Koehler Method of Dog Training PDF

The Koehler Method of
Dog Training
Made Simple!
by Harry Quek
C o p y r i g h t 2009 by Harry Q u e k
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retrieval system, w i t h o u t permission in w r i t i n g f r o m t h e Publisher.
Printed in Singapore
ISBN 9 7 8 - 9 8 1 - 0 8 - 3 0 2 5 - 0
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For d e t a i l s , c o n t a c t :
harryquek@thekoehlermethod.com
In Loving Memory and Tribute to

Papa Bill K o e h l e r w h o d e v e l o p e d his God-give n t a l e n t s blessed a n d enriched t h e lives o f m a n y m e n a n d w o m e n a n d t h e i r dogs a n d w i l l c o n t i n u e
to do so f o r m a n y years to c o m e
I first c a m e in contact w i t h t h e K o e h l e r M e t h o d of Dog T r a i n i n g in early
1978 w h e n I w a s l o o k i n g f o r a g o o d sensible book t h a t w i l l help me to
t r a i n my t w o G e r m a n s h e p h e r d dogs. T h e y serve as my g u a r d dogs w h e n I
t o o k over a d r u g r e h a b i l i t a t i o n c e n t e r on a 3 acres old colonial b u n g a l o w
in K l a n g , an h o u r bus ride f r o m K u a l a Lumpur, t h e capital of Malaysia.
At t h e first glance T h e K o e h l e r m e t h o d a p p e a r e d to be harsh. In spite of
my misgivings I f o l l o w e d closely t h e m e t h o d a n d t h e results t u r n e d o u t
h a p p y a n d o b e d i e n t dogs.
Acknowledgement
The purpose of rewriting The Koehler Method of Dog Training is to honor
t h e a u t h o r w h o h a s a n d c o n t i n u e s t o i m p a c t m y lif e a n d d e c i s i o n - m a k i n g
every t i m e I recalled our m e a n i n g f u l a n d enriching times together. Secondl y I m a d e a p r o m i s e t o m y s e l f t h a t T h e K o e h l e r M e t h o d s w h i c h h a d blessed
s o m a n y h u n d r e d s o f t h o u s a n d s i n t h e p a s t w o u l d b e a g r e a t loss t o t h e
community if not promoted in th e present, continued and expanded in the
future and in Asia.
N o b o d y c a n r e p l a c e o r s u b s t i t u t e Bill K o e h l e r . H e h a s n o e q u a l . H e w a s
well-respected a n d loved. He w a s the most gentle, humble and generous
man. I ever met. I r e m e m b e r t h e first t i m e I w e n t to church w i t h him, he
stood up a n d told t h e congregation h o w honored he feels to have me comi n g all t h e w a y f r o m S i n g a p o r e v i s i t i n g a n d w a n t i n g t o l e a r n f r o m h i m . I
w a s h u m b l e d . M y r e w r i t i n g his b o o k , " T h e K o e h l e r M e t h o d " i s a s m a l l s t e p
to express my p r o f o u n d gratitude. My deliberate consciousness to be t r u e
t o t h e p r i n c i p l e s a n d p r a c t i c e s o f his m e t h o d i n t h e d o g classes a n d t h e d o g
busines s w i l l a c c u r a t e l y r e f l e c t P a p a Bill's p h i l o s o p h y , v a l u e s a n d c h a r a c t e r
I also w i s h t o e x p r e s s m y d e e p e s t a p p r e c i a t i o n t o t h e f o l l o w i n g p e o p l e :
P a t r i c k a n d M a r i l y n S m i t h a n d t h e c h i l d r e n w h o h a d blesse d m e all
t h e s e y e a r s s i n c e I f i r s t m e t a n d l e a r n e d m u c h f r o m h i m s i n c e 1983.
I a l w a y s l o o k f o r w a r d t o s p e n d a s m u c h t i m e a s possible a n d t o b e
involved in their family activities
M a r y Y e o C a r p e n t e r f o r e d i t i n g i n s p i t e o f h e r busy s c h e d u l e a n d
her faithful support
D r J o h n Y a o a n d his f a m i l y w i t h his d o g , S h a d o w , w h o s e l o y a l t y
and faith in The Koehler Method: they waited for more than 12
y e a r s f o r m e t o m a k e a c o m e b a c k a n d r e f u s e d t o t a k e t h e risk o f
t r a i n i n g his d o g s u s i n g t h e " c o o k i e " m e t h o d s .
My son, Jethro Q u e k , for t a k i n g t h e photographs.
W o n g C h e e K o n g f o r his g e n e r o s i t y i n g i v i n g his t i m e a n d t a l e n t .
H e t o o k s o m e o f t h e p h o t o g r a p h s f o r this b o o k .
Sim C h a i H e n g a n d his w i f e , Felicia w h o a p p r e c i a t e d t h e principles
and systematic application of th e Koehler M e t h o d a n d I reckon are
t h e ideal h u s b a n d a n d w i f e t e a m t o d o t h e l a y o u t a n d a r r a n g e m e n t t o m a k e t h e i n s t r u c t i o ns easy t o r e a d a n d f o l l o w .
J e r r y T a n C h i n Hock w h o s e business a d v i c e a n d s u g g e s t i o n s I
greatly treasured.
A n d also t h o s e w h o s e n a m e s h a v e n o t b e e n listed b u t t r u s t t h a t
y o u w i l l see y o u r c o n t r i b u t i o n s r e f l e c t e d i n t h e p a g e s a n d
... T o G o d B e T h e G l o r y w h o has c h o s e n a n d b r o u g h t t h e m a n y
p e o p l e t o g e t h e r t o f u l f i l l His C a l l i n g . . . I a m p r o f o u n d l y g r a t e f u l .
The Man and His Method
Lloyd Beebe, owner of Olympic Game Farm, Sheldon Koehler (grandson) and Bill Koehler in
Sequim, Washington, USA
The International Association of Canine Professionals inducted Bill

Koehler into their Hall of Fame.
T h e K o e h l e r M e t h o d o f D o g T r a i n i n g has b e e n praised, c h a m p i o n e d , vilif i e d a n d i n s o m e cases d a m n e d . W h e n y o u excel y o u a r e a c t u a l l y sticking
y o u r h e a d u p h i g h e n o u g h t o g e t shot. O n l y i f y o u a r e t r u l y e x c e l l e n t w i l l
t h e shots all miss a n d leave y o u s t a n d i n g s t r a i g h t a n d t a ll a b o v e t h e masses.
T h a t w a s Bill K o e h l e r . Q u i e t , u n a s s u m i n g , s o f t s p o k e n a n d g e n t l e o f h a n d .
Bill g a v e u s a w a y t o t r a i n d o g s w h i l e a t t h e s a m e t i m e h o n o r i n g t h e i r v e r y
dog-ness. T h e K o e h l e r M e t h o d o f D o g T r a i n i n g i s j u s t a s v a l i d a n d useful i n
t h e T w e n t y - f i r s t c e n t u r y a s i t w a s i n t h e T w e n t i e t h c e n t u r y a n d w e suspect
i t w i l l c o n t i n u e t o h a v e j u s t a s m u c h m e a n i n g f o r a s l o n g a s w e h a v e dogs
to train.
Bill Koehler, The Man & His Method

" A l l t h e d a r k n e s s i n t h e w o r l d c a n n o t d i m o u t t h e l i t t l e l i g h t " . . . s a i d Bill
Koehler w h e n I asked him h o w he handles t h e people w h o m a d e unjustif i e d c o m m e n t s b e h i n d his b a c k .
Bill Koehler showing my wife, Chai Ngoh how to shoot accurately. Later Bill got my 8 years old
son, Jethro (on the right) to do some shooting with a magnum.
Mount Baldy, California (1986)
Affidavit
Burbank, California
M a y 12, 1967
I , R a y m o n d E . S h u l t z , r e s i d i ng a t 7 3 2 S c r e e n l a n d D r i v e , B u r b a n k , C a l i f o r n i a ,
d o h e r e b y c e r t i fy t h a t t h e f o l l o w i n g i n f o r m a t i o n , p e r t a i n i n g t o t h e e x p e r i e n c e a n d a c c o m p l i s h m e n t s of W R K o e h l e r of 5059 S t a t e S t r e e t , O n t a r i o ,
C a l i f o r n i a , is f a c t u a l .
According to the W a r Departmen t Credentials, Mr Koehler served as a
d o g t r a i n e r a t t h e P o m o n a O r d n a n c e Base, a n d w a s t r a n s f e r r e d f r o m t h a t
Base t o t h e W a r D o g R e c e p t i o n a n d T r a i n i n g Center, S a n Carlos, C a l i f o r n i a ,
w h e r e he s e r v e d as a Principal Trainer. F u r t h e r e v i d e n c e establishes, t h a t in
a d d i t i o n t o i n s t r u c t i n g o f f i c e r s a n d e n l i s t e d m e n , Mr. K o e h l e r d i d t r a i n i n g
of a s p e c i a l i z e d n a t u r e .
F r o m J u l y 1946 t h r o u g h t h i s d a t e , Mr. K o e h l e r s e r v e d a s C h i e f T r a i n e r f o r
t h e Obedience program of t h e O r a n g e Empire Dog Club, t h e largest open
m e m b e r s h i p d o g c l ub i n t h e U n i t e d States. Statistics s h o w t h a t d u r i n g this
p e r i o d m o r e t h a n 14,00 0 d o g s p a r t i c i p a t e d i n t h e o b e d i e n c e classes spons o r e d b y t h e a b o v e o r g a n i z a t i o n . H e also c o n d u c t e d classes i n t r a c k i n g
a n d s p e c i a l i z e d t r a i n i n g f o r t h a t c l u b . F r o m 1946 t h r o u g h 1957 Mr. K o e h l e r
s e r v e d as Class I n s t r u c t o r f o r o b e d i e n c e classes s p o n s o r e d by t h e B o x e r C l u b
of Southern California. Club record s h o w t h a t during t h a t period more
t h a n 1100 dogs p a r t i c i p a t e d in t h e s e classes.
Mr. K o e h l e r s e r v e d as Instructor f o r o b e d i e n c e classes s p o n s o r e d by t h e Dob e r m a n Pinscher C l u b o f S o u t h e r n C a l i f o r n i a . D u r i n g t h e p e r i o d o f instruct i o n 90 p a r t i c i p a t e d in t h e s e classes.
F r o m 1954 t h r o u g h 1960, Mr. K o e h l e r s e r v e d a s Instructor f o r t h e Field D o g
Classes s p o n s o r e d b y t h e Irish S e t t e r C l u b o f S o u t h e r n C a l i f o r n i a , w h i c h
a r e o p e n t o all p o i n t i n g breeds. R e c o r d s h o w s t h a t 140 dogs h a v e r e c e i v e d
i n s t r u c t i o n i n this s p e c i a l i z e d t r a i n i n g p r o g r a m .
A d d i t i o n a l classes, f o r w h i c h t h e n u m b e r o f p a r t i c i p a n t s h a d b e e n substan-
tiated, bring the total number of dog trained in Mr. Koehler's classes to
well over 15,700.
The following innovations have been credited to Koehler's work in the
field of obedience classes:
Introduction of f o u n d a t i o n w o r k w i t h a longe-line, in conjunction
w i t h a complete absence of oral communication, as an emphatic
m e a n s of i n s t i l l i n g a t t e n t i v e n e s s in a d o g .
Introduction of a system of gradually diminishing the length of a

light line, used in conjunction with other equipment, as an assurance of a dog's reliable off-leash performance.
Development of more widely applicable methods of rehabilitating
fighters, biters, and other major offenders. There is no record of
his ever having refused a dog the opportunity for rehabilitation
for any reason.
Establishing class procedure which demanded that all, class participants make emphatic corrections and which ruled out tentative,
nagging corrections on the premise that an indefinite approach
to animal handling constituted a major cruelty. Later this contention was supported with evidence supplied by an internationally
accredited scientist who revealed that the use of electro-encephalograph, of the same type used by the medical profession showed
that the training efforts of an indeterminate person cause great
emotional disturbance to a dog.
F o l l o w i n g a r e t h e a c c o m p l i s h m e n t s r e s u l t i n g f r o m Mr. K o e h l e r ' s e f f o r t i n
t h e f i e l d o f o b e d i e n c e classes.
T h e rehabilitatio n of an unsurpassed n u m b e r of p r o b l em dogs,
m a n y o f w h i c h w e r e r e f e r r e d t o his classes b y h u m a n e o r g a n i z a t i o n s a n d l a w f o r c e s a s a last h o p e t o a v o i d d e s t r u c t i o n .

T h e g e n e r a t i n g of c o m p e t i t i v e o b e d i e n c e dogs, o u t s t a n d i n g in
n u m b e r s a n d q u a l i t y e v e n i n t h e Los A n g e l e s a r e a , w h i c h , according t o t h e A m e r i c a n K e n n e l statistics, i s b y f a r t h e g r e a t e s t obedi e n c e c e n t e r i n t h e U n i t e d States.
A r e c o r d of e f f e c t i v e n e s s a n d p r o v i s i on f o r t h e physical w e l f a r e
o f d o g s t h a t has c a u s e d his f o r m a t s a n d t r a i n i n g m e t h o d s t o b e
a d o p t e d b y m o r e o b e d i e n c e clubs t h a n t h o s e o f a n y o t h e r t r a i n e r
i n this r e g i o n . T h r e e o f t h e o w n e r - h a n d l e d dogs f r o m Field Classes
h a v e b e c o m e Field C h a m p i o n s a n d m a n y o t h e r s h a v e w o n points.
I h a v e v i e w e d letters f r o m l a w f o r c e s in e v i d e n c e of his p e r s o n a l e x p e r i e n c e
i n t h e a r e a s o f police w o r k a n d t r a c k i n g w i t h dogs. A s a n i n d i c a t i o n o f t h e
s t a n d a r d o f p e r f o r m a n c e e x h i b i t e d b y m o t i o n pictures dogs h e has t r a i n e d ,
four of t h e numbers have been selected as deserving of t h e A c h i e v e m e n t
A w a r d by t h e American H u m a n e Association. " W i l d f i r e " received the
a w a r d f o r his p e r f o r m a n c e in t h e p i c t u r e "It's a Dog's L i f e , " p r e s e n t e d f o r
t h e o u t s t a n d i n g a n i m a l a c t o r i n 1955. T h e h o n o r w e n t t o " C h i f f o n " f o r his
p e r f o r m a n c e i n t h e p i c t u re " T h e S h a g g y D o g " i n 1959. " A s t a , " t r a i n e d b y
Mr. K o e h l e r a n d h a n d l e d by h i m a n d his associates, Hal Driscoll, r e c e i v e d
t h e a w a r d f o r best t e l e v i s i o n p e r f o r m a n c e b y a n a n i m a l o f his w o r k i n t h e
series, " T h e T h i n M a n . " " B i g R e d , " t r a i n e d b y Mr. K o e h l e r r e c e i v e d t h e
a w a r d f o r 1962.
My qualifications for the aforementioned statements are as follows:
-1. O b e d i e n c e c h a i r m a n & B o x e r C l u b of S o u t h e r n C a l i f o r n i a , Inc. (5
years)
2. P r e s i d e n t & B o x e r Clu b of S o u t h e r n C a l i f o r n i a , Inc. (1 y e a r )
3. Delegate to the Southern California Obedience Council (5 years)
4. r e s i d e n t & S o u t h e r n C a l i f o r n i a O b e d i e n c e C o u n c i l (2 y e a r s)
5. V i c e - P r e s i d e n t & H o l l y w o o d D o g O b e d i e n c e C l u b , Inc. (2 y e a r s )
10

6. President & Hollywood Dog Obedience Club Inc. (2 years)
7. Chairman of an Advisory Committee to the Southern California
Obedience Council (2 years)
8. Director & German Shorthaired Pointer Club of Southern California (1 year)
9. Presently serving as President of the German Shorthaired Pointer
Club of Southern California
11
The Bill Koehler that I Know
Bill Koehler's family photo taken in December, 1986.

