Originally posted by Rottie:
<STRONG>The reason I don't like treats, clickers, etc. is because I want my dog to work for me & my praise, not for treats.

Many people think that Koehler training creates unhappy working dogs; just take a look at Carl working - he gets so happy if he can do something to please me.

It's not all jerk and pull. First we show the dog what we want him to do. Once we are sure the dog knows the command & knows what is required of him, and he does not do it, he gets corrected for it. After the correction - praise! If he does it right from the beginning - praise!

I don't have any problem with other people doing it their way, as long as they will let me do it my way, without imposing their methods on me!

</STRONG>
Rottie, I want my dog to work for me and my praise too and not for treats! Treats are only used to reinforce a behavior until it is learned. If the dog knows the behavior and then refuses to do it then there is no treat and no praise. Once the behavior is known then treats are limited pretty much the same way the choke is eliminated. Then we work off of verbal praise. Remember this has to be the goal because in a competition ring you are not allowed to correct or treat a dog! If you do then you get a big fat 0 or a NQ (Non Qualifying) score.

As I stated earlier, I have used both methods. The concepts of each are almost identical except one rewards good behavior and the other corrects bad behavior. The ultimate goal of both are to get the dog to listen to you the handler and to listen when told.

You are intitled to use any method you are comfortable with. If Koehler works for you then please use it. I just find rewarding my dog to be more enjoyable for both me and the dog!