To say a dog is trained, does not necessarily mean it is a star competitor. It means that the owner is completely happy and satisfied with his or her dog, whether the dog has been trained for tracking, obedience, protection, or to be a loyal and trustworthy pet. And the dog should leave its training at least as happy and well adjusted as when it started. The owner should be comfortable with the training the dog has received and the dog is well-trusted.
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We know through experience, that the first and most important level of training is socialization off leash. We believe that most problems begin with a lack of socialization. Unfortunately, most people misunderstand this subject. Visit nearly any obedience school and what do you see? How often have you seen dogs off leash, playing together?
By far, the most common picture seen is of dogs all on leash, or in crates. When a dog tries to play with another, it is usually pulled away from the other dog. By so doing, the dog is being agitated against the other dog, increasing the likelihood that he or she will be further restrained the next time. We understand that everyone thinks of liability problems first. But, just as people need people, dogs need dogs. Do not isolate your dog. It is wrong.
| Let's stop for a second and ask ourselves... What are dogs? - They are animals. That we know. Where did they come from? - From Mother Nature. Knowing these facts, you should use them in your training. |
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Recently, a gentleman came to our kennel and explained a frustrating situation he was experiencing with his dog. Although each story is somewhat unique, it is a story we hear all the time...
| "My name is Jo. I have a male German Shepherd who is 10 months old. He is a great dog and he's very protective, but I'm having some problems. I can't take him for a walk because he pulls like crazy. And whenever he sees another dog, he becomes very aggressive. Another problem I have is that the moment I let him go off leash, he takes off and runs all over the neighborhood. And when I call him, he won't come. In addition, when my friends come over, he barks like crazy. When I want him to stop, he won't. While my friends are over he can't relax, so I can't either." |
Sound familiar? We are quite sure that many dog owners are experiencing the same or similar problems, because we hear this story frequently. Where do those problems come from? They are almost always caused by either:
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A puppy or a young dog, should be taken places where he or she can run and play off leash with other dogs, both puppies and adults. It is very important that a puppy or a young dog be with adult dogs on its own. These experiences will be its first since it left its mother, teaching it respect. This is how Mother Nature teaches the dog about life. Life experiences like this are not only vital, but key to having a well-rounded dog. In our training, we use trained adult dogs to lead others in life and learning. And of course, socialization with people. Dogs must be able to feel comfortable around people. Life experience here, is vital. |
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In obedience training, we use positive motivation, praise, reward and fun, to create good relations between the dog and owner. We might sometimes use correction, depending upon the dog's age and motivation, but always as a surprise, never as pain. We train all dogs up to the level where you can control your dog on and off leash, with many surrounding distractions. | ) |
| Protection work has nothing to do with aggression. A protection trained dog, whose work is based on socialization and obedience, will clearly understand its work and will never become dangerous. First, we emphasize socialization. Then we teach obedience. Only then, do we go on to protection work. The dog will be able to recognize a threatening situation and listen for commands. Red Star personal protection dogs will serve you at home, in the shop, in the car, or wherever you are. It will be with you 24 hours a day, if needed. If you wish, the dog will not take food from a stranger. It can guard your child and/or your property while you are away. We can even teach your dog to work in a different language, so no one can control it but you. |
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Following is a description of a very unique three-month long training program offered by Red Star Kennel. It incorporates all the experience Irina and I have accumulated after many years of training hundreds of dogs for personl security needs of our clients. Throughout its training your dog will reside at Red Star Kennel for the period of either two or three month, depending on whether a dog is to be protection trained or not.
First, your dog will undergo intense socialization, followed by and in conjunction with general and advanced obedince. That is, obedience on- and off-leash, and under many distractions. Multiple external stimuli such as noisy cars, playing children, running small animals, other neutral/friendly dogs will be used during training routines. Such preliminary work is a foundtion of a stable trustworthy guardian. The proper physical conditioning your dog will receive, will enable it to master a challenging agility course routine.
Protection training is a complex scheme. At Red Star it starts in obedience and takes three months to complete. A dog must undergo many training situations which will be encountered in real life. It is a very gradual, step-by-step process. Our approach is modified according to each individual dog's ability and progress. The real value of a protection trained dog lies within absolute control that handler possesses over dog's actions. For that purpose your dog must have a deeply imprinted "on" and "off" switch. It will be many times more safe and reliable then any dog that has not been trained. Your dog will be stable and safe to handle both outside and within the family environment: neutral with non-threatening strangers, safe with children and other non-challenging dogs and much more. Of course, each individual client' situation requires its own aproach and we routinely do custom protection training tailored to each person's seciruty needs and acording to their specificatons. Most of our clients pick up their dogs personaly at the end of training. We normally teach effective handling skills necessary for each newly trained canine during that time. This program is $1000 a month (boarding, exercise, plus a handler instruction course are all included). Many references are gladly available.
To arrange for our Resident Training Program - two months for socialization, obedience and agility only, or the entire three months including personal protection and custom modification, please call us at (715) 386-2197. We will gladly answer any of the additional questions you might have.