Front row, from left: Jethro Quekf Ellen Koehler, Chai Ngoh, Elizabeth Quek, Lillian Koehler
(wife). Back row: Harry Quekf Beth Koehler, Gwen Koehler, Sheldon and Bill Koehler.
Simplicity
One December my family and I were staying with Bill and Lillian over a
month. I ask Momma Lillian what to buy for Bill on Christmas day. Momma
told me that I was very fortunate that I need to struggle with the decision only once. She had to struggle repeatedly every year. I then brought
him some paperbacks by Louis L'amour. He had everything he needed and
wanted and was thrilled to have my family staying with him.
Humility
Bill wanted to photocopy some notes in Chino, California. Bill suggested
that I should drop in at the pet-store a few doors away and check whether
his training books were available. On hearing the name of Bill Koehler the
12
The Bill Koehler I Know

y o u n g lady e x c i t e d l y g u s h e d t h a t h e r f a t h e r used t o w a t c h Bill p e r f o r m i n
W a l t Disney's S t u d i o . She w a s d y i n g t o m e e t Bill a f t e r all t h e stories t h a t
h e r f a t h e r t o l d her. Bill, a t t h a t m o m e n t w a l k e d in, she w a s o v e r w h e l m e d
a n d w a s speechless w h e n I i n t r o d u c e Bill t o h e r
Generous
A f t e r my first m e e t i n g w i t h Bill a n d Lillian K o e h l e r o v e r a 15 d a y p e r i o d : he
s u g g e s t e d t h a t I s h o u l d stay in his h o u s e t h e n e x t visit. If t h e y a r e n o t h o m e
w h e n I a r r i v e , I s h o u l d let myself in. T h e key is at t h e w i n d o w b e h i n d t h e
house, he revealed.
Kindness
Bill a l w a y s h e l d d o o r s o p e n f o r t h e p e o p l e b e h i n d h i m . W h e n I h a d a 12
m o n t h s o l d A m e r i c a n S t a f f o r d s h i r e T e r r i e r s t a y i n g i n his k e n n e l , h e sugg e s t e d t h a t I t a k e t h e d o g o u t e a r l y i n t h e m o r n i n g t o t h e exercise g r o u n d
t o r e l i e ve itself. T h e n p u t t h e d o g i n t o his v a n a n d d r i v e h i m f o r t h e n e x t 1 5
m i n u t e s s o t h a t t h e d o g g e t used t o t r a v e l i n g i n t h e c r a t e b e f o r e his l o n g
trip to Singapore. I could not w a k e up in t i m e a n d Bill K o e h l e r e v e r y
morning w i t h o u t missing a day w o u l d carry out the routine.
Bill K o e h l e r w a s n o t o n l y t h e g r e a t e s t a n i m a l t r a i n e r i n t h e w o r l d ,
he w a s a w a l k i n g Bible.
13
A Letter to Bill Koehler

18th F e b r u a r y 1983.
5059 S t a t e S t r e e t
Ontario, California
USA 91761
Dear Mr Koehler
My n a m e is Harr y Q u e k a n d I b e c a m e a p r o f e s s i o n a l d o g t r a i n e r t w e l v e
months ago. Thanks to you.
M y first G e r m a n s h e p h e r d d o g w a s t r a i n e d f i v e y e a r s a g o using t h e m e t h o d
you propoun d in T h e Koehler M e t h o d of G u a r d Training and until n o w I
w o u l d c o n s t a n t l y r e f e r t o this b o o k w h e n e v e r I f e e l t h e n e e d t o polish m y
skill.
I h a v e t h e o p p o r t u n i t y t o d e m o n s t r a t e t h e results o f y o u r t r a i n i n g m e t h o d ,
t h e best o f m y u n d e r s t a n d i n g a n d skill, i n t h e first G e r m a n S h e p h e r d D o g
Specialty s h o w . T h e j u d g e , t h e P r e s i d e n t o f t h e Police D o g C l u b f r o m Taiw a n , w a s i m p r e s s e d w i t h m y dogs a t t e n t i v e n e s s a n d p e r f o r m a n c e . F r o m
c o n s t a n t l y r e f e r r i n g t o t h e b o o k a n d a p p l y i n g t h e m e t h o d y o u insisted, I
n o t o n l y f o u n d t h e m e t h o d e f f e c t i v e , b u t also t h e t i m e t r a i n i n g t h e d o g .
Y o u r p r o v e n m e t h o d g a v e m e t h e c o n f i d e n c e t o h a n d l e p r o b l e m dogs a n d
h e l p me to d e c i d e to t a k e up t r a i n i n g as a career.
Presently, e v e r y w e e k e n d I a m assisting t h e D i r e c t o r o f T r a i n i n g o f t h e
Singapore Kennel Club and the G e r m a n Shepherd Club in conducting
O b e d i e n c e classes. I h a v e s h a r e d m y e x p e r i e n c e s w i t h h i m c o n c e r n i n g y o u r
m e t h o d of t r a i n i n g a n d so f a r he is q u i t e p l e a s e d w i t h my results in corr e c t i n g p r o b l e m dogs. H e r e f e r r e d all his f r i e n d s f r o m t h e R o t a r y C l u b w h o
w a n t t h e i r dogs t r a i n e d b y m e .
M r K o e h l e r , I a m p l a n n i n g t o g o t o t h e States f r o m J u n e t o A u g u s t . I w o u l d
like v e r y m u c h t o i m p r o v e m y k n o w l e d g e a n d skill i n t r a i n i n g dogs; a n d I
14

f e l t y o u w o u l d b e t h e best p e r s o n I s h o u l d a p p r o a c h . M y u n d e r s t a n d i n g o f
y o u r t r a i n i n g m e t h o d s has its l i m i t a t i o n a n d 1 s t r o n g l y f e e l t h a t i f I w a n t t o
i m p r o v e g r e a t l y I s h o u l d l e a r n f r o m y o u personally. I am n o t sure of y o u r
program and I w o u l d be grateful if you could accommodat e my request.
Again, I t h a n k you for the things you have t a u g h t me in your book. I hope
to hear f r o m you soon.
Y o u r s Faithfully ,
Harry Quek
15

E K Koford
12 C a m b o r n e R o a d
S i n g a p o r e 1129
Feb 24 1983
Mr. W i l l i a m K o e h l e r
5059 S t a t e S t r e e t
Ontario, CA
USA
D e a r Mr. K o e h l e r
H a r r y Q u e k has a s k e d m e t o w r i t e a l e t t e r o f r e c o m m e n d a t i o n i n connec t i o n w i t h his p r o p o s e d visit t o y o u i n t h e States.
I do n o t k n o w if my lette r w i l l carry a n y w e i g h t b u t I am v e r y p l e a s e d to
h e l p H a r r y if I c a n .
I am t h e T r a i n i n g D i r e c t o r of
- Singapore Kennel Club
- Germa n shepherd Club
Both of which are voluntary and unpaid.
H a r r y has v o l u n t e e r e d his services at my classes a n d has b e e n a g r e a t h e l p
to m e . He is an a v i d a d m i r e r of y o u r s a n d is g r a d u a l l y p e r s u a d i n g me to
adopt your training methods.
I have f o u n d him dependable, level-headed and a good trainer w h o w o u l d
b e n e f i t e n o r m o u s l y f r o m a p e r s o n a l visit w i t h y o u .
Sincerely,
Ernst K K o d f o r d
16

A p r i l 2 2 n d 1983
Mr. Bill K o e h l e r
5059 State Street
Ontario California 91761
USA
D e a r Mr. K o e h l e r
T h a n k you very much for t h e kind letter and pleased to k n o w that you
w o u l d assist m e i n e v e r y w a y y o u c a n .
I h a v e s c h e d u l e d f o r a business a p p o i n t m e n t in D a y t o n , O h i o on t h e 2 6 t h
M a y a n d h o p e t o stay f o r t h e w e e k e n d s h o w a n d O b e d i e n c e Trials i n Cinc i n n a t i . S h o u l d I be a b l e c o n c l u d e t h e d e a l as p l a n n e d , I s h o u l d be a r r i v i n g
O n t a r i o on t h e 3 0 t h May. As I am in no h u r r y a n d my p r o g r a m is f l e x i b l e , I
w o u l d like t o s p e n d a s m u c h t i m e o b s e r v i n g , l e a r n i n g a n d assisting i n a n y
or every w a y I can rather t h a n sightseeing or w a t c h i n g television. If t h e re
i s a n y o t h e r o p p o r t u n i t i e s t o l e a r n besides t h e class h e l d d u r i n g t h e n i g h t s
a n d S a t u r d a y I w o u l d n o t w a n t t o miss o u t . E v e n like a n o p p o r t u n i t y like
b e g i n n i n g f r o m scratch. I w o u l d really a p p r e c i a t e b e c a u s e t h e k n o w - h o w s
w o u l d h e l p m e t o b u i l d a solid a n d r e l i a b l e f o u n d a t i o n : a n d t h e g r e a t e r
t h e e x p o s u r e t h e m o r e c o n f i d e n t t h a t I w o u l d p e r m a n e n t l y impress w i t h
t h e correct m e t h o d a n d a p p r o a c h .
Mr. K o e h l e r , i f i t i s n o t t o o m u c h t r o u b l e t o ask, d o y o u k n o w o f a n A m e r i c a n f a m i l y w h o is w i l l i n g to t a k e in a b o a r d e r ? It w o u l d be a t r e m e n d o u s
experience for me. T h a n k you, again
Gratefully,
Harry Quek
17
The Koehler Method will introduce you and your dog to the following aspects of growth and character development, so that your present relationship will evolve into one of positive responsible communication.
Your dog will:
Become more emotionally stable.

Gain higher confidence.
Possess a keener capacity for learning.
Be able to adapt to new situations and handle fresh challenges.
Remain relaxed and self-assured in the presence of a veterinarians, show judges, guests etc.
Realize full potential to be a well-behaved and reliable companion and family protector.
18
A Real Life Experience

A real life e x a m p l e s e e n f r o m my years of e x p e r i e n c e . Mr. B w a s a r e t i r e d
agriculturist a n d s u f f e r e d f r o m h i g h b l o o d pressure. His d a u g h t e r w e n t
t o C a n a d a f o r f u r t h e r e d u c a t i o n a n d left h e r 6-years o l d f e m a l e G e r m a n
s h e p h e r d b e h i n d . B w a s advised to call me up, a f t e r his d o g t r i e d to a t t a c k
a n o t h e r d o g in a p a r k . His d o g has a history of killing a c o u p l e of dogs in
t h e n e i g h b o r h o o d . S o w e l l - k n o w n w a s her r e p u t a t i o n t h a t t h e n e i g h b o r s '
dogs w o u l d hastily r e t r e a t into t h e i r houses w h e n B's d o g w a s t a k e n o u t
f o r exercise.
We h a d a l r e a d y s t a r t e d t h e lessons f o r 2 w e e k s w h e n B a n d his d o g j o i n e d
u s o n t h e 3 r d w e e k . T h e first t h i n g t h a t B's d o g d i d w h e n she a p p r o a c h e d
t h e t r a i n i n g g r o u n d w a s t o c h a r g e a t t h e nearest dog. I t w a s chaotic trying t o g e t t h e class started. S o e x p l a i n i n g t o t h e class w h a t n e e d e d t o b e
d o n e , I instruct B to p u t his d o g on t h e c h o k e c h a i n correctly a n d h o o k e d
o n t o t h e longe-line a n d h e a d f o r w a r d t o t h e d o g 3 0 f e e t i n f r o n t o f him. I
specifically r e m i n d h i m u n d e r a n y circumstance, h e w a s t o c o n t i n u e m o v i n g
f o r w a r d a n d n o t look back. W h e n I t a p him o n t h e s h o u l d e r h e w o u l d h a n d
t h e loop o f t h e longe-line t o m e a n d KEEP ON WALKING FORWARD.
B's G e r m a n s h e p h e r d s a w w h a t she t h o u g h t w a s a n easy t a r g e t . Lunging f o r w a r d , w i t h B s t r u g g l i n g a n d t r y i n g to h o l d back t h e dog, I m o v e d
t o w a r d h i m a n d t o o k o v e r t h e longe-line. T h e m o m e n t a r y slackness o f
t h e 15 f o o t longe-line, I o p e n a n d close my p a l m , a n d w i t h a quick righta b o u t t u r n , I h e a d e d t o w a r d s t h e opposite direction. B e f o r e t h e d o g could
f u l l y recover f r o m t h e impact o f opposite m o m e n t u m , I a g a i n b r o u g h t
him closer t o w a r d t h e s a m e t a r g e t . T h e m o m e n t t h e longe-line t i g h t e n s a s
she charges, I a g a i n d r o p t h e longe-line a n d h e a d e d t o w a r d s t h e opposite
direction. T h e d o g t h e n realize t h e g r e a t e r t h e t e m p t a t i o n , t h e m o r e she
needs t o k e e p her eyes o n me.
W e c o n t i n u e t h e class w i t h o u t t r o u b l e a n d B g r a d u a t e d f r o m t h e Novice
class on t h e 10th w e e k off-leash by t h e Director of T r a i n i n g of t h e Sing a p o r e K e n n e l club w h o w a s also t h e Director o f T h e S i n g a p o r e G e r m a n
s h e p h e r d Club. H e w a s a m a z e d b y t h e result h e s a w a n d could n o t believe
19

that Mr. B had just taken less than seven weeks of work to reach this level
of obedience. Best of all, B's high blood pressure dropped to a healthy level
when he went for his monthly check-up.
20
Table of Content
12
19
Care & Housing
22
Lesson 1: Fables and Foibles
24
Lesson 2: Correct Equipment
25
Lesson 3: The Foundation
28
Lesson 4: Heeling
36
Lesson 5: Sitting
44
Lesson 6: The Automatic Sit

Lesson 7: The Sit-Stay
48
49
Lesson 8: Stand-for-Examination
54
Lesson 9: The Down
60
Lesson 10: Down-Stay
66
Lesson 11: Recall
69
Lesson 12: Finish
72
Lesson 13: Polishing
77
Lesson 14: The Throw Chain
80
Lesson 15: The Light Line
86
Lesson 16: Don't Lose It - Use It
92
Problems
g7
Be A K o e h l e r T r a i n e r
21
Care and Housing

Y o u h a v e b o u g h t y o u r f i r s t p u p p y a n d y o u w a n t t o m a k e s u r e y o u raise h i m
up correctly.
Before you bring him home, decide w h e r e you w o u l d house him. If your
puppy is b r o u g h t into a h o m e or a p a r t m e n t as a house-pet, section off an
a r e a l a r g e e n o u g h w h e r e h e c a n lie d o w n c o m f o r t a b l y a n d a l s o his n e e d s
t o relieve after a meal. Cover t h e w h o l e
area with a quarter inch of old
newspapers to paper-train him.
Introduction to Obedience Training

T h e K o e h l e r m e t h o d ha d helped thousand s to train their dogs to high standards of o b e d i e n c e in all conceivable situations. A m o n g these t h o u s a n d s
of o w n e r s are w o m e n a n d children w i t h pets just as strong in body a n d
will as your o w n dog, indicating this m e t h o d can help you meet your o w n
r e s p o n s i b i l i t i e s a s w e l l . A l s o , t h e w i d e s p r e a d success o f t h o s e less p h y s i c a l l y
c a p a b l e t h a n y o u r s e l f s h o u l d r e m i n d y o u t h a t y o u r d o g ' s o b e d i e n c e w i l l inevitably be subjected to comparison. T h e step-by-step m e t h o d of o b e d i e n c e
t r a i n i n g t h a t f o l l o w s d o e s n o t l e n d itself t o o m i s s i o n s . C o m p l e t e e a c h s t e p
in proper order. W i t h y o u r d e t e r m i n a t i o n , t h e m e t h o d w i l l do m o r e t h a n
help y o u shape y o u r d o g into a reliable a n d effective c o m p a n i o n . Happily,
you will find that you and your dog will give something to each other that
w a s not in t h e original job description.
R e g a r d l e s s o f his k i n d o f w o r k a n d his m o t i v a t i o n s , a d o g t h a t h a d b e e n
t r a i n e d i n t h e K o e h l e r m e t h o d i s less c o n f u s e d b y d i s t r a c t i o n s .
He focuses more quickly and accurately on t h e task at hand.
22
Care & Housing
She was an Obedience instructor in the kennel club and regularly

participated in competition with her poodle. In one exercise where
the dog was commanded to fetch the dumbbell accidentally landed
on the spectators' feet, the dog spooked and refused to obey. To
say she was disappointed is an understatement: after all she was
an instructor. She quietly contacted me and spent several private
sessions training her poodle to retrieve under multiple distractions.
She then entered her dog for the competition and came in first
even though the dumbbell again landed on the spectators' feet.
The judge, to her surprise, was impressed with the dog's confidence
to obey under such stressful challenges. The judge later asked to
meet up with me and attend one of the sessions conducted at the
American school ground.
23
Lesson 1: Fables and Foibles

As the standard of living rises in cities all over Asia, more and more people
are owning dogs. And with so many dogs and humans living in such close
proximity, well-trained dogs are no longer an added luxury but a critical
necessity, for the safety of both man and "best friend."
He was a nine years old male daschund. The professional couple
had him since he was a puppy and they treat him like their own
son. He looked very cute. The trouble as he grow older he became
a hoodlum. Whenever he got into an elevator and happened to see
someone he would grab for the nearest leg. Add to the owners'
woes he would protest his loudest whenever any of their friends
drop in for a visit. He would only quiet down when the visitor left.
Thirdly the dog had been marking his territory all over the newly
installed wall-to-wall carpet. The owners are at their wits end. Their
love for the dog and their hope and belief that something should
and could be done other than follow all-the-well-rationalized theories that "he didn't understand - he really wants to please."
The first step to training dogs is to debunk the myths and foibles.
1. The first myth is that the dog really wants to please. An intelligent dog rarely wants to please a person he does not respect.
2. The second myth that it is cruel to make a dog obey. The dog,
like all God's creatures wants its own way. It will lunge after
other dogs, bark indiscriminately at passers-by, and even attack
a human being. The dog has to learn that its action have consequences.
3. You must catch the dog in the act.
Consideration of the above examples and recollection of other things you
have read and observed, should convince you that there are ideas expressed in books, training classes and by experts that are not only unworkable but risky. You will understand too, why he doesn't always "want to
please".
24

No owner should handicap himself with a short leash, or one made with
chain, plastics or other slippery materials; nor should he attempt to use an
improper training collar. Bill Koehler drove me 20 miles to the pet store just
to show me what the correct leather leash should be and elaborate how it
will make a difference to the dog's performance. Remember - it will be impossible to employ some of the most effective and labor-saving techniques
if you are not properly equipped.
Do not substitute.
Article 1: The Collar
Known as "chain training collar" or

