The Koehler Method of Dog Training

The Koehler Method of Dog Training

The Koehler Method of Dog Training The book that pioneered a uniquely effective dog training method�back in print at last

First published in 1962, The Koehler Method of Dog Training is one of the most influential dog training books of all time. Now, Howell Book House is pleased to reissue this book for a new generation of trainers and dog lovers. Featuring a new cover design and new introduction, the book shows how to use both positive and negative reinforcement to form a strong, joyful bond between dog and handler. The Koehler method remains unmatched in its reliability, especially when applied to difficult dogs and intractable behavior problems.

William Koehler was a dog training innovator who worked as the chief animal trainer for Walt Disney Studios and the training director for one of the world�s largest dog clubs.
Customer Review: Review from a Certified Pet Dog Trainer
Let's be straight -- Bill Koehler loved dogs. In fact, he loved and respected dogs a whole lot more than some of today's "big name" trainers who refer to dogs as stupid creatures, incapable of thought or responsibility, only able and willing to work for a cookie, because they are nothing but selfish "lemon brains."

I am a professional dog trainer who came up through the ranks of the "positive reinforcement" school of training. I was taught to use cookies and praise to get dogs to behave. And most of all, NEVER correct a dog -- that's cruel and outdated. Well, the "all positive" method of training does work -- to a point. But I found, time and time again, that only using positive reinforcement did not create reliable, 100% consistent behaviours. Where this was most obvious was on the recall -- let's say your dog is off leash at the park, and he takes off after a squirrel. And you're going to try to call him back and give him a tidbit? Most dogs would just keep on running. And to my mind, as a professional trainer, that was unethical and immoral, to send my clients out into the world, knowing full-well that their dogs were not safe, because their behaviours were not reliable.

The Koehler method makes commands reliable. And it does so without abuse, fear, or beating. Bill Koehler belived that it was far kinder to a dog to respect the dog's intelligence, to show the dog the clear contrast in consequences that occur when choosing between one course of action (say, heeling) over another (not heeling, and receiving a SINGLE forceful, well-timed correction). Correct the dog once, properly, the first time, and let the dog make his own choices after that. In fact, Koehler believed it was completely CRUEL to a dog to consistently nag it, over and over again. Witness the "positive only" crowd using gentle, nagging leash tugs, saying "Heel heel heel heel heel" in a chanting manner. Drive your dog crazy, it would.

The Koehler Method is a complete method of dog training that works on three parts:

1) show the dog what you want them to do, and praise him for making the right choice.
2) practice with the dog until you are sure he knows what you want him to do, and praise him for making the right choice. If he doesn't make the right choice while he's learning, then show him again.
3) once the dog knows what is expected of him (that is, after lots of practice), then "proof" the command by providing lots of distractions for the dog. If he chooses the right behaviour (and remember, this is only if he already KNOWS what is expected), then praise him. If he chooses the wrong behaviour, correct him firmly, correct him once, and give him the opportunity to make the right choice.

You'll read reviews that go on and on about hanging, drowning, and beating dogs. Yes, Bill Koehler DID say those things. He said those were methods to be used if the next stop for the dog was a one-way trip to the pound. They were never intended for your average family dog.

Buy the book, read it. Find a reputable trainer through the International Association of Canine Professionals, and get someone familiar with the Koehler method to help you out. But don't let the "positive only" crowd make up your mind with ranting and rhetoric. If you care about your dog - if you care that your dog will be able to respond to commands reliably, and therefore be safe -- you owe it to yourself to check out this book.

Jill Skorochod, CPDT
Member, APDT, CAPPDT and IACP
Time and Patience Dog Training Ltd.