a process which follows the right relationship path between handler and K-9: Save Agency time and money Need to wash out dogs greatly reduced The highest possible level of focus ( the right way) on the handler which transfers to tasks

Reduced liability issues connected to use of force / increased control / response

Higher success rate

Save lives when seconds matter

My encouragement for the K-9 team is to take hold of this information and re-visit what is possible. Allow it to Ignite a spark which moves your team and program forward. Without a doubt K-9 Officers have the best job in the world. Of course perhaps I am just a little bias.

Tracking through Pack

By Dale McCluskey

www.k9pack.com

The title of this article “Tracking through Pack” emphasizes the critical role of the

handler by replacing the commonly used word “Drive” with “Pack” bringing into focus

the critical role of the handler when it comes to establishing the right combination of

drive, speed and focus for the Police Tracking Dog. To understand the role of the

handler with influencing the perceptions of the dog is to consider the role of a parent

with influencing the responses of a child. The social influence piece of the relationship

puzzle is important to consider when seeking to unleash the full tracking potential of the

Police K-9.

Agitation muzzle work when combined with enthusiastic role play, which involves

dominating both the quarry and the area associated with the target person, provides an

extra boost as it relates to unleashing the naturalistic prey drive of the dog. Within this

model agitation work is a highly recommended add on in order to gain the most from

this drive based tracking framework as it allows the dog to express the full range of its

predatory drive at the highest possible level.

Once the dog gets the immediate bite via the sleeve or suit and the quarry retreats

slightly the high energy agitation role play game can begin. The focus is on the dog

winning and dominating both the quarry and the area associated with the role player.

The Basic Track

The following model provides the staging area and framework from which to launch

and build an outstanding tracking ability for the K-9 team. To achieve the greatest

benefit from this model it is important to follow the relational sequence of steps as

outlined within this guide. The recommended length of time each individual team

should stay within the basic model before increasing the expectations and difficulty

depends on the time required to unleash, establish and connect the drive of the dog with

the track.

The setting for the basic track is within a rural environment which includes grass,

vegetation, trees etc. The rural environment follows the path of a dog's natural

environment and is where the dog will express its predatory drive fully.

Tracking Model Basics

The following are some key points to keep in mind as you start to use this training

model:

• Keep the track short as the focus is 80 percent selling and hyping up the bite game

and 20 percent nose work to get the dog there. These ratios change after the speed

and drive of the dog is unleashed. Being objectified and pulled along for the ride

is what we want at this stage of training.

• The track and quarry location is known to the handler. The age of the track is less

than 10 minutes. The quarry should have possession of the agitation muzzle. It

can be tossed to the handler for use immediately after the initial bite.

• If the dog is air scenting to find the quarry that is alright at this point because our

focus is on speed, drive and fun, fun, fun, win, win, win.

• Talking to your dog to hype them up is good. Saying “get em” “where is he” etc.

Use very enthusiastic “good boy” when your dog finds the quarry and continue it

during the bite game. Verbal cues need to be encouraging to hype up the dog.

• The basic track requires an obstruction to hide the quarry. The obstruction can

consist of a combination of grass and slight change of terrain which allows the

quarry to lay prone without being seen by the dog until the end of the track.

• The bite needs to transition from the initial bite for the find to agitation muzzle

role play. The area dominating exercise builds on unleashing the naturalistic prey

drive of the dog. The quarry needs to stay within the role and outside the trophy

area as the muzzle in placed on the dog. For teams which already have achieved a

drive based tracking standard this add on will enhance the drive further.

Within the framework of the relational tracking model speed plays a critical role to the

overall success of the K-9 team. Speed is manifested as the dog begins to express its

naturalistic prey drive within the framework of the basic track and boundaries of the

follower script. This process, as it aligns with the basic tracking model, deliberately and

purposefully brings the handler within a state of objectification for the purpose of

unleashing the drive of the dog. The determination of how long this objectification

process should last is dependent on the drive range of each individual dog. Handlers

whose dogs have been trained in foot step method may want to remain within this basic

framework longer to build a strong foundation and bridge to allow the dog to confidently

express its naturalistic prey drive.

Once a drive based tracking standard has been achieved the pace the handler will need

maintain while tracking will generally represent a light jogging pace. During the initial

training stage as it aligns with the basic track the pace of the handler will be at a

moderate to fast jog based on the dog expressing the full range its predatory drive. As

the prey drive of the dog peaks, solidifies and connects with the track than the process of

track alignment can begin via the hold and release technique.

While speed is a critical piece of a drive based tracking standard it must be put within

the proper relational context to assess the script it is running within. An obvious clue

that it is pushing beyond the boundaries of the follower role can be as it relates to the

focus of the dog. Trailing and attempting to shortcut the track, visualization rather than

scent discrimination and not releasing the bite are indicators that relational harmony has

not been achieved at the level needed. The framework and process this drive based

model follows ensures that a trade-off is not happening between speed and focus.