"choke chain," it is the most widely
use for show rings and Obedience
training. To determine the correct
length, when made into a noose, your
training collar should slide comfortably
over the dog's head, yet not slip up on
the dog's ears when his neck is bent towards the ground. It should be 21/2 to
3 inches of extra chain when the collar
is pulled tight. Leather slip or choke
collars do not function efficiently, and
the conventional, buckle-on leather collar recommended for tying a dog is
useless for training. The training collar should tighten securely to prevent
any possibility of slipping during moments of resistance or excitement.
Article 2: The Longe-line
The second equipment is the longe-line. Do not dismiss it as "just another
line." Its length is 15 feet. It is braided, light and strong and suitable for
dogs ranging in size from the largest (it will hold a horse) down through
the small but sturdy breeds such as the beagle and the Cocker Spaniel (For
thickness for toy breeds one-quarter inch, medium breeds, half an inch and
large breeds three-quarter of an inch). Make sure, for your effectiveness
25

and comfort, to get the material of sufficient weight
and strength.
Article 3: Leather Training

Leash
A good training leash should
be made from leather. It is six foot long and the width may vary from
3/4 inch to an inch for large
breeds, 1/2 inch to 5/8 inch for
medium breeds and 1/4 inch
to 3/8 inch for toy breeds. It
has a hand loop sewn and
riveted in one end and a
bridle snap is fastened to the
other in the same substantial
manner. Strength alone is not the reason for demanding top quality in your
leash. The good, authoritative feel contributes to confident handling.
Article 4: Throw Chains
A necessary quality of the throw chain or chainette is the "feel" or balance that assures accuracy in throwing. That's why it must be of sufficient
weight and must be linked with rings as
shown. The weight of the chains varies
from eight ounces four and two ounces
depending on the size of the dog you
are training. The Throw chain will not
hurt your dog and do not try to use the
chain before you are completely informed of the psychology that is fundamental to its fullest effectiveness.
Article 5: The Tab
26

T h e t a b i s o n e o f t h e m o s t i n t e r e s t i n g p i e c e s o f e q u i p m e n t y o u w i l l use.
T h e thickness should be similar to t h e longe-line used. It is also o n e of t h e
s i m p l e s t a n d l e a s t costly. W h e n a t t a c h e d t o t h e live r i n g o f t h e c h o k e c h a i n ,
t h e t a b provides a good hand-hold
in t h e absence of t h e leash.
Article 6: Light-line
Light-line bridges t h e gap b e t w e e n
control on t h e leash a n d control
w h e n t h e d o g is physically free.
It is very strong, very long a n d
very light: so strong t h a t y o u r dog
c o u l d n ' t b r e a k it; s o l o n g t h a t reg a r d l e s s o f his b o l t i n g s p e e d a n d y o u r s l o w n e s s y o u w i l l h a v e n o d i f f i c u l t y
in grabbing it a n d so light t h a t it offer no discouragement for the dog to
run.
27
Prior to the training, confine your dog for at least 2 hours.
The Foundation: Getting your dog's attention

Prerequisites:
1. Your dog should be at least 4 months old. Don't wait for the
"just trained one dog expert" advice that the dog should be one
year old before you start training (by then your house has been
destroyed).
2. Restrict the dog's liberty for at least 1-2 hours before each training period by putting him in a crate, penning him in his run,
a porch or by tying him with a six foot chain. If the area you
28

confined your dog to is small, he will be eager for a change of
scenery.
N o w y o u a r e r e a d y f o r t h e firs t lesson.
H o l d o n e r i n g o f t h e t r a i n i n g collar w i t h t h e t h u m b a n d f o r e f i n g e r a n d
d r o p t h e c h a i n t h r o u g h . M a k e a l o o p i n t h e t r a i n i n g c o l l a r a n d place i t o n
t h e dog's n e c k . T h e " p u l l r i n g " o f t h e r u n n i n g p a r t o f t h e collar s h o u l d b e
f a c i n g t h e t o p a n d c a n b e s m o o t h l y l o o s e n o r t i g h t e n a s i l l u s t r a te b y t h e
p h o t o o n p a g e 25. A t t a c h y o u r 15-foot l o n g e - l i n e t o t h e c o r r e c t r i n g ( T h e
" p u l l r i n g " t h a t t i g h t e n s ) r i n g o n t h e collar.
G e t a g r i p o n t h e loop o f y o u r long-line . T h e l o o p i s h o o k e d t o t h e t h u m b
o f t h e r i g h t h a n d a n d t o h o l d t h e slack l o n g e - l i n e i n t h r e e n e a t b u n d l e s .
T h e l e n g t h o f t h e slack f r o m y o u r h a n d w h e n a t t a c h t o t h e t r a i n i n g c o l l a r
s h o u l d f a l l slightly b e l o w t h e k n e e . L e a v e t h e plac e o f c o n f i n e m e n t . W e a r e
n o t g o i n g t o t a l k t o y o u r d o g o r t h e least i n t e r e s t e d i n t e a c h i n g y o u r d o g
t o " h e e l - h e e l - h e e l " n o r t o "sit-sit-sit." W e a r e f u n d a m e n t a l l y c o n c e r n e d
w i t h instilling a n d d e v e l o p i n g t h e q u a l i t y t h a t i s p r e r e q u i s i t e o f a g o o d
student - attentiveness.
R e g a r d l e s s of y o u r p r o b l e m - g a t e c h a r g i n g , d e s t r u c t i v e c h e w i n g etc. - t h e
s o l v i n g w i l l b e e a s i e r i f w e lay t h e p r o p e r f o u n d a t i o n . W e a r e g o i n g t o .
t e a c h y o u r d o g t o b e a t t e n t i v e . T h e r e i s h i g h possibility t h e d o g w i l l l e a v e
t h e area a h e a d of you. T h e open gate is a great invitation. He will hit t h e
e n d o f t h e l o n g e - l i n e b e f o r e h e r e m e m b e r s t h a t his f r e e d o m has a " s t r i n g
a t t a c h e d . " I n a f e w cases, s o m e dogs, t h e t i m i d o r q u e s t i o n i n g t h e n e w
e q u i p m e n t a n d situation may be reluctant a n d freeze. Regardless of t h e
dog's a t t i t u d e t o w a r d s his i n c r e a s e d f r e e d o m , s t a r t w a l k i n g t o w a r d s t h e
a r e a w h e r e y o u p l a n t o b e g i n y o u r t r a i n i n g i n a business like m a n n e r .
Resolve to head for a b o u t 50 f e e t a w a y ; a n d to keep going until y o u arrive.
It is important for both you and the dog to feel t h a t you have a purpose in
y o u r d i r e c t i o n . D o n ' t l o o k b a c k . J u s t l e a v e . M o s t i m p o r t a n t , g i v e n o silly inv i t a t i o n a l t u g s o r w a i t f o r his a p p r o v a l o r q u e s t i o n y o u r r i g h t t o m o v e n o w
o r later. T h e l o n g e - l i n e l o c k e d i n y o u r h a n d s , i g n o r i n g t h e d o g , j u s t w a l k .
29

S h o c k e d by y o u r d e t e r m i n a t i o n , y o u r d o g m a y react in any one or a combin a t i o n o f m a n y w a y s . H e m a y brace himself; o r try t o rush all o v e r f r o m left
t o right: o r f o l l o w m e e k l y a l o n g o r try t o m o u t h t h e longe-line o r scream
s o loud t h a t w o u l d convince a n observer t h a t y o u a r e s k i n n i n g h i m alive.
Regardless of his antics or his vocal protests, k e e p on m o v i n g until y o u
reach t h e t r e e or o t h e r a v o w e d objective, t h e n stop. If it is d i f f i c u lt to resist
l o o k i n g a t y o u r dog's f a c e a t t h e m o m e n t y o u stop, occupy y o u r s e l f w i t h
w a t c h i n g t h e antics of a bird or s t u d y i ng t h e cloud f o r m a t i o n s f o r a m i n u t e
or t w o .
A f t e r a f e w minutes, start w a l k i n g a g a i n t o w a r d s y o u r second marker. D o
n o t let t h e d o g stop until y o u reach y o u r d e s t i n a t i o n . A f t e r a n o t h e r breather, h e a d a g a i n t o w a r d s a n o t h e r marker.
Mr. Y brought a beautiful well-structured trained adult rottweiler

from overseas. He must have been over 100 pounds. Everything
looks very good except that the dog had a serious disposition flaw.
He hates people standing at the bus-stops. The dog could do all the
Novice exercises flawlessly when he was isolated from other dogs
with the leash on. The new owner did not want to take the risk
by keeping him on the leash always. I told the owner that the dog
needed obedience training. I had to explain to him that just because a dog can sit, down and do all the rest of the exercises does
not mean that he is obedient. Far from it! Obedience means simply
responding to the owner's command. No arguing, protesting or
excuses. When a dog is on the down-stay; and the owner goes into
a store, the dog should remain in the same position until the owner
returns and released him with the command, "Okay." Should a dog
or even a cat pass by? It is not the dog business to get up. This is
what we can define as an obedient dog.
I started Rocky (the rottweiler) out early in the morning on a longeline. Regardless of his previous training, I want to instill in him the
foundation of attentiveness. Yes, you heard me right. Rocky was
bought with the purpose of protecting Mr. Y and his family. He
needed to keep his eyes on the family members all the time and go
into action if he sees something amiss. Therefore he must have a
solid foundation of attentiveness.
30

One early morning I took Rocky out of his house. There w e r e
some stray dogs a hundred yards away. W i t h o u t saying anything, I
started off w i t h my left foot towards the dogs. The instant Rocky
saw the dogs, he lunged. As the longe-line tightened at five feet, I
dropped the longe-line but w i t h the loop still in my closed palm, I
w e n t into opposite direction. Because of the laws of physics, Rocky
w e n t flying backwards. I again approached t h e dogs; and before he
realized w h a t w as happening, he again lunged towards the dogs.
This second time, I took the opposite direction w i t h greater force...
and again he w e n t backwards. The third time I brought him hearer
to the dogs; and w h e n I made a right-about turn he w a s w a l k i n g
obediently next to me step for step. A couple of days of training
under different distractions, I wa s ready to show Mr. Y and his family the results of training applying The Koehler Method.
I took him to an open car-park surrounded by dogs and people. I
had my assistant acting as a heavy 100 yards away. Commanding
Rocky in a soft voice to sit-stay, I took off the leash and directed
him to nail the heavy. He w e n t straight to t h e heavy and brought
him down. After a f e w seconds of struggles, I command Rocky to
release t h e heavy. He promptly sat w h i l e keeping his eyes on the
heavy.
A f t e r a b o u t 4 0 m i n u t e s , w i n d d o w n t h e t r a i n i n g s e s s i o n. G i v e a p a t o n t h e
d o g ' s s h o u l d e r a n d s a y " O K " t o l e t h i m k n o w t h e t r a i n i n g i s over. Y o u c a n
h a v e o n e session of 40 m i n u t es or b r e a k into a t w o - t w e n t y m i n u t e session.
Let you r d o g d r a g t h e line w h e r e he w i l l for 5-10 minutes so he can relieve
himself before heading home. Do not m a k e t h e mistake of releasing the
dog and playing and encouraging him to run around in wild celebration.
B y s u g g e s t i n g t o t h e d o g t h a t h e h a s h a d a n a w f u l t i m e a n d e n d o f lesson should be celebrated will teach him to regard t h e removal of leash or
l o n g e - l i n e a s a c u e t o e n d his c o n c e n t r a t i o n a b r u p t l y a n d b e o u t o f c o n t r o l
Y o u w i l l save yourself a lot of t r o u b l e a n d mishaps by an e n c o u r a g i n g p a t
t h a n horseplay w h e n e n d i n g t h e lesson.
C o n f i n e h i m a n o t h e r o n e hour. Do not f e e d or let him mix w i t h a n o t h e r
pet or h u m a n being. Leave him alone to recollect w h a t he has gone
t h r o u g h . L e t t h e l e s s o n s o a k i n his h e a d .
Do this for t h r e e days.
31
Lesson 03: The Foundation *
Distractions has to appeal to your dog. This require proper planning beforehand.
On the fourth day, you are ready to add a new element. Before starting
the session, plant distractions for your dog, a carefully planted dog, the cat
that insulted him and whatever... that will cause to take his eyes from you.
Make sure your dog sees the props you've set up. Hook the thumb of the
right hand. Lock the right hand to your waistline (belly button). You can
lock the left hand over the right hand for leverage and balance. The moment your dog lunges towards the prop you've set up, make a right-aboutturn and head in the opposite direction. You should be going at least eight
miles an hour to ensure the dog's abrupt stop and complete reversal as the
collar tightens around his neck. When he hits the end of the longe-line,
slow down to a walk and gathers the slack as the dog catches up with you.
Once your dog comes to an abrupt stop, move towards him to give him
enough slack to repeat his dash. When your dog takes the bait, repeat your
quick reversal. After the fourth try, your dog will have learned that it is
most important to stay close and keep his eyes on you all the time.
32

For t h e next f o u r days, increase t h e a p p e a l of t h e t e m p t a t i o n s . Stand y o u r
d o g b e s i d e y o u close t o a w a l l a b o u t f o u r f e e t b a c k f r o m t h e c o r n e r . A s
y o u hold t h e d o g on a slack longe-line, a r r a n g e have s o m e o n e a p p e a r
f r o m a r o u n d t h e corner, leading or carrying a distraction of some sort.
W h e t h e r it is a k i d on r o l l e r - b l a d e s , or b o u n c i n g b a l l , it s h o u l d c o m e as a
complete surprise to y o u r dog. T h e instant y o ur dog sights t h e distraction,
quietly trot in t h e opposite direction. If t h e line tighten s before y o u r d o g
n o t i c e s y o u r m o v e m e n t , i t p r o v e s t h a t he's n o t a t t e n t i v e t o s t a r t t h e lesson
on heeling on a six-foot t r a i n i n g leash. To start t h e leash w o r k before y o u
h a v e a b s o l u t e a t t e n t i v e n e s s u n d e r a ll c o n d i t i o n s w i l l r e s u l t i n poor, u n p r e dictable performance.
K e e p t e m p t i n g your do g until y o u are positive t h a t you r do g takes t h e
strongest distraction as a cue to w a t c h you. So ends t h e first w e e k of training.
33
The Koehler Method of Dog Training

Novice Obedience Class Handout Sheet 01
Equipment
A . T r a i n i n g Collar, a l s o k n o w n a s C h o k e C h a i n .
(1) G o o d q u a l i t y
(2) P r o p e r l e n g t h
(3) M e t a l o n l y
B. 6-foot leather leash w i t h swivel snap.

C. 15 f o o t long line m a d e of stron g sash cord or w e b b i n g .
Longe Line: G e t t i n g y o u r dog's a t t e n t i o n !
O n e 4 0 m i n u t e s o r t w o 2 0 m i n u t e s sessions p e r d a y w i l l b e r e q u i r e d
t h r o u g h o u t t h e 1 0 w e e k - c o u r s e e x c e p t o n d a y s t h e class m e e t .
1st & 2nd Day

1 . A t t a c h l o n g e l i n e t o t r a i n i n g c o l l a r a n d w a l k f r o m p o i n t 'A' t o
p o i n t ' B ' ( a p p r o x i m a t e l y 5 0 f e e t ) s h o r t rest; f r o m p o i n t ' B ' t o
p o i n t ' C ' ( 5 0 f e e t ) ; r e p e a t p a t t e r n t h r o u g h o u t session .
2. Do not give verbal c o m m a n d s or praise or o t h er c o m m u n i c a t i o n
to dog while walking.
3. Do not nag d o g w i t h t u g g i n g on leash, just t a k e off a n d w a l k .
4 . A t t h e e n d o f e a c h session, r e m o v e t a p e a n d g i v e d o g " O K "
c o m m a n d , let d o g c o o l o f f f o r 5 m i n u t e s w i t h l o n g e l i n e still a t tached.
3rd & 4th Day

1.
Continue'A'to'B'to'C'pattern.
2. D o a b o u t t u r n a n d r u n in o p p o s i t e d i r e c t i o n if d o g g e t s
more
t h a n 5 feet a h e a d of you.
3 . T a k e o f f r u n n i n g i f d o g lags 5 f e e t o r m o r e b e h i n d y o u .
4 . R e m e m b e r t o use t h e s l a c k i n t h e l i n e . . . d o n o t let l i n e t i g h t e n
before running.
5 . U s e d i s t r a c t i o n s s u c h a s o p e n g a t e , c a t , m a i l m a n , g a r b a g e collector, e t c .
34
5th & 6th Day

1 . C o n t i n u e 'A' t o ' B ' t o 'C' p a t t e r n .
2 . C o n t i n u e a b o u t - t u r n s f o r f o r g i n g a n d r u n n i n g f o r w a r d f o r lagging w h e n dog is more t h a n 2 feet ahead or behind.
3 . C o n t i n u e t o use d i s t r a c t i o n s ! F i n d n e w o n e s !
NEXT CLASS: B r i n g d o g o n 6 - f o o t l e a t h e r leash; d o g s s h o u l d w a l k o n leash

w i t h i n 2 feet of you w i t h o u t forging or lagging.
* N o i m p r o p e r l y e q u i p p e d d o g w i l l b e a l l o w e d i n class n e x t w e e k . N o inapp r o p r i a t e l y dresse d h a n d l e r w i l l b e a l l o w e d t o w o r k i n class n e x t w e e k .
35
Lesson 4: Heeling
Dog travels about a foot to the left of the handler with his head parallel to the handler's
body.
When, regardless of the distraction at the corner, your dog thinks only of
you, you are ready for the first lesson with the training leash. T h e transition to the leash will be a continuation of those infallible right-about turns,
with two important differences. With reduced length, from 15 f e e t to 6
feet, the demands on coordination and technique will be greater t h a n
when you worked with the longe-line. A n d you are not just interested in
making the dog go attentively in your direction, you w a n t him to also heel
correctly.
The ideal heel position is that where the dog travels about a f o o t to t h e
left of the handler with his head parallel to the person's body.
36
Lesson 4: Heeling
1. M a k e sure t h a t t h e chain feeds f r o m t h e leash t h r o u g h t h e ring
a n d over t h e dog's neck w h e n he is on y o u r left side.
2. See t h a t t h e right t h u m b is inserted in t h e loop of t h e leash a n d
hold t h e leash so t h a t t h e slack angles across t h e handlers k n e e
w h e n t h e d o g i s b r o u g h t i n t o t h e h e e l p o s i t i o n a t t h e l e f t side .
Suppose y o u r dog lunges t o w a r d s a place of t e m p t a t i o n , y o u
c o u l d s i m p l y o p e n y o u r h a n d t o r e l e a s e t h e w h o l e six f e e t o f
slack a s y o u r m a k e y o u r r i g h t - a b o u t t u r n .
Y o u ar e n o w ready t o start. Give o n e c o m m a n d , prefaced b y t h e dog's
n a m e . For e x a m p l e , say, " S h a d o w , h e e l . " S t e p r i g h t o u t i n t o t h e l e a s h w i t h
t h e left leg a n d start w a l k i n g . M a k e sure y o u r c o m m a n d is really a comm a n d , not a request a n d t h a t it is simultaneous w i t h y o u r first step.
W h e n h e m o v e s t w o f e e t a h e a d o f y o u , o p e n a n d close y o u r h a n d a n d lock
it back to y o u r w a i s t l i n e as y o u m a k e a very, very e m p h a t i c right-about
t u r n . Because y o u are holding y o u r leash correctly, y o u w i l l give y o u r d o g a
j o l t i n g surprise w i t h o u t losing y o u r grip. If y o u r d o g tries to switc h direction, you w o u l d catch him flat-footed w i t h a right-about-turn. A f e w man e u v e r s w i l l c o n v i n c e h i m t h a t it's b e t t e r t o k e e p his e y e s b a c k i n a p o s i t i o n
w h e r e h e c a n s e e w h a t y o u ' r e d o i n g . S o o n his r e s p o n s e s w i l l b e s o q u i c k ;
i t w o u l d b e d i f f i c u l t t o s u r p r i s e h i m . R e w a r d his a t t e n t i v e n e s s w i t h a c a l m
w o r d o f praise. G a t h e r t h e loop o f slack back t o y o u r w a i s t l i n e .
Walking on the Wrong Side

Y o u r d o g s h o u ld a l w a y s w a l k on y o u r left, a little b e h i n d so he could w a t c h
you. If you find your dog slinking around behind you, keep on w a l k i n g
until t h e t i g h t e n i n g of t h e leash s h o w s t h a t he is g e t t i n g w e l l a r o u n d . Lock
your hand hard against your body an d m a k e a sharp right-about turn.
As
y o u t u r n , t h e l e a s h n a t u r a l l y w r a p s a r o u n d y o u r legs, c a u s i n g t h e c o l l a r
t o restrict t h e d o g ' s f r e e d o m a n d his b r e a t h i n g . I f y o u r d o g i m m e d i a t e l y
r e t r a c e s his p a t h b a c k t o y o u r l e f t , p a t h i m w i t h y o u r l e f t h a n d a s e n c o u r agement. If he doesn't, t a k e a hard driving step b a c k w a r d w i t h your right
l e g a n d t h e n g o f o r w a r d a n d h e w i l l a d j u s t b a c k t o y o u r l e f t side . V e r b a l l y
praise him
37
Lesson 4: Heeling
Dog forging ahead.
Dog lagging behind.
38
Lesson 4: Heeling
Dog heeling wide.
Left turn into dog.
39
Lesson 4: Heeling
However, if your d o g panics a n d struggles t h e w r o n g w a y , do not try to
d i s e n t a n g l e . K e e p o n w a l k i n g i n t o h i m u n t i l a c h a n c e l u n g e lessens his
pressure a n d shows him t h e w a y back. Be quick in praising him fo r getting
back to y o u r left side.
Left-Turns
I f t h e d o g c a n g e t a c o u p l e o f i n c h e s t o a f o o t a h e a d a n d i s still a w a r e o f
your right-about-turns, y o u can t u r n left a n d b u m p into him in such a manner t h a t he'll not be anxious for a repeat performance .
Give t h e heel c o m m a n d a n d start. As he starts to ease past you, pivot on
t h e right foot, m a k i n g a left angle t u r n into him in such a w a y t h a t your
turning step will convincingly thrust, not experimentally probe, your knee
o r l e g i n t o t h e d o g p r e f e r a b l y b e t w e e n his n e c k a n d t h e n o s e .
W h e n y o u r e a c h t h e p o i n t w h e r e he's h o l d i n g a p o s i t i o n t h a t w i l l n o t int e r f e r e w i t h his l e f t t u r n s , y o u c a n use a l i t t l e v a r i a t i o n t h a t w i l l m a k e h i m
even m o r e pace conscious. Increase y o u r speed to a fast w a l k ; t h e n , as t h e
e x h i l a r a t i o n o f y o u r f a s t e r g a i t c a u s e s t h e d o g t o r e l a x his a t t e n t i v e n e s s ,
suddenly slow a n d m a k e a left turn. Repeat t h e f o r m u l a of speed up, slow
d o w n , a n d l e f t t u r n u n t i l h e t a k e s all y o u r w a l k i n g s p e e d a s a c u e t o e x p e c t
the unexpected.
The mother of the owner of the schnauzer w as complaining that

w h e n she tried to train him, the dog w o u l d nip her shoe or try to
untie her shoelace. The dog w o u l d only do that to her and no one
else.
I told her that Bill Koehler reminded under "Fables and Foibles"
the dog withhol d respect f r o m those loved ones w h o m he so easily
bested in every battle of w i t s . " She wa s instructed to follow-up
w i t h a correction and had no problem w i t h the dog since.
Right-Turns
Y o u are equipped to correct t h e dog t h a t tries to go a h e a d by pulling or
easing, we will consider the remaining t w o way s in w h i c h a dog might
break t h e heel position. He m i g h t lag behind , or he m i g h t v e e r s i d e w a y s
40
Lesson 4: Heeling
a w a y f r o m y o u w i t h t h e intention o f t i g h t e n i n g t h e leash, t h e r e b y preventi n g y o u f r o m s u r p r i s i n g h i m . W e w i l l c o r r e c t t h e s e t a c t i c s w i t h t h e last o f
our trainin g turns - right turn. This is d o n e by planting t h e left foot, pivoting sharply to t h e right a n d m a k i n g a right a n g l e t u r n . Praise t h e d o g w h e n
he catches up to y o u r left side.
The monk joined t h e class on t h e 2nd lesson. Every time he started

w a l k i ng the dog w o u l d turn around w i t h his legs up in t h e air; and
the handler also stopped and tried to coax the dog and the n carry
him. After observing him for a couple of futile attempts, I took over
and started walking. The dog after a f e w seconds of sliding on the
cemented ground decided that it is more sensible to be right side
up w h e n heeling. The monk expressed surprise w h e n he saw his
dog walking.
Refusing to Move
I f t h e d o g h a s n o e x p e r i e n c e o n a l e a s h a t a l l , i t w o u l d b e b e s t t o let h i m
d r a g a longe-line a r o u n d f o r t w o to t h r e e days ( w h i le he is being supervised). T h e n as he shows no concern for t h e longe-line t h e handler is ready
t o pick u p t h e loop a n d start w a l k i n g .
T h e r e is no such t h i n g as a d o g t h a t w o u l d not w a l k on a leash. Regardless
of t h e resistance, do not coax; k e e p w a l k i n g until you r d o g comes to y o u
There are things the dog must do w h e t h e r he w a n t s to or not.
1. Grabbing t h e Leash:
W h a t if y o u r d o g grabs hold of t h e leash a n d tries to s h a k e or
carry it? Lock both hands o n t o t h e leash f o r m a x i m u m traction
a n d lift s t r a i g h t u p . T h e d o g s h o u l d g o u p l i k e a r o c k e t a n d
descend like a parachute. Lift y o u r dog clear off t h e g r o u n d .
Under-correction will only encourage your dog to try again.
2. Fouling t h e Leash:
If your dog tries to foul t h e leash w i t h one f o o t as he w a l k s
along, the correction is the same as t h o u g h he w e r e grabbing it
w i t h his m o u t h .
41

On Leash Heeling
1 . M a k e s u r e y o u a r e h o l d i n g leash correctly-slip r i g h t h a n d
t h r o u g h l o o p a n d lay across p a l m . Use i n d e x , m i d d l e f i n g e r a n d
t h u m b t o a d j u s t slack i n leash.
2 . W i t h d o g s i t t i n g o n y o u r l e f t side, h o l d leash i n r i g h t h a n d a n d
p l a c e i t o n y o u r belly b u t t o n a n d l e a v e i t t h e r e ! E n o u g h slack
s h o u l d b e l e f t s o t h a t t h e leash h a n g s j u s t b e l o w t h e l e f t k n e e .
3 . D o n o t place l e f t h a n d o n leash!
4 . Use y o u r dog's n a m e a n d c o m m a n d " H e e l " a n d s t a r t o f f o n y o u r
left foot.
5 . D o g s h o u l d a l w a y s h e e l o n y o u r l e f t side.
Turns
1. R i g h t A b o u t T u r n - d r o p slack in leash, p i v o t on l e f t f o o t a n d
w a l k in opposite direction. T h e Right A b o u t Turn is a correction
for the dog that is forging ahead.
2. Right Turn - for dogs heeling w i d e , or lagging
3 . L e f t T u r n - t u r n i n t o d o g , f o r d o g t h a t leans a g a i n s t y o u , o r
crowds you.
1st & 2nd Day

1. H e e l i n g Exercise - include s R i g h t A b o u t T u r n , L e f t T u r n , R i g h t
T u r n , Fast a n d S l o w .
2. W h e n y o u c o m e to a h a l t - plac e d o g in s i t t i n g position. NO
c o m m a n d t o sit!
3rd & 4th Day

1 . C o n t i n u e h e e l i n g exercises, u s i n g R i g h t A b o u t T u r n , R i g h t T u r n
a n d Left Turn.
2 . G i v e c o m m a n d t o " S I T " a n d plac e d o g i n s i t t i n g p o s i t i o n .
42
5th & 6th Day

1. C o n t i n u e h e e l i n g exercises a n d t u r n s .
2. Give c o m m a n d " S i t " a n d give correction if d o g does n o t sit.
Start f r o m b e g i n n i n g t o g e t s t r a i g h t sits.
NEXT CLASS: D o g s h o u l d hee l o n left side in p r o p e r position. A f t e r y o u

c o m e t o a halt, d o g s h o u l d sit a f t e r o n e c o m m a n d t o " S i t " w i t h o u t correction.
43
Lesson 5: Sitting
Dog in sit position beside the handler.

B e f o r e m o v i n g to t h e lesson on sitting, give y o u r d o g this test. Bring y o u r
dog, at heel, to a n e w t e m p t a t i o n , such as an o p e n car d o o r or a cat in a
cage. W h e n y o u reach t h e point of t e m p t a t i o n , stop. If your d o g stops a n d
stands w o n d e r i n g w h a t you're about to do next, you are ready for the next
exercise.
If your d o g is not yet ready, bring him to a n e w t e m p t a t i o n each day a n d
correct a n y i n a t t e n t i v e n e s s w i t h t h e m e t h o d s i n t h e last chapter. W o r k f o r
only a f e w minutes, t h e n put him in a place of confinement.
Of t h e m a n y w a y s a d o g can s h o w c o n t e m p t , t h e "sit exercise" is o n e of t h e
most expressive. He could w a i t for the second, third or fourth c o m m a n d ,
o r n a g g i n g t u g s b e f o r e sitting. H e c a n also sit s i d e w a y s , his e y e s a n d m i n d
44
Lesson 5: Sitting
Bearing weight down on left hand, forcing the thumb and fingers into the loin muscles.
f o c u s e d o n s o m e t h i n g o t h e r t h a n his master.
S o assure a c c u r a c y b y s t a r t i n g correctly. A s y o u w a l k a l o n g w i t h t h e d o g
a t h e e l , p r e p a r e t o s t o p , r e d u c e y o u r slack. T h e n s t o p , d r o p y o u r l e f t h a n d
d o w n across t h e dog's loin . M a k e s u r e y o u r t h u m b i s p o i n t i n g t o w a r d y o u .
K e e p t h e dog's h e a d a n d b o d y i n l i n e w i t h t h e d i r e c t i o n t h a t he's b e e n
t r a v e l i n g . G i v e h i m o n e c o m m a n d t o sit, w h i c h consist o f his n a m e a n d
c o m m a n d . For e x a m p l e , " S h a d o w , S i t . "
A s h o r t r i g h t h a n d e d g r i p a f e w i n c h e s close t o t h e s n a p w h i l e h o l d i n g t h e
t e n s i o n o n t h e leash, b e a r y o u r w e i g h t d o w n o n y o u l e f t h a n d a s i t closes,
f o r c i n g t h e t h u m b a n d f i n g e r s i n t o t h e l o i n muscles. T h e i n s t a n t h e r e a c h e s
t h e sit p o s i t i o n , r e l e a s e t h e t e n s i o n i n y o u r g r i p a n d praise h i m a n d let t h e
left hand w o r k at patting him.
N o w give a heel command, and immediately start w a l k i n g . Vary your speed
a n d correct any inattentiveness a n d poor position w i t h t h e proper t u r n and
45
Lesson
4: H e e l i n g
Handler bending knees for correction if dog is slow

r e w a r d i n g c o o p e r a t i o n w i t h praise.
W o r k a t h e e l i n g u n t i l y o u r d o g i s g i v i n g y o u his f u l l e s t a t t e n t i o n , t h e n s t o p
a n d r e p e a t t h e sit exercises. I m m e d i a t e l y a f t e r h e c o m p l i e s , praise h i m .
W h a t i f t h e d o g w i l l n o t f o l l o w t h e i n s t r u c t i o n s t o sit? Sto p w i t h y o u r
dog's l e f t side close to a f e n c e or a b u i l d i n g . As y o u p l a c e h i m on a sit, his
s i d e - s t e p p i n g w i l l b e l i m i t e d t o a f e w inches. W h a t i f he's s o s t r o n g y o u
can't push him d o w n ? K e ep him boxed in b e t w e e n y o u a n d t h e fence, put
a lot o f pressure o n t h e r e a r a n d s u f f i c i e n t u p w a r d pressur e o n t h e leash
t o m a k e his b r e a t h i n g a c h o r e . D o n ' t e a s e u p u n t i l h e w e a k e n s a n d sits.
P r o m p t l y e a s e t h e pressure o n t h e leash a n d praise h i m . Heel h i m o f f , a n d
d o a n e x e r c i se h e d o e s w i l l i n g l y . I t m i g h t s w e e t e n t h e dog's a t t i t u d e tow a r d t h e d i s t a s t e f u l exercise .
K e e p o n t e a c h i n g t h e Sit e x e r c i s e b y p l a c i n g t h e d o g i n t h e sit p o s i t i on f o r
5 days, t h i r t y t i m e s p e r d a y t o b r e a k d o w n resistance a n d i n s u l a t e a g a i n s t
46
Lesson 5: Sitting
a dog t h a t is mentally dull. This principle of overloading on t h e teachin g
p h a s e c a n r e a l l y m a k e t h e c o r r e c t i o n p h a s e a lot e a s i e r e v e n i f h e s e e m s t o
o b e y m o s t o f t h e t i m e . W o r k till y o u r d o g w i l l sit i m m e d i a t e l y w i t h o u t a n y
c u e e x c e p t t h e c o m m a n d t o sit. R e m e m b e r , o n e c o m m a n d .
47
Lesson 6: Automatic Sit