Achieving a high level of focus comes through fulfilling the leadership needs of the dog

at the relational level. The how part of this equation focuses in on the personality of the

person and the specifics of the model being employed if change is needed. Those within

the law enforcement profession have a advantage with meeting this criteria based on the

personality types represented within this field. Within the framework of a dog's focus

being defined via a interaction based methodology a high level of focus will have

already been achieved for many prior to entering into the tracking model contained

within this guide. For those teams needing a high level of role change prior to engaging

this framework the specifics of achieving this can be found within my two other guides

the Leash and Mind & Body Kinetics located at my website. For dogs which pushing

beyond the boundaries of the follower script and are trailing the hold and release

technique will bring them within a true drive based tracking standard.

The good news is that dogs trained via other methods, such as foot step, can benefit

from transitioning to this naturalistic drive based tracking method. Speaking from

experience my first Police Dog Reuben was trained via foot step method and seamlessly

made this transition as I gained insight into this relationship. Within the framework of

the follower script and tracking model a dog's decision making process is influenced and

directed via the process of harnessing, unleashing and aligning the naturalistic prey drive

of the dog. As outlined within this guide unleashing the dog's natural prey drive

involves a process of using the bite as the motivating agent with as little restraint and

influence as possible at first while still keeping the dog within the boundaries of the

rural tracking framework.

Once the full range of the dog's prey drive has been allowed to express itself to the

point of taking hold and connecting with the track than the dog can be brought into

alignment with a true tracking standard.

Once the drive of the dog has peaked within the framework of the track the focus can

than shift to establishing proper scent alignment as it pertains to both primary and

secondary scent sources. These scent sources pertain to both human and vegetative

scent associated with the target source. This method of aligning the dog's scenting

ability involves using the long line as the means to influence and direct the dog's

decision making process. The focus and timing of this technique is to allow forward

motion at the moment the dog's nose lowers and aligns within the target scent. While

this hold and release technique involves influencing the dog's decision making process

via a negative its intent is not to frustrate but rather nudge.

If available the dog will invest and align within the primary and secondary scent picture

consisting of both human and vegetative scent. As the point this technique is applied the

full range of the dog's drive should be connected with the track. Once established the

focus is on influencing the dog's decision making process to bring it into alignment with

both primary and secondary scent sources. As the handler applies tension to the line to

hold the dog back the nose will drop in unison with the dog's body as it strains, lowers

and pulls hard forward to gain traction to counter the halting tension being applied to the

line. This is where the handler needs to watch carefully for even the slightest dropping

of the dog's nose. As the nose drops even a little the handler needs to allow forward

momentum within that moment. By allowing forward momentum at the moment the

dog's nose lowers communication is happening which confirms to the dog that to get

what it wants the nose must lower onto the track and within the specific scent cone. As

the ebb and flow of this technique is performed consistently the dog will begin to remain

within this scent cone. Remaining aligned within the scent cone provides a clear

fingerprint from which the dog can work through contamination via cross tracks and

other disruptive variables.

As the line feeds out the handler quickly advances into a jog /run.

Once the speed, drive and focus of the service dog has been unleashed via the basic

track than we can begin to add another level to our framework which consists of a

change of direction. When increasing the level of difficulty with adding to the track it is

critical for the handler to continue to market the bite and agitation game to the dog. The

bite and agitation game acts as the bridge from which to extend the track to include

corners, cross tracks, articles eventually crossing into an urban and hard surface terrain.

As with the basic track the goal is on using the bite to continue to build on a drive

based influence to propel and motivate the dog through various directional changes

associated with the target scent. This translates into the dog air scenting and

overshooting corners during the initial stages of adding corners and increasing the length

of the track. The goal is to have the dog navigate directional change within a drive

based framework. The bite acts as the carrot which is used to propel the dog through

corners with less circling and casting for scent. A dog that is highly motivated is going

to want to get to the end fast therefore the handler needs to anticipate and be ready to

move quickly as the dog engages the corner.

Conclusion

The ability for the K-9 team to take the lead when it comes to tracking performance is

with understanding how the dots connect with how the handler is perceived within the

relationship itself. The goal is to be able to achieve a consistent result via a intentional

method and process that any K-9 team can take advantage of regardless of their current

ability and without having to restart with a new dog. The basic formula for success can

be found within a interaction based methodology which aligns with a basic framework

that taps into the naturalistic drive of the dog. My encouragement for every handler is to

be intentional with seeing the critical importance of your role in harnessing the full

potential of your K-9 team's abilities.