R e p e a t t h e exercises t o sit o n c o m m a n d . S o o n y o u r d o g starts s i t t i n g w h e n
y o u stop, even before y o u give t h e c o m m a n d . W h e n this happens about 50
p e r c e n t o f t h e t i m e , h e i s r e a d y f o r t h e A u t o m a t i c Sit. N o w s t a r t c o r r e c t i n g
h i m w h e n h e f a i l s t o sit a u t o m a t i c a l l y w h e n y o u stop . W h e n y o u g e t t o t h e
p o i n t w h e r e h e sits t e n t i m e s i n a r o w w i t h o u t c o r r e c t i o n , y o u a r e r e a d y t o
use t h i s e x e r c i s e f o r " c h a r a c t e r s h a p i n g . " T h e n e x t t i m e h e a d t o w a r d a s p o t
t h a t w i l l f u r n i s h g r e a t t e m p t a t i o n f o r y o u r d o g like a n o p e n door. W h e n
y o u stop, your dog may remain standing, looking at t h e t e m p t a t i o n . At this
p o i n t , f i r m l y c o r r e c t h i m . Lock b o t h h a n d s t o g e t h e r a b o u t t w o inches f r o m
t h e s n a p w i t h t h e p a l m s o f t h e h a n d s f a c i n g t o w a r d s t h e g r o u n d f o r best
leverage, knees bending, give a forceful straight u p w a r d thrust a n d release
w h e n dog's r e a r c o n t a c t t h e g r o u n d . N o v e r b a l c o m m a n d t o 'Sit' i s n e e d e d .
T h e c o r r e c t i o n m a d e , g i v e h i m a h e e l c o m m a n d a n d g o back t h e w a y y o u
came; do a right-about t u rn a n d stop again at t h e point of temptation.
Praise h i m i f h e sits; corrects h i m i f h e d o e s n ' t . R e p e a t t h i s u n t i l y o u r d o g
d o e s t h e a u t o m a t i c sit w i t h o u t a n y fuss. A t t h i s p o i n t , y o u r d o g i s g i v i n g
y o u his f u l l a t t e n t i o n w h e t h e r y o u a r e m u n c h i n g a n a p p l e o r s t u d y i n g t h e
clouds. T h i s i s t h e f o u n d a t i o n f o r f u t u r e l e a r n i n g .
48
Lesson 7: Sit Stay

Bring your dog, at heel, from his place of confinement. Stop just as you
leave the area. If he sits without the slightest cue, he is ready. If not, he
needs another lesson in the Automatic Sit.
In the Sit-Stay, the dog stays seated until another command from his handler causes him move. The dog is to stay seated in the same position at the
same location whether you the handler stay within sight or not. To do this
right, each step must be meticulously followed.
1. First, before making a stop, reduce the amount of slack to about
ten inches. After you've stopped, and your dog has sit automatically, raise your right hand and evenly apply pressure to encourage your dog to stay seated. Give a command, "Shadow, stay!".
2. As you speak, extend your left hand, fingers fully spread to a
few inches of your dog's face. Hold that hand in position and
take one step with your right foot and face the dog. Make sure
the tension of the leash is taut enough to encourage your dog
to stay seated.
3. As you continue to hold your left hand in position, without
letting the tension go completely, increase and decrease the
pressure in a series of weak, unemphatic tugs, which your dog
should resist.
4. After about five seconds, with the restraining tension still in the
leash, reverse your pivoting step so that it puts you back at the
side of the dog. DO NOT PRAISE THE DOG. You do not want the
dog to break from the Sit-Stay. Give the command "Heel" and
take one step forward with your left leg and stop. Then praise
the dog for having done the Sit-Stay. The taking one step forward with the left leg, releasing the dog from remaining in that
position and spot is called "Exercise Finished".
49
Lesson 7: Sit Stay

5.
S t a r t w i t h f i f t e e n s e c o n d s f o r t h e f i r s t d a y and t h i r t y seconds on
t h e n e x t d a y a n d b y t h e t h i r d day, t h e d o g c o u l d b e e x p e c t e d t o
"Sit-Stay" for forty-five seconds.
Since t r a i n i n g in reliable o b e d i e n c e can best be d o n e in situations w h i c h

t h e t r a i n e r sets u p o r rigs t o his o w n a d v a n t a g e , y o u m u s t g e t t h e d o g t o
disobey in a situation w h i c h y o u can control.
S t a r t t r a i n i n g o n t h e f o u r t h d a y b y r e v i e w i n g t h e e x e r c i s e s o f h e e l i n g , sitt i n g a u t o m a t i c a l l y a n d t h e b e g i n n i n g o f t h e sit-stay. T h e n o n t h e f o u r t h
automatic-sit, give t h e usual stay c o m m a n d a n d h a n d gesture. Release t h e
t e n s i o n by l e t t i n g t h e f u l l a m o u n t o f t h e s l a c k c o m e i n t o t h e leash. B e sure
to k e ep an u n b r e a k a b l e grip on t h e h a n d loop. T a k e o n e step b a c k w a r d so
t h a t y o u a r e t w o f e e t f r o m y o u r d o g . H o l d f o r f i f t e e n s e c o n d s . D o n o t say
a n y t h i n g m o r e , r e l a x y o u r l e f t a n d let y o u r d o g d o t h e r e m e m b e r i n g .
I f h e s t a y s s i t t i n g w i t h o u t m o v i n g f o r f i f t e e n s e c o n d s , r e t r a c e y o u r steps,
p i v o t b a c k t o his s i d e d o a n " E x e r c i s e F i n i s h e d " a n d p r a i s e h i m . B e c e r t a i n
n o t t o let y o u r d o g use t h e a c t i o n o f y o u r r e t u r n a s a n e x c u s e t o m o v e before t h e Exercise Finished. End t h e exercise w i t h a heel-comman d a n d start
b a c k i n t o y o u r w o r k i n g p a t t e r n o f h e e l i n g a n d a u t o m a t i c sits.
W h a t if your dog moves before t h e fifteen seconds is up, or before the
heel c o m m a n d ends t h e exercise? W h a t e v e r t h e case, don't o p e n y o u r
m o u t h , m o v e quickly t o w a r d w h e r e your d o g should have stayed sitting. As
y o u m o v e , g a t h e r t h e slack w i t h y o u r f r e e h a n d s o t h a t y o u w i l l h a v e j u s t
e n o u g h to t a k e up w i t h a t w o - h a n d e d corrective jerk t h at propels the dog
b a c k t o his p r o p e r p o s i t i o n . W h e n y o u r d o g r e p e a t e d l y stays f o r a t least
fifteen seconds he will be ready for a progra m of stability-building temptations. Progress f r o m f i f t e e n seconds to longer periods, using properly t i m e d
a n d applied praise a n d corrections.
O n f i f t h d a y h a n d l e r takes t w o steps back f r o m d o g ( a b o u t f o u r f e e t )
a n d dog should hold f o r thirty seconds. Handler returns, does an Exercise
Finished a n d praises dog. T h e h a n d l e r should c o n t i n u e to increase to fortyf i v e s e c o n d s t h e s i x t h d a y o n t h e Sit-stay a n d s t e p b a c k a f u l l s i x - f o o t l e a s h
away.
50
Lesson 7: Sit Stay
Give the command " S t a y " before taking pivoting step in front of the dog.
Step forward beginning with the right foot and stand in front of the dog.
51
Lesson 7: Sit Stay
The dog should sit stay with the handler several feet away.
Return to the dog in counter-clockwise direction.
52
Lesson 7: Sit Stay

Proper timing is vital to your success. After making a correction, insist that
the dog hold his position until you finish the exercise. To get the full benefit from your corrections, follow this rule: after a correction, take the dog's
first sign of cooperation as the moment to return and praise him for proper
response. When your dog holds a one-minute sit-stay for five consecutive
times, your dog is ready for a new distraction.
After consistent praise and correction has taught your dog to ignore your
step you might try doing push-ups, dropping on one knee to tempt him to
move. It is fair temptation as long as it is not personally addressed to your
dog.
Having convinced your dog with praise and correction that your stepping,
kneeling, and jumping are not an invitation for him to break from his stay
you should be prepared to return to your dog on a new route.
As you return to your dog, switch your loop of the right hand to your left.
Extend your arm as far as possible to his right side, walk around behind
him and return to his side. Change the leash back to your right hand. Pause
for a few seconds to adjust to the leash to a comfortable length and do
the exercise finish and praise the dog. Be careful not to step on his tail
when going around the dog's rear. The counter- clockwise when returning
around to the side of your dog is not done until one week work of reliable
Sit-Stay.
53
Lesson 8: Stand for Examination
Dog lifted up in standing position
This is not just a formal exercise for dog shows. Instead it is an exercise that
will train your dog not to bite indiscriminately. Since there is no confusing
similarity between the trainer's actions on the Sit-Stay and the Stand-forExamination, the two exercises can be started at the same time.
Review previously learned exercises. Praise him for his automatic sit when
you stop so that he will not take your action of putting him on the stand
as disapproval. Adjust your left foot slightly in between the front and the
back legs of the dog. The right foot securely forward for comfortable balance as shown.
Change your grip so that your right hand is holding the leash close to the
dog's neck. This will keep his front end from drifting about as you work
54

with his rear and at the same time prevent an accidental upward tug which
would give your dog a cue to sit. The right hand pulls slightly forward
on the leash to control the dog's front end. Adjust your position so that
you can extend your left arm across the small of the dog's back beneath
his loin. Give a command such as "Stand" and gently raise your dog to a
standing position. When he is standing, move your left hand from under
him and gently stroke his side and his back in the area of his shoulders.
When he has stood for ten seconds, show your approval with praise as you
heel him one step forward to where he should sit automatically. This is
to discourage the dog from ever sitting back down on the spot where he
was placed on the Stand for Examination. If he should try to sit before this
terminating step, raises him back to a stand with a gentle tug forward with
the leash close to his neck. If he makes 501 attempts to sit, raise him 502
times.
When he has worked on the exercise about fifteen times each day for
seven days, your dog should hold a stand for half a minute as you lightly
stroke his back.
By now you should begin conditioning him to the approach and touch
from all angles in preparation for later accustoming him to strangers. Begin
the sixth day on the stand by placing your dog in the usual way. Let all
the leash, except for the grip, fall from your right hand. This is to make it
impossible for you to accidentally tighten the leash as you begin to work
your way around the dog. Give a stay command, and, with your left hand
lightly stroking the dog near the shoulder, begin to sidestep around him
in a counter-clockwise position. As you passed in front of him, change the
leash grip to your left hand. The leash must remain on the right side. After
you have passed behind the dog and are moving back along his right side
toward the starting point, switch the leash grip back to the right hand.
At all times, make sure he does not break from the stand you have placed
him. Practice your exercises, periodically repeating the standing and conditioning to touch routine at least ten times each day.
For the first two days, do a counter-clockwise circle around the dog while
stroking the dog's withers. The next two days, continue to stroke the dog's
withers while moving counter-clockwise around the dog twice. Increase
55
Helper approached and touched dog in Stand-for-Exa mi nation
to move around three times on the fifth and sixth day. If the dog moves, a
firm lift under the tummy and a jerk forward for the correction.
On the second week on the Stand for Examination, move around your dog
at arm's length change the circling pattern to an oval that lets you move
out to face him from a distance of three feet in front. On the sixth day
of work on the Stand by placing him in the usual manner. Let the whole
length of the leash except the grip fall from your right hand. Give a stay
command, and with your left hand lightly stroking the dog near the shoulder, begin to sidestep around him smoothly and confidently in a counterclockwise pattern. After you've passed behind the dog and are moving
back along his right side towards the starting point, you need to switch the
leash grip back to the right hand. Immediately give a heel-command, take
a step, straighten up and adjust to the proper leash grip-all in one motion.
Face the dog out in front for about five seconds, and then pass your leash
to the left hand, which extends out at your side about chest level. Move
56

back toward him and continue on a casual walk that takes you past his left
side, behind him, and around back to the heel position. Finish the exercise
by heeling him one step forward.
Begin the third week on the Stand for Examination by placing your dog in
the stand the usual way and give the stay command. Now as you have told
him to stay take 1 step out in front of him. Here the progression of 1 step
out for the 1st and 2nd days for 10 seconds then 2 steps out on the 3rd
and 4th days for 20 seconds then 3 steps out on the 5th and 6th days for
30 seconds.
Four days after you begin to face your dog from out in front, he should be
ready to be introduced to the approach and touch part of the exercise. The
person doing the touching can be a stranger or a friend as long as he will
scrupulously follow your instructions. To prepare the dog for the Stand-forExamination you can do the Sit-for Examination. Your dog by now have
two weeks of work on the Sit-stay. A good preparation for the Stand for
Examination is the Sit stay (for exam) where someone approaches and pats
the dog on the head and the dog must hold regardless of his emotion. The
person should neither be a timid, uncertain type, nor a know-it-all who
will disregard your instructions. Tell your helper to stand quietly a few
feet from the dog's right side until the dog has been placed on the stand
and you have taken your position out in front. Without the appearance of
reaching toward him, a hand should hang impersonally near the dog's nose
so that a slight move of his head will allow the dog to sniff the hand. When
his sniff shows that he is resigned to the helper's presence, the person
should touch the dog confidently on the head or neck, and immediately,
turn and walk away. You should then walk around the dog and break him
loose in the usual way. When you are certain your helper will do as he is
told, work a few of the stand-and-touch exercises into your practice pattern. Practice the exercise faithfully, having your helper touch the dog from
all angles. A disciplined dog will increase security for you and make any vet
visits a lot more pleasant.
57

Sit-Stay
Hold left hand in front of dog's nose, give command "Stay" and pivot directly in front of and facing dog, then pivot back into place. Leave dog on
right foot.
Heeling Post
Use a pole for heeling post for dogs that heel wide.
Exercise Finish
After completing any exercise, take one heeling step and halt. Then praise
dog (this is called "Exercise Finished). Use the "Heel" command and insist
on the "Automatic Sit."
Stand
Place right hand on leash close to collar, while reaching over dog flank area
of dog and raising up into a standing position with left arm. When dog is
in standing position, stroke shoulder lightly and correct if dog moves. No
verbal command for two days.
1st & 2nd Day
1. Dogs should be corrected if they don't sit automatically upon
halt. NO verbal command!
2. Practice "Sit-Stay," stand in front of dog for 15 seconds, pivot
back to dog, sit correction if dog moves.
3. Continue heeling and heeling post work.
4. Practice "Stand," complete stand with "Exercise Finished."
NEVER let dog sit from Stand position.
3rd & 4th Day
1. Sit-Stay for 30 seconds, move out to three feet in front of dog.
2. Continue all phases of heeling work
3 Give dog the command to "Stand."
58
5th & 6th Day

1. Sit-Stay for 1 minute, move out to end of 6-foot leash. Dog
should Sit-Stay while being petted by a member of your family. If he moves, correct! Family member should NOT use dog's
name while he is going over the dog.
2. Continue all phases of heeling work.
3. Dog should hold "Stand" for one minute.
NEXT CLASS: Dog should do Automatic Sit and do 1 minute "Sit-Stay." On

leash heeling should become more polished, with straight Sits.
Lesson 9: The Down

Prepare for the first lesson of the Down exercise by a careful study of the
drawing. Memorize the step-by-step procedure for properly placing your
dog in the down position.
Begin by bringing the dog, at heel, from his place of confinement and reviewing all exercised learned to date. When you reach a point where there
is not the slightest contention on an exercise, make a stop and after the
dog has sat automatically, command the dog to "Stay." He must be able to
hold his Sit-Stay before you give one command, "Down."
Then slide your left hand down to the collar, bend down on your left knee
to the ground parallel to the dog' body. Hold the collar snugly to keep his
neck from sliding and turning. Take the right hand with the palm facing up
to the sky, reach under his right leg, take hold of his left leg and gently lift
out. At the same time the left forearm bears down across his shoulders as
you say "Shadow" Down and praise.
Keep the downward pressure of your left arm on the dog's back as you
move both his feet straight forward from under him. If his legs are small
enough you can hold them both in your right hand; otherwise, grasp his
left leg at a point high enough to prevent him from raising his right leg
above the path of your arm to carry his feet from under him. Praise the
dog immediately when he reaches the down position and let him get up.
Walk off with the dog at heel and practice the other exercises one or twice
each, then repeat the placing and praising on the down. The average training period, with time spent on practicing exercises and meeting a dog's
occasional challenge will be fifteen times per session. To greatly reduce
the resistance to the Down Correction it is advisable to increase the Down
exercise to thirty times per days for ten days. During the training periods of
the first ten days spent on the down, continue to place and praise your dog
in the down position. If you've done a good job of pleasantly associating
the exercise with the command, your dog will be 'melting' cheerfully down
into position by the end of the eleventh day's training
60
Lesson 9: The Down
Step 1: Getting into position.
Step 2: Place your hand under your dog's legs.
61
Lesson 9: The Down
Step 3: Lift the legs and bring your dog into the "Down" position.
Step 4: Remember to praise your dog once he is in position
Lesson 14: The Throw-Chain
Correction for a "Down".
On the eleventh day, bring your dog from his place of confinement and go
through the usual pattern of reviewing the exercises. After placing him on
the down once or twice, make a stop and, after the dog has sat automatically, step out to where you can face him from a position of about twenty
degrees to the right of the direction in which the dog's body is heading.
With both hands locked on the leash about two inches from the collar, give
one and only one command, "Down." If your dog goes down on command,
praise him warmly. If the dog does not respond immediately, use your
arms, shoulders and back in a chopping down stroke that jerks the leash at
a forty-five degrees angle enough toward the dog's right side so that all
of the force is centered on his right front leg. Simple mechanics will cause
your dog to crumple downward and forward. Give him a pat, then let him
up again. When your dog is reliably responding under ordinary conditions,
work until he responds in the same way in more distracting situations
63

Down
Hold collar with left hand close to back of the dog's neck; place left forearm across neck. With right hand lift up dog's front legs, while applying
downward pressure with left arm until dog goes into down position.
Left About Turn
On about turn, turn left into dog. Switch leash from right hand to left hand
behind your back. Once the Left About Turn is completed, immediately
switch leash back to right hand.
Down Correction
Give verbal command "Down." If dog doesn't go down, pivot at 45-degree
angle in front of dog. With both hands on leash, about 6 inches from end
give a quick jerk downward to your left until dog goes down. Do not 'nag,'
or apply steady pressure. Use a Quick Strong Jerk!
Figure "8"
Practice figure "8" pattern with 2 people, garbage cans etc.
Recall
Leave dog on Sit-Stay and go to end of leash. After at least 20 seconds
give dog's name and command "Come," with a tug on the leash. If the
dog shows sign of coming, praise the dog while he is coming to you. If he
doesn't come, reel in the leash. When dog is in front of you, have him sit.
Make sure Sit is straight.
1st & 2nd Day
1. Place dog in down position, NO verbal command.
2. Give dog straight 'Stay' command and circle dog.
3. Practice figure "8" exercise.
4. Continue with "Sit-Stay." Leave dog for 30 seconds and return
around dog.
5. Continue all heeling exercises, all turns, fast and slow.
64
3rd & 4th Day

1. Give command "Down" and place dog in down position.
2. Continue "Stand," Figure "8" and heeling. Circle dog 2 times on
"Stand."
3. Continue with "Sit-Stays" for 1 minute at end of leash.
5th & 6th Day
1. Start "Down Correction," follow instructions above.
2. Place dog on "Stand-Stay" and circle dog 3 times. Use the "Exercise Finished" to break dog out of stand.
3. Recall, Follow instructions described above for recall.
4. Continue all heeling exercises.
NEXT CLASS: By next class, all dogs should be completely past the point of
contention while heeling on the leash. Use lots of distractions. There will
be a mid-term exam next week in class.
65
Lesson 10: Down Stay

This is one of the most valuable exercises in basic obedience and useful to
keep the dog in one place for a long stretch of time. It is also increasing the
dog's capacity for restraint and emotional stability by requiring to hold the
"Down-Stay" in long periods.. By now your dog understands what "stay"
means "don't move" and what "down" means.
I remember hearing of the chief trainer of a kennel club was putting up a demonstration in a public community center. Together
with some other dogs and handlers they were putting their dogs
through the paces. Everything seems to be going well until the
'Long Down-Stay.' This is one exercise where they have to take the
leash off dog and move a short distance away from their dogs. As
soon as the chief trainer turned his back away from his 'trained'
Samoyed," the dog saw the opportunity to have some fun, bolted
through the open gate onto the road.
He was promoted to be an obedience judge.
Begin with a few minutes of review of familiar exercises. Down your dog in
the usual way followed with the command "Shadow, Stay." Step out with
your right foot and face the dog for fifteen seconds and then return to
your dog right side. The corrections used when a dog breaks the down-stay
are exactly the same as those used when he fails to respond to the down
command. When your dog stays down for fifteen seconds, move back to
his side, heel him and praise him. Make sure he does not move as you move
back to his side or praise him. When he has held a few seconds following
the praise, give a heel command, start off on the left foot spend a few
minutes on the practice of other exercises before repeating the down-stay
experience. Remember that the dog is to stay in the same spot. While it is
desirable for the dog to be relaxed and shift his weight a bit, the shifting
should not move him from his designated spot. Don't let the stretching
take him inch by inch from his spot. Make sure he is corrected.
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Step 1: Command your dog to "Stay".
Step 2: Step out with your right leg.
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Step 3: Move in front of your dog and wait for 15 seconds.
Add a distraction of side-stepping back and forth in front of the dog. Make
sure you do not confuse the dog by saying anything. By the end of the
third day, you should be able to leave your dog on the down-stay, stand
facing him a slack leash length away for one minute, return, and praise him
without his moving until you give the heel command. But be careful that
your steps do not tighten or jerk the leash.
By the end of the fourth day, your dog should be able to stay for 3 minutes even when exposed to people and animals walking nearby and can be
used to work miracles in the calming of a "geared" or restless dog. You will
realized that he will become more resigned and relaxed regardless of his
surroundings and backward and forward the length of a slack leash from
your dog.
Most importantly you will be convinced that the benefits of reliability and
character development from the "Down-Stay" are limited by your own
determination, constant effort and correct technique. Your dog should now
be holding for five minutes.
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Lesson 11: The Recall
Step 1: Command your dog to "Come".
Many residential areas have leash laws. But regardless of the amount of
restraint required, it is imperative that a dog comes unfailingly when he is
called. The goal of the recall exercise then is to be able to control the dog
off-leash, to make sure he comes all the way back to a definite sitting position in front of the handler without relaxing his attention on the handler.
To successfully teach a dog to come when called, you must first make sure
that he learns the exercise while on-leash. Begin by reviewing all exercises
previously learned.
Leave your dog in a sit-stay and face him from a slack leash length away,
the loop of the leash on the thumb of your left hand. This is because most
handlers can more efficiently reach out to grip and reel in the slack with
the right hand. Make sure your dog has held his Sit-Stay for at least half a
minute before the reeling in with the command, "Shadow come."
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Step 2: Retrieve the leash as your dog come to you.
Step 3: Place your dog in the sit position.

When your dog has reached the proper spot with his head directly one and
a half-foot in front of you, give the command to sit. If he fails to do so,
give a light upward correction. The moment he is seated in front of you,
reach over and praise him, followed by a heel command as you make a
right-about turn, and adjust the leash in a manner that brings the dog into
a proper position for walking..
Spend some time on the practice of other exercises and then repeat the instruction on the recall. Don't let your dog break his sit-stay before you issue
the command to come to you. You can lessen the possibility of him doing
that if you vary the time of his sit-stay. Correct your dog if he sits out of
position using the appropriate hand to straighten his hind end depending
which way he sits before it hits the ground. Control on the stay, certainty
of response, and accuracy on the Sit are three reasons you should continue
this exercise of leash even though it seems your dog have learnt the exercise perfectly. Practice your recall about ten times a day.
On the third day your dog should be ready for the "Finish" which will move
your dog from his position in front of you around behind you to complete
the exercise at your left side.
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Lesson 12: The Finish
Step 1: Dog should be sitting directly facing you.
Your dog has already made some progress in learning the finish. That is
because to your dog, your correct heeling side is to the right of him when
he is walking. You have given him plenty of practices with the Left-About
Turns the week before. To execute the Left-About Turns, take a step forward with your right foot and pivot 180 degrees to the left as you pass the
leash from the right hand to the left. With the same right foot heel off as
you smoothly pass back your leash to the right hand. Your dog will then
move behind you to your left side.
Leave your dog on the Sit-Stay. Do a recall. The dog should come and sit directly in front of you the distance close enough for you to praise him. Continue the exercise on leash even though it seems your dog had learned the
exercise perfectly. Fold the leash in two short bundles holding slightly taut
with your right hand, give the command "Heel" and walk backward. Then,
without stopping, pass the leash behind your back, and take a few steps
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Step 2: Taking a right step backward.
Step 3: Dog circle from right to left of handler
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Step 4: Dog complete the Finish by sitting next to handler
forward shifting to the correct leash grip. Your dog will adjust by crossing
behind to keep you on his right. The dog should be walked through the
Finish for one week, twelve times a day before starting the Correction.
Now do the recall from the sit-stay in the usual way and after the dog has
sat in front of you, wait a few seconds, then arrange the leash-hand behind
your leg. Bend your knee slightly and keep the leash taut. Command the
dog to "Heel." He should respond immediately and move to your right and
behind and around you to your left side. If he hesitates, make a driving
step back into the leash with the right leg to propel the dog around to the
"Heel' position. If the dog stops and sits or stands behind you, you should
explode a few steps forward.
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Down Stay
Give verbal command "Down ... and then verbal command "Stay" and
leave dog with right foot first. (Progression is the same as that of Sit-Stay n
end of leash by the end of the week.) Remember to move back to dog and
make the down correction if dog moves.
Tab
Be sure it is on the dog's collar all week. Be careful of the length of the tab
as you don't want your dog to get his leg caught in it or trap and choke
himself. Do not leave your dog unattended while tab and collar are on.
The Finish
Call dog to you for recall. After he sits straight in front of you for a few
seconds, tighten up the slack of the leash and place behind the right thigh
with the leash in the right hand. Give command "Heel," step back and then
step forward with the right leg, switching the leash behind your back to
the left hand and step forward pulling the dog into heeling position. Praise
dog after he sits.
1st & 2nd Day
1. Give down command and leave dog on "Down-Stay" with one
step in front of dog. Give down correction if dog moves
2. Leave dog on Sit Stay for one minute at end of 15-foot long line.
Use distraction.
1. Place dog on Stand Stay, go three feet out, leave for 10 seconds
and return around the dog
2. Leave on Sit-Stay and go to end of leash. After 20 seconds call
dog. Dog should begin to come on command without tugging
leash. Finish dog.
3. Continue heeling and figure 8
3rd & 4th Day
1. Continue "Down Stay," two steps in front of dog.
2. Continue "Sit-Stay" on 15 foot longe line
3. Place on Stand-Stay; go to end of leash, wait for 30 seconds and
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return around dog.

4. Continue Recall and finish on 6-foot leash.
5. Continue heeling and Figure 8
5th & 6th Day
1. Continue "Down-Stay," one minute at end of leash.
2. Use same format as with 3rd and 4th Days, except on "StandStay. Continue Stand-Stay" at end of leash but have another
person go over the dog. Correct if he moves.
REMEMBER: Polish heeling using a figure "8" pattern (use people, posts,
trees, etc.) Incorporate new lessons into your regular training session and
do them about 25 times per 20-minute period. Sit-stay should be up to 5
minutes by end of the week, n Progress, not Jump.
BRING THROW CHAIN TO CLASS NEXT WEEK!
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Your dog has now learned seven exercises. He has become a bit more easily managed on leash and improved on his behavior. If you are thorough
in your efforts, your dog will benefit more in obedience and character in
the next seven days. Now you have to make sure he's ready for off-leash
control. Don't assume readiness. Get a piece of string you use for sewing,
about a foot long, nothing stronger. Tie one end to the live ring of your
training collar and the other end to the snap, the part where the leash
is connected. We are about to find out whether you have been training
your dog or restraining. It is also to show if early ineffective handling has
delayed his learning to perform as expected.
Heeling and Sitting
Lay out a pattern of distracting points. Use at least three distractions. They
should be different from ones you've used but just as appealing. Bring your
dog into the area at heel and start using them in the usual way, making
momentum-packed Right-About Turns the instant the dog is not paying
attention. Each day, during the week of polishing, you should work to
increase the strength of distractions. There is something else you can do.
Walk along with your dog at heel, and turn, as if for the usual right-about.
But now, as you pivot, take three running steps, then slow to you normal
walking gait. Your dog has half the amount of time to change direction to
avoid a jerk.
This speed-up can also be used coming out of Right-Turns as well. Make
three of these turn-and-speed-up maneuvers, then make a turn at your
normal walking speed. You will find that your dog has increased the speed
with which he reverses direction. If you do your part, the dog will turn
good square corners and heel attentively in the correct position.
Automatic Sit
Work your turns with stops, especially where the dog seems a bit inattentive. If he fails to sit immediately, correct him so that he'll be reminded
to always take distraction as a cue to think of you. If your dog sits out of
position, correct him. If the dog is scootching, give him a jerk that brings
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him, airborne, back to where he knows he should be sitting. Be sure to use
both hands locked together for any corrections. Reduce the leash slack just
as you stop so that the dog can't back up without tightening the collar on
himself. If your dog swings his rear away from you, and faces you as he sits,
bring the stiffened left hand down in a sharp chop that will catch him in
the loin.
Do not push or force your dog into position after he has sat. Catch him on
the way down. When you dog has learned his lesson and is not swinging
away, the hand could be used to give him a pat in appreciation.
Stand for Examination
No distractions should be used while polishing for the Stand-for-Examination. Have your helper come toward your dog both slowly and rapidly and
from all directions. The dog may now be gone over more thoroughly. Any
disobedience on the stand should be met with corrections, only more forcefully.
The Down
Make sure that the dog gets on the down promptly even when under
distraction. Give the Down command while standing upright. No stooping,
gesture or curtsey when giving the Down command. He should respond
simply to your command. Waiting for a movement from you when he is
told to down, he's waited too long. Correct any delay. Sometimes your dog
will try to anticipate a down after a 'sit.' Break him of that fault by giving
enough slack to start down but not enough to get there.
Sit-Stay and Down-Stay
The principles are the same but at this point do not do not follow a Sit-Stay
with a Down- Stay. After you finish one of the exercises, work on other
things before practicing the second stay position. By the end of the first
day, he should be holding a sit-stay for two minutes and a down-stay for
five minutes while you face him from a leash length away.
Gain reliability by having the dog do his stays close to new distractions.
Along with the distractions, see if you can find a building with both angles
of the corner unobstructed for at least ten feet. Place your dog on a stay
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about two and a half feet back from the end of the building. Then step
around the corner so that you are standing a loose leash length from the
dog and hidden from his sight.
From the dog's standpoint, you've disappeared. He may break. If he goes
away, the leash will tighten. If he comes towards you, you'll see him. Either
way, he will learn that you can get to him in a hurry. Gradually increase the
length of these corners until, by the end of the week, your dog will hold
the two minutes on the sit-stay and the five minutes on the down-stay with
you hidden from sight. Always make sure that your dog holds until you
have finished the exercise in the proper manner.
Recall
Do not use distractions while polishing the recall. Simply make sure that
your dog does not sit more than a foot and a half in front of you. It should
be a straight Sit. Be ready to lean forward and cut off any attempts to sit
one side or sideways. The force of the "side chops" will make the dog aim
for the comfort and praise for his correct sitting position.
Finish
Correct, when needed, to ensure accurate and prompt response.
After a week of polishing, check on your success. Link your collar and leash
with the string. We do not want the string to be strong enough to hold
your dog, only as a symbol of a relationship you have established. When
the collar and leash are linked with the string, give the heel command and
go for a tour around the premises, using random distractions. If your dog
fails to perform any of the exercises, return to the practice of using the
leash until you are truly the boss.
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The time has arrived that the dog has to learn to behave correctly when he
is off-leash. He has come to a point when he takes distractions as a cue to
be even more attentive to your actions.
Bring your dog to a new place. If possible, have a helper. The miraculous
turn-around of your dog response will be determined by the principles
underlying its use.
First: Do no let the dog see you throw the chain. The dog has two ends
only: the front end and the rear end. Your dog has eyes ONLY on the front
end. Throw at the other. There are four reasons to this rule.
1. It is impossible to injure the eye when the chain strikes the rear
end.
2. He cannot dodge.
3. The chain will not be associated as a threatening act to drive
him away.
4. There will be benefits from mystery and surprises if he does not
see you throwing.
Second: Don't miss. Get as close to the rear of the dog as you can. There's
no need to test your throwing skills. When you are able to tag him twice,
you will find it difficult to catch him off-guard the third time. Your dog will
be sticking so close to you and keeping his eyes on you all the time. Remove the idea of asking someone to throw the chain for you.
Third: Don't let your dog see you pick up the Throw-chain. Have your
helper to pick up for you. Should you be alone, tie your dog behind a wall
or corner and then quietly pick up the chain. Better still, have a couple
of throw chains so that in case you miss the first time, you will have the
chance for another shot. Note where the Throw-chain lands.
Bring your dog to the training area. Give him a pat on the side and tell
him," Okay." With the left hand on the loop of the leash and your right
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palm snugly holding the Throw- chain close to the ear, let the dog relax
and wander around with the full length of the leash. Follow him but stay
behind him. When your dog shows an unusual interest in an object or
spot, softly call him in a whisper tone. If he turns around and take one step
towards you, quietly reel him like the Recall exercise and praise him. Complete it by doing the Finish and praise him. If he does not respond immediately after you call him throw the chain at his rear. Reel him in swiftly and
make him sit in front of you. Praise him lavishly. Then do the Finish.
Tell your dog "Okay" again. Quietly steer your dog to the same spot of
interest. Relax. You may have to wait longer for another opportunity to
use the throw chain. You do not object to his "going visiting," only when
his responses to your Recall commands are slow. Be sure that the calling, throwing, pulling and praising are done in correct order. The Chain is
thrown only if he fails to turn and take the step towards you. The chain is
used for the first half of the session and then the rest of the session is used
for polishing the exercises.
Increasing the dog's reliability in heeling with the Throw chain.
START THIS AFTER ONE WEEK OF WORK ON THE RECALL WITH THE CHAIN
THROWN.
Hold the leash on the left hand, thumb in the loop and the Throw-chain in
the right hand tight fisted so that the dog does not get cued by its rattle.
Give the usual heel command and start walking. Move in a straight direction. Should your dog moves away or forge ahead and exposed his rear, tag
him and do a Right-About-Turn. He, because of his early training, knows
that his comfortable position is to be besides you. The Throw chain is not to
be used for lagging problem. When your dog realized your ability to contact him at a distance, you can use the Throw chain for the third situation.
Rushes out the gate, charging at the garbage collector, mailman or owner
walking his dog pass your house.
Put a Tab on your dog's choke chain with a long Light line attached to it.
Fasten the other end of the Light line to a pillar. The length of the light
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Irene, an American expatriate lived in a posh condominium. Her
dog, a huge cross-bred was undergoing Obedience training on the
ground of the American school on Saturday mornings. Her problem
was whenever someone walked past her apartment alone
corridor, the dog would rush to the w i n d o w and start barking and wake
up the newly born baby. I suggested that she set up the situation
by arranging someone to walk pass her apartment. In her left hand
she will hold a book and the right hand holding the throw-chain
ready to tag the dog's rear.
Following my instructions she arranged for her neighbor to walk
past her apartment. As usual, her dog rushed towards the w i n d o w
and started barking. Without any command, she managed to tag
the dog's rear without the dog seeing her use the throw-chain.
The impact on the dog' rear shocked the dog. A f e w minutes later,
the prearranged scene was set and the dog again rushed towards
the window. This time, the dog turns around and looks at the
owner and then turn towards the w i n d o w and bark. In that split
second of opportunity, Irene managed to tag the rear of the dog.
On the third round, w h e n the dog heard the footsteps outside the
window, he decided to stay by his owner's side. Her problem was
permanently eliminated. The dog understands that he should be
reasonable and allow the neighbor to pass by without being challenged.
If
line should stop before the gate. Arrange for someone like the mailman,
garbage collector or a distant neighbor to walk past your gate.
Be ready. The moment your dog starts to charge, hit him with the Throwchain. The impact and the Light line will stop him from crossing the gate.
Grab hold of the Tab with both hands and haul him back where he belongs. Don't praise him. Allow the helper to get out of sight before second
attempt.
Instruct your helper to announce his arrival by pressing the horn or dragging a garbage container or any familiar noises that will provoke the dog.
He is reminded that he should not look or tease the dog. It will take a few
sessions before the dog will lose interest and ignore the garbage collector
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Reasonableness-Character development is one of the objectives of training
your dog.
A word of caution: The throw chain is not to be used to correct a Sit-stay or
Down-stay
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Throw-Chain
A. (1)Do not let the dog see you use the throw chain.
(2) Do not miss.
(3) Do not let the dog see you pick it up.
B. With dog on 6 foot-leash and held by a loop with your nonthrowing hand, give your dog an "OKAY." When your dog gets
distracted, call him using a voice level to a 'whisper' (dog's name
and 'Come'). If he comes immediately, praise him. If he hesitates,
or doesn't come, tag him with the throw chain and reel him into
you and get him sitting in front of you. PRAISE HEAVILY, and
then Finish. Try again. Remember, it may take some time to get
him lost again, but take the time because it is important.
1st & 2nd Day
1. Devote onenhalf of session to the throw chain. Try to do throwchain work in a different training area than the rest of the session.
2. Give dog "Down-Stay" and go to end of leash. Wait for one
minute and return around dog and 'Exercise Finished."
Place dog on "Sit-Stay"... Go to end of leash and have person go
over dog (stranger if possible). Return around dog and 'Exercise
Finished.' Correct if dog moves.
3. Place dog on "Sit-Stay" and go to end of 15-foot longe-line.
Wait at least 20 seconds and call dog. Make sure dog is sitting
straight in front of you.
4. Continue with "Sit-Stays" on longe-line for five minutes and use
distractions.
5. Continue all heeling and Figure 8
3rd & 4th Day
1. Continue with throw-chain (onenhalf of session, even if you
never get to use it on your dog again.)
2. Leave dog on "Down-Stay" for three minutes on end of 15foot
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3.
4.
5.
6.
longe-line. Return around the dog.

Continue on "Stand" on 6-foot leash.
Continue on "Sit-Stay" on 15-foot longe-line.
Continue with "Recall" on 15-foot longe-line.
Polish heeling
5th & 6th Day

1. Continue with throw-chain (one-half of session.) Try using
throw-chain on dog that charges gate, or people outside fence,
etc.
2. Continue Recall, Sit-Stays" and Stand for Examination.
3. Leave dog on "Down Stay" for five minutes.
NEXT CLASS: Dog should be completely familiar with throw-chain. Dog
should do Recall, Sit-Stay and Down-Stay for five minutes on 15 foot longeline. Stand for Examination on leash. Bring 15-foot longe-line, 50-100 foot
light line, tab and throw-chain to class next week.
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Lesson 15: The Light-line

The Light-line bridges the gap between control on the leash and when
the dog is physically free. It should be very strong, long and very light: so
strong and long that it can stop the largest dog in his tracks regardless of
his great speed and the slowness of the handler to grab at the trailing end.
It is so light in weight that it is impossible for a person or a dog to estimate
the length from the feel of the drag. It gives the dog the impression the
opportunity to make a fast escape.
I remember a university professor in one of my class was so impressed with his dog's response to his command that he decided to
continue his training without the Light-line. He was advised against
training the dog without the Light-line. Only and until he has given
the dog lots of opportunities to bolt and be distracted should he
follow the instructions in the assignment notes. Suddenly without
any indication the dog bolted. He learnt to his chagrin that his dog
had outsmarted him.
Stretch your Light-line out in the training area. Make sure it is free of knots
and snarls that offers resistance when drag. The length (a minimum of 50
feet) of your Light-line must be determined by how fast you think you can
run in comparison to your dog. Have both the Tab and leash fastened to his
training collar. Spend ten to fifteen minutes reviewing with your dog on
leash. Finish the practice with an Automatic Sit at one end of the Light-line.
Quietly tie the end of the Light-line to the loop with a good firm knot.
Give the dog more time dragging the light line before removing the leash
and doing momentum-right and about turns while on the leash to get his
mind off the light line.
With the leash in your left hand, give the command to heel. After a couple
of starts and stops, remove the leash. Hold the Throw-chain in your right
hand. Throw the leash about three feet on the left away from the dog. Give
a heel command and start walking. The discarded leash and weightlessness
of the line will give him such an unrestrained feeling that he might make a
break and expose his rear. Tag him with Throw chain and put your foot on
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the Light-line to slow him down before you grab it. To grab the light line
while the dog is bolting will slice a groove in your hand. Turn right about
as you reel in the line and keeps on walking. It is almost certain that your
dog would head to your side the moment the tightening line reminded
him that he wasn't as free as he felt. Praise him lavishly as he made the correct decision to remain close to you. Keep this part of heeling in a straight
direction short, stopping every ten feet to praise. Do not cover too much
distance the first time. You can slowly increase each day the distance as
your dog continues to heel correctly by your side. When you stop and regardless how your dog sits, shower him with sincere praise that he is doing
exactly the right thing in obeying as though you held the leash. If the dog
stays with you and was praised numerous times, then it is best to end the
work on the Light-line
Recover your Throw-Chain and re-attach the leash and repeat the exercises of using the leash and the Light-line together as you do your starts
and stops for fifteen minutes. Use the remainder of the training period to
increase accuracy and reliability by practicing the routine exercises without
the Light-line. Keep the tab on as you work the dog on the leash.
When your training period is over, replace the leash with your Longe-line
and release the dog with an "okay" for a well-earned quiet relaxation. He
will learn eventually that the Longe-line not only signifies authority, but
can provide fun as well.
Bill Koehler in the introduction 'Fables and Foibles' of his opening statement, "In the beginning, God created the Heaven and the Earth. Man, a bit
later, created the fable that "the dog, when he understands, always wants
to please." The dog, the world's first opportunist, in some ways knowing
more of man than man knew of him, sensed and endorsed this delightful
state and was so constant and clever in his professions as to give man scant
time to review the theory. Through generations the dog worked his wiles,
sincere in his faith and devotion, but seeing no harm in throwing man
an occasional herring, and in withholding respect from those loved ones
whom he easily bested in every battle of wits. But w h a t if the dog acted
differently and remains still when the leash comes of and told to heel? Put
him back on the leash with the Light line dragging and provide him w i t h

lots momentum-packed turns of heeling work. It will accustom him to keep
moving even though the Light-line brushes on his legs or slides between his
toes.
Recall on the Light-line.
First have the dog practice Sit stays for one minute and Down stays for
three minutes on the light line after 4-5 days of the heeling work. Then do
the recall from about 20 feet away. Gradually extend the distance. As the
dog is now heeling on the Light-line, simply add the Recall to the heeling
work. After four to five days of heeling on the Light-line add to the dog
having to hold a one minute the Sit-stay from twenty feet out. Then work
the same with the Down-stay. Give your dog a week of heeling with the
Light-line before you do the Recall. Tell the dog stay and move towards the
end of the line. After facing him for a few seconds, give a recall command.
If he responds promptly, praise him enthusiastically as he start towards you.
If he doesn't respond promptly, grab hold of the Light-line and reel him in.
praise him nevertheless even though you have to drag him to sit in front of
you.
But what if he anticipates and come before he is called. The Light-line
comes in useful to stop him as you charge back to grab hold of the tab and
make your stay correction. Regardless of the absence of the weight on his
training collar or the distance from you, he had better stay until called and
then come immediately.
Within a week after you begin the Light-line, you dog will no longer disobey the heel and recall commands. The more tempting the distractions
you set up for him, the more he seems to turn his attention back to you.
Reliability without the Light-line.
Work with the full length of the Light-line and the Throw-chain on the
heeling exercise until his attitude confirms that distractions are only making him more attentive. Gradually reduce the length of the light line every
few days providing the dog reach new levels of reliability.
Give the command heel and start off with your usual confidence. The dog
will respond to your command in the usual way. Physically the trained dog
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will not know the difference and will not dare to run without being certain
of the length of Light-line tied to his tab which is attached to the training
collar.
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Light-line
Lay your light line out in the training area before you bring the dog to it.
Review the basic exercises (on leash). You may want to do a lot of fast turns
to make your dog aware of the leash. Bring your dog up to the end of the
line with an Automatic Sit. Carefully (and without making the dog aware
of your actions) tie the end of the line to the loop in the tab. He is already used to the weight of the tab, so this slight addition of the light line
shouldn't be noticeable. Do some heeling and Sits with both leash and light
line on, making turns that cause the dog to be jerked by the leash. Remove
the leash and throw it a few feet away in front of the dog. Give another
"Heel" command and start walking.
If you are lucky, the discarded leash and the weightlessness of the light line
will give him an unrestrained feeling he'll break, exposing his rear (the end
without eyes) and give you an opportunity to use the Throw Chain. Reel
in the line without a word as you keep on right on walking (remember
you gave him ONE "Heel" command, so DON'T REPEAT IT!) The light line is
an unfailing assurance that a dog will perform in a pattern that has been
established. Repeat this procedure several times and correct the dog as the
opportunity presents itself. Work for about 15 minutes. Do the usual routine exercises on leash for the remainder of your training period. Keeps the
light line dragging as you work on the leash. Soon he will come to ignore
stepping on it and you can still fool him periodically with GOOD DISTRACTIONS when you take your leash off. If you have a problem with "bolting,"
Sit or Down-Stays, or even Recalls' use a stake with the light line and pretty
soon he won't gamble that he can outrun the length of the light line and
after he won't gamble at all because he always think he has a line on him!
1st & 2nd Day
1. Devote one-half session to Light-line work while doing heeling
exercises.
2. Do "Recalls' on 6 foot leash, wait 30 seconds, give command
"Heel," wait 1 second and do "Exercise Finished."
3. Do "Sit-Stay" for 1 minute from 20 feet (gradually build up the
distance) away with dog on light line. Do NOT use Throw Chain
to correct a dog breaking a Stay.
90
4. Do "Down-Stay" for 3 minutes from 20 feet away with dog on

light line.
5. Do "Stand for Examination" on light line, standing 6 feet away
with person going over the dog.
3rd - 6th Day
1.
2.
3.
4.
Devote one-half of session to Heeling on light line.

Continue Recall and Finish on 6 foot leash.
Continue on leash heeling and Figure "8" pattern.
Continue Sit, Down and Stand-Stays on light line.
NEXT CLASS: Dog should heel off leash on light line. Dog should still be
worked on leash and should not touch handlers on any Turns, or Figure 8,
while never allowing leash to tighten. Dog should do 1 minute Sit-Stay on
light line from 40 feet and a 3-minute Down-Stay from 40 feet away on the
light line. Dog should do the Stand for Examination with another person
going over the dog on a light line, with handler 6 feet away.
91

You have invested a lot of time and energy instilling obedience with the
exercises learned over the past weeks. Just because your dog had appeared
faultless in all the exercises, do not be overconfident.
In your daily living whether you take your dog out or relaxing in the home
continue to use the control developed in your formal training. It will
increase reliability and become permanent. Be consistent and follow with
correction should the dog indicate any sign of disobedience.
Set aside ten minutes a day for a week going through all the exercises in
every part of your house. The dog should be on the leash. During other
times of the week, let him relax and enjoy his domestic bliss.... with the Tab
on and a piece of Light-line fastened to his training collar. Make sure your
Throw chain is available for use.
In your typical activities like when you are occupied talking on the phone,
watching your favorite program on television or having visitors in your
house, command the dog to down and stay in the corner. Should he get up;
let the speed of the correction leave no doubt that you are willing to interrupt any activity at any time to enforce your command with action.
By now your experience with the Light-line and a good hand-hold on the
Tab has given you control of the situation. Further the Tab's presence will
remind the dog of your authority when you no longer feel the need for the
Light-line. Continue to have the dog wear the Tab.
Like in the house you should expect the dog to behave in public. Have your
car park with the door open on each side. Bring your dog to a halt within
a step or two of one of the doors. Instead of the Automatic-Sit, he tries to
rush in. With both hand s locked on your leash do a Sit-Correction. Then
tell him to stay. And have him hold for a minute and then order "Okay, In."
with a helpful tug of the leash into the car.
Good car manners require entering in the proper way.
When the dog is in the car, put him in the Down-Stay and stand a few feet
92

from the car. After he has held a few minutes, call him to a sit position in
front of you. After the finish, heel him off. Incorporating the car into a
pattern of obedience practice will cause your dog to realize you are able
to enforce your commands. After a few days of workout, your dog should
enter respectfully on your command, and hold a Down-Stay for at least
twenty minutes with the doors wide open while you get yourself busied in
some needed activities that tempt him to think you are too much preoccupied to do anything about his breaking.
You can vary the procedure by making the dog do a Sit-Stay outside while
you enter the car on the driver's side. If he should break or try to jump out,
correct him and return to your seat. After he has held for a full minute,
command him to get in the car and do a Down-Stay for a few minutes. After he has held for a couple minutes, call him out with a regular recall and
finish. This waiting for the command to get in as well as get out will be a
great comfort and convenience, and may sometimes save the dog's life.
Now for the next step in controlling the dog when the car is in motion. Get
a friend to take over the wheel so that you can move in to correct the dog
should he disobey. As usual, have your dog wait for the command to enter
the car. Put him a Down-Stay as your driver cruises along a quiet road. Give
him a few short trips and if his attitude is right, change places with your
driver. Let your dog know you are ready to stop the car should he decide to
get up and break his stay.
Your program of training and practice will soon make your dog a better
traveling companion having the assurance that he is consistently under
control.
Leash laws and regulations against dog running at large can be best observed by owners when trained dogs can be brought back instantly when
called. So with dog on the leash, practice the routine exercises within the
house, in all types of street activities like movement of heavy construction vehicles, buses moving out of the bus bay, playground until he seems
relaxed and reliable regardless of the situations. Be consistent in handling
your dog the right way...at home, in the car or in the park - use it-don't
lose it.
93

A word of advice: Be sure to keep a safe distance to avoid accidents or dangers when working in public places. Be aware of sensitive spots or places
where people of different cultures and beliefs congregate and stay clear
away.
94

Novice Obedience Class Handout Sheet 08 - 09
The Pattern of Exercises for Graduation

1. Heeling on leash (at least one Left Turn, one About Turn, one
Right Turn, one Halt, one Fast and one Slow.)
2. "Figure 8" on leash (twice around with two Halts)
3. Stand for Examination off leash (leave dog and stand six feet
away)
4. Off leash heeling (usually same pattern as on leash)
5. Recall (ONE command to call your dog).
6. Group Examination (with the other dogs in the ring.)
(a) Long Sit for one minute
(b) Long Down for three minutes.
1st - 6th Day
1. Continue working with Throw-Chain and Light-line (don't get
too anxious to take dog off line until you are ready).
2. Continue working on the Finish. Dog should go around you on
command, without you having to use a correction.
3. Continue with Sits, Downs and Recall. Use as many distractions
as possible.
4. Continue with Stand for Examination and make sure dog stays
while strangers go over your dog.
5. Work all the exercises for graduation at least twice each session
in the order outlined above.
Hints for Graduation
1. Obey all commands of judge. Listen carefully for instructions. If
you have any questions, ask the judge before you start.
2. When you have the "Heel" command, move at brisk pace.
3. Praise dog ONLY between exercises after judge says, "Exercise
Finished."
4. During the next two weeks work on those exercises you are having trouble with. Most dogs fail on the Sit or Down Stay, Stand
for Examination and the Recall.
5. Make commands loud and clear, ESPECIALLY ON RECALL.
95
. Don't worry too much on passing or failing. Everyone gets a

graduation certificate and even the best w o r k i n g d o g m a y f a i l .
The important part of your training is to keep you and your dog
working together after graduation-whether it is just heeling
around the block a couple times a week, or working towards an
Obedience Degree.
Problems
"Koehter's approach was NOT to correct a dog until it had complete understanding of the command"
Capt Haggerty
Most of the problem can be solved through obedience training. IT IS CRITICAL YOU COMPLETE YOUR OBEDIENCE TRAINING BEFORE TRYING TO USE
THE CORRECTIONS GIVEN IN THIS CHAPTER.
I did ask Bill Koehler since he started his dog classes for all these years, had
there been anyone who has taken him to court for ill-treatment of their
pets. He assured me there was none.
Peeing & Pooing
Toilet training begins when you bring the puppy home. You should have
prepared a place to house him where he can rest. Because he eats two to
three meals a day, the puppy needs more frequent opportunities to relieve
himself.
Work out a regular schedule of feeding that will allow you to take the
puppy out. You will be taking an advantage of the dog's instinct for cleanliness.
Secondly, you can confine him where you are able see the signs of his need
and be able to take him outdoors.
If you live in an apartment, you may want him to relieve himself on the old
newspaper. Use a stack an eighth to quarter of an inch thick. Spread them
out in an area where the dog is forced to take his choice between the papers and the non-absorbent floor. Do not allow lingering odor and stains.
(See page 107 for full explanation)
Stool Eating
Whatever reasons for your dog to eat his own stools due to boredom or
mineral deficiency, this disgusting habit has to be stopped.
97
Problems
The simple solution is to change the brand of dog food. Apparently the
dog food is not suitable to his needs, no matter how expensive and exotic
the packaging looks. You may want to consider taking the dog for a walk
daily to cure his boredom or join a dog class where he gets to be trained
and meet other dogs. Also, feeding the dog twice a day may help to offset
this habit.
My friend kept a German shepherd puppy for 5 months in an
apartment. He called me up because his wife found out that the
dog was eating his own stools as soon as he passed them out. For
a while she was wondering how the puppy managed to relieve
himself with little or no mess until she spotted him eating them.
She threatened to throw the puppy out of her window unless the
husband found him another home in quick time. Because I brought
him to buy the puppy, I was kind of obligated to help him out of
the predicament. I left the puppy in a 4 feet by 8 feet enclosure
(shaded by a mango tree) where he had room to lie down as well
to relieve himself.
Incidentally over the next few days, the German shepherd found
the ripe mangoes fallen from the tree were more attractive and
tastier to his liking and stop eating his stools.
Jumping on People
Some owners love to have their dogs jumping on them when they reach
home. But if you decide otherwise, you may want to raise your knee
sharply upward as he jumps on you. If your action was emphatic enough,
he should bounce off. If you are half-hearted, or poorly timed in your motions, he'll think he's discovered a delightful new game and will encourage
him to jump on you more.
Follow through on the knee trust each time he jumps on you. Do not call
him to jump on you. It would be unfair. On average after two successful
kneeing, your dog will wise up.
98
Problems
Bolting, or Running Away
See Light- line.
Fence Running
Should your dog continue in running along the fence, fasten a four feet
Light-line to the dog's training collar and in the center of a two by four
piece wood on the other end. The size of the dog will determine the
length of the wood: from three inches to eight inches. When the dog runs
it causes the wood to bounce erratically and give him some discouraging
whacks. Gradually reducing the size of the wood over the week, the dog
can be reminded to stop running with only a short piece of light line and
the tab.
Staying Home, Gate Charging
The dog can be taught to stay within the compound by simply marking a
line before the gate. With the light line attached to the tab, release the
dog with an "Okay" command.
Encourage him to wander. The moment his feet reach the marked line
stop him by stepping on the light line. Continue to hang around near the
marked line. The instant the dog cross the marked line, stop him, and pick
him up and swing him back. Effectively you can use the throw chain with
going out of bounds along with the line.
You have shown him where he should not cross. Now you must supply him
with the temptation to forget his restriction and give you the opportunity for correction until the dog can no longer be tempted. Each time he
makes the correct decision to stay before the marked line, his character of
obedience grows stronger. Soon even without your presence he will stay at
home.
1. Tell the dog "Okay and kind of move around aimlessly. Open
your gate and check and carry your garbage bin. Do not call the
dog. Just leave him alone. Should he decide to join you, catch
hold of his Tab and haul him back across the marked line.
2. Arrange for your helper to leave a cat about six feet in front of
your gate before you bring the dog out. Get your throw chain
99
Problems
ready. The moment the dog cross the marked line, tag him and
haul him back
Destructive Chewing
Whether a dog chews your mother's favorite plant, shoes or household
treasures (and there are specialists in each field), the vandalism ends in two
ways. The dog is made to stop chewing or exiled to a situation where there
is nothing to chew.
In one of my classes, a beagle chewed his way to his neighbor's

apartment through a six-inch concrete wall. Another will eat the
charcoal from the orchid flower pot.
Before going through the method of correction, you must carefully consider the possibility of a mineral deficiency in your dog's diet. Such a deficiency can cause destructive chewing that defies imagination; but in reality
is done to satisfy a craving for something his body lacks.
Our obligation is to make certain that there is adequate mineralization of
the dog's system before punishing him for chewing. Bill Koehler always recommended a sea kelp based supplement to help curb nervous habits and
morbid appetites.
Select a piece of material he has chewed (and you need not catch him in
the act) and place it well back, crossways, in his mouth. Use a strip of adhesive tape to wrap the muzzle securely in front of the chewed material so
that no amount of gagging and clawing can force it from his mouth. When
after an hour or so, the tape is removed from his mouth (a bit of ether will
remove it easily) he seems to hate the sight of the object. Don't be fooled
into thinking he's cured. His recent experience may be just a temporary
influence. You want a permanent impression by repeating the "tape in"
process the next day, even if he hasn't chew anything. Naturally if he does
chew before the next day, you should immediately tape the last-chewed
object in his mouth. Follow through every day until you complete one full
week. Don't take a couple of days without chewing as a sign that your dog
is reformed. Be sure any object you tape in his mouth is too big for him to
100
Problems
swallow. Remember no one can afford to keep a destructive chewer.
Barking, Whining, Howling, Yodeling, Screaming and Wailing
One day a young man came to see me in Klang, Malaysia. He was
crying. He was summoned to court by his neighbors for public
nuisance. His 4 months old German shepherd puppy would scream
and howl whenever he leaves for work. It continues throughout
the day. It was a well constructed male specimen and would make
any owner proud to parade him. I told him he has a couple of
choices. (A) move. (B) Soundproof his holding area. (C) Train him
to be quiet. (D) Get rid of him. So for a few hundred dollars and a
promise I will take good care of him, he sold his dog to me.
I then housed the puppy in a room next to the kitchen. Within less
than half an hour the puppy began his music practice. The howling was eerie and upsetting. Desperately, I refer to the book, "The
Koehler Method of Guard Dog Training" and turn to the problem
page. What I read did not go down well with me; but I had no
other answers other than to follow the instructions in the book. A
week later the previous owner came back. He was surprised to see
the puppy well and behaved. I resold the dog to him and because I
could see he love the puppy very much. This was in early 1978.
The neighbors take a vocal interest when your dog keeps them awake the
whole night or every time someone by your house.
Attach a six foot light line on the Tab. Make sure the Tab is correctly fastened to the ring of the choke chain. Set up the situation where the dog
will vocalizes his lonesomeness. Equip yourself with a man's leather belt
heavy enough to give him good tanning. Yup - we are going to give him
real hard tanning. Remember, you are dealing with a dog who knows he
should be quiet, and neighbors who have the legal rights to see that he
does.
Now leave, and let your fading footsteps tell your dog of your going. Find
a comfortable waiting place nearby, stop, keep quiet and listen. The moment you hear his protest, bellow "out" and charge towards him. Catch
101
Problems
hold of the Light-line or Tab, and reel him until his front feet is above the
ground, lay the strap vigorously against his thighs. Then let him down and
let him think over for a moment while you catch your breath.
Leave the area. Reflect on the truth that a high percentage of barkers are
given to "good homes" and end up in black plastic bags. Personally, I always felt that it is even better to spank children, even they "cry out," than
"to put them to sleep."
You may have to wait for a while before your dog starts broadcasting.
When he does, rush in with the "out" and repeat the spanking, if anything
emphasizing it a bit more. It may necessary to spend a Saturday or a day off
so that you will have time to follow through sufficiently.
Biting
The small number of dogs that bite people shows that the dog is the most
kind and forgiving creature God has created on earth. However, the law
demands that something must be done to the few dogs that do bite. Since
the 'biting problem' may be implanted and cultivated by the owner's ignorance and inept handling; and the motivations that make the dog bite are
different, the correction must also differ in type and application.
The Real Hood
Protest biters are the result of "humaniacs" who always have excuses for
their dog's violent misbehavior. By avoiding correcting the first sign and
subsequent acts of biting, the "baby" has turned into a monster.
Make sure the training collar and the leather leash are strong to absorb
the strain and jerk of a frantic dog. Then start to work the dog deliberately to the point where the dog starts to protest and grab you. Before the
teeth reach the intended target, the dog is jerked from the ground and
suspended in mid-air. To let the dog down and recover his footing while
he still had the strength to renew the attack would be cruelty. Hold him
suspended until he stops struggling. When it is obvious that he is physically
incapable of expressing his resentment, lower him to the ground. The sight
of the dog staggering is not pleasant to behold. Experiences prove that
the dog would walk when a new command to heel follows a few minutes
102
Problems
of "struggling to live" much to the apprehension of the owner. No dogs
which required even the maximum suspension were physically affected in
such a way that was unable to continue his training within a few minutes.
None have ever been injured physically. Nearly all have been helped mentally. If you think you are incapable of carrying out the correction, engage
a professional before he causes serious injury to someone.
What if the dog is too big for anyone to hang up? First equip yourself with
a piece of rubber hose about sixteen inches in length and one and a half
inches diameter. The rubber hose should have an equal length of dowel in
it. Hold the hose in a ready position behind your right ear above the dog's
view. To slow the motion of his target, he would have to use a left-handed,
close to collar grip instead of the regular leash hold. Now work with the
dog until it shows resentment. Bring the right hand down with the hose
across the dog's muzzle, between the eyes and nose. Make sure it is forceThe Pekinese dog had not had a bath for 3 years. He was all matted
and stinks. The owner warns us the dog bites and resent water. For
a full fifteen minutes, we struggle to get the training collar onto
him while at the same mindful to steer clear of his teeth. As we
calmly adjust his position on the grooming table, he turned around
and tried to grab hold of my hand. Knowing and ready for such
reaction, my other hand holding the leash automatically went up
and took his four feet above the table top. I waited for him to stop
struggling before I let him down. For a few moments he was staggering and gagging and then I continued my work. He tried to bite
me the second time and again I took him off the table top. When
he realized that I was doing him a favor and his reaction was unjustified, my grooming associate completed her job without mishap.
ful enough to be effective. This will only work if you.are decisive and firm.
If you hesitate even for a few seconds, you lose the effectiveness getting
your point across to your dog.
Hole-Digging
Generally the first action the owner is to direct the dog's attention on the
hole and spank him. Sometimes this procedure does work; but there are
103
Problems
dogs that are determined to dig more holes.
Fill the newly dug hole full of water. With the training collar and leash,
bring the dog to the hole and shove his nose into the water. Hold him
there until he is sure he is drowning. If your dog is medium or large size
you may get all of the action of a cowboy wrestling a steer. However to
make a permanent impact, fill the hole with water and repeat the correction the next day. On the third day, let him watch you dig a hole and
prepare him for dunking. Class surveys have shown that more than seventy
percent of the dog that experiences this form of correction for as many as
six consecutive days swears off hole digging.
Another correction found to be effective and easier to administer is to tie
the dog with a two feet chain near to the hole. Leave him to meditate for
an hour or so. Be consistent and tie your dog even though he has not dug
any holes. Your dog will find the smell of freshly dug earth repugnant.
Carsickness
Carsickness is normally triggered from early unpleasant experiences. The
best way to correct this messy situation First let your dog get used to be
in a parked car with you while you read or listen to music. Then take him
from the car for a walk where he is allowed to sniff around. This enjoyable
experience established a pleasant association.
Short, pleasant trips over a straight road

The dog should have an empty stomach
Each ride should end before the dog has time to get sick.
Progressively increase the distance and conclude with a walk,
some play or an enjoyable activity that will make the dog regards car traveling more favorably.
Obedience Competition
Observe closely the practice matches and novice judging at shows whenever possible. Get someone familiar with the rules and put you through the
routine. If you have grasped and faithfully followed The Koehler Method
without mixing, adding or omitting, you should succeed in helping your
trained dog acquire the title of Companion Dog.
104
Representation
I, hereby grant permission solely to Harry Quek to register the KOEHLER
METHOD OF DOG TRAINING in Singapore and authorize him to be the only
one to claim training by me and my staff and represent qualifications to
instruct in my methods.
August 4, 1986
I, being the lawful beneficiary and administration of the late Bill Koehler's
estate HEREBY grant permission and exclusive licensing rights to use the
trade mark and register solely to HARRY QUEK and herby duly authorize
him to be the only one to represent being qualified to instruct the KOEHLER Methods of dog training.
I further declare that this licence and grant shall be authorized for use in
the following countries:
Republic of China
Japan
Malaysia
Brunei
Hong Kong
Thailand
Korea
Burma
Taiwan
Vietnam
India
Sri Lanka
July 24, 1994
105
Be A Koehler Trainer
Do you possess the Character Qualities of to be considered as an Instructor
in The Koehler Method?
Integrity
Your best may not be good enough. Do not compromise yourself or the
standard.
Courage
You need not apologize nor defend Bill Koehler or his method. The results
will continue to speak for themselves.
Kindness
Be compassionate and helpful. To you the problem had been heard a hundred times; to the owner it is critical to warrant your attention.
Loyalty
Be true to the author or his method. Don't try to mix with your own. Hybridizing makes good corn but poor training method.
If you are interested in the Koehler Method of Dog Training or you would
like to be a professional dog trainer, you can contact me at (65) 9-197-3797
or (65) 6242-2357. Email me at harryquek@thekoehlermethod.com.
106
Products
Poop Happen!
We all wish that we could have a perfectly trained pet that would be able
to hold on his lovely little deposits until the time and place is perfect. Unfortunately that is almost impossible. It happens in your home and even in
your car. And even feces, urine and vomit leave not only stains and odors
but also an unhealthy environment.
Disinfectants, soaps, detergents and other odor control products can not
and will not protect you from the spread of diseases.
No Problem Pet Sprays is Pure Natural Solution
No-Problem Pet is an innovative and totally new
environmentally technology based on the principle of removing waste the natural way.
No-Problem Pet gives nature a helping hand.
The five types of non-pathogenic bacteria in
No-Problem Pet rapidly reproduce themselves,
and aggressively consume the nutrients found
in this type of waste.
The ingredients in No-Problem Pet are purely
natural. Its safety is guaranteed. It doesn't harm
humans or pets. Rather it helps vitalize our environment in the safest way.
The bacterial colonies in No-problem Pet will
stay active and alive till ALL the waste is consumed and converted into energy, oxygen and
carbon dioxide.
No-Problem Pet is the only product or process
on the market certified to contain 99.9% pure
spores of beneficial bacteria by USDA, EPA, ands
NRRL, and its safety and technology is patented.
107

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The Koehler Method of

In Loving Memory and Tribute to

The Man and His Method

The International Association of Canine Professionals inducted Bill

Bill Koehler, The Man & His Method

Bill Koehler, The Man & His Method

Bill Koehler, The Man & His Method

Introduction of a system of gradually diminishing the length of a

Bill Koehler, The Man & His Method

Bill Koehler, The Man & His Method

The Bill Koehler that I Know

Bill Koehler's family photo taken in December, 1986.

The Bill Koehler I Know

The Bill Koehler I Know

A Letter to Bill Koehler

The Bill Koehler I Know

The Bill Koehler I Know

The Bill Koehler I Know

The Bill Koehler I Know

Become more emotionally stable.

A Real Life Experience

A Real Life Experience

The Bill Koehler I Know

A Real Life Experience

Care & Housing

Lesson 1: Fables and Foibles

Lesson 2: Correct Equipment

Lesson 3: The Foundation

Lesson 6: The Automatic Sit

Lesson 9: The Down

Lesson 10: Down-Stay

Lesson 11: Recall

Lesson 12: Finish

Lesson 13: Polishing

Lesson 14: The Throw Chain

Lesson 15: The Light Line

Lesson 16: Don't Lose It - Use It

Care and Housing

area with a quarter inch of old

newspapers to paper-train him.

Introduction to Obedience Training

Care & Housing

She was an Obedience instructor in the kennel club and regularly

Lesson 1: Fables and Foibles

Lesson 2: Correct Equipment

Known as "chain training collar" or

Lesson 02: Correct Equipment

Article 3: Leather Training

Lesson 02: Correct Equipment

Lesson 3: The Foundation

Prior to the training, confine your dog for at least 2 hours.

The Foundation: Getting your dog's attention

Lesson 03: The Foundation

Lesson 03: The Foundation

Mr. Y brought a beautiful well-structured trained adult rottweiler

Lesson 03: The Foundation

Lesson 03: The Foundation *

Lesson 03: The Foundation

The Koehler Method of Dog Training

B. 6-foot leather leash w i t h swivel snap.

1st & 2nd Day

3rd & 4th Day

5th & 6th Day