Thoughts and Outlook With Table Training? - Page 1

Wanting info/ Opinions on Table training, Pros and cons with it, i have not had the chance to do so. but would like to..
Thanks

The table training can be very effective if the person doing the training knows what they are doing.  The table is a tool just like your collar and leash.  Used correctly very useful.  If mistakes are made your dog can be ruined.
I was lucky enough to have people that really knew what they were doing so it worked out well for my dogs.  

Best Regards,
Cheryl
 

I use it all the time.   An extremely effective training method for several things.  PM me and I send you links of videos of us using it with our Patrol dogs.  

Nice article in Jan/feb  2013 issue of Cop K9 on some uses of table work.

I agree with others that it can be an effective tool for some things if you have the right person doing the training.  Like any other tool, I do not think that it is necessary or even appropriate for every dog.

I haven't seen a dog that hasn't benefited from the way we utilize the table yet.  From young dogs to older dogs, from strong, secure, seasoned dogs to sport dogs that need building and confidence.  From high prey equipment fixated dogs to serious civil dogs, they all benefit.  There are so many things that can be trained on a table and so many issues resolved, problems averted and skills taught to dogs that I have not found a downside to it.  Depending on the dog I may use the table to develop strong, full, solid grips, teach the out, work on equipment fixation issues, bring out prey or defense.  Teach the dog to control it's nerves and turn on and off in a split second on command.  A great tool to work on handler / dog conflict and issues.  An easy way to guide the handler on how to appropriately work with their dog as a team.  There are plenty of new handlers in sport or even K-9 handlers that need guidance on how to properly work their dog and not create conflict.  Some sport handlers get strong puppies and wind up screwing them up by working them improperly, cause / create handler aggression, get bit once or twice and wind up being afraid of their own dog.  Every dog is different, no dog is perfect and when you tailor the training to the dog it is very effective.  Of course you can train with out it, there are a lot of effective ways to train.  Of course, almost everything we do on the table can be done on the ground.  The table is not a quick fix nor the only method of training utilized.  I have handlers traveling to train with me to fix or correct problems that were caused by other training methods and their dogs have never been on the table but still have issues. 

All the table does is create a very controlled safe environment  for the dog and helper.  The dog learns how to control the training and win.  The dog is rewarded and praised and after one session will enter the room and jump right up on the table to work.  The helper is nothing more than a coach and sparring partner, there to bring out the best in the dog and make the dog better.  Yes, there are some people using the table that do not use it correctly or understand it.  They lack the ability to properly read a dog and will push a dog to far.  These are people that shouldn't do helper work period, table or no table, back tie or in an open field.  As a dog owner / handler I would never let these people work my dog in any method of training.  There are people that shouldn't use choke chains, prong collars or E collars.  There are people that shouldn't own or train dogs.

As a handler / owner you have a serious responsibility for the care of your animal (s) and the humane training of your partner.  I have seen some pretty seriously abusive trainers work dogs on a back tie.  They will never touch my dogs and I will warn anyone I know about their training methods.  If you feel that someone is to hard, abusive or doesn't know what they are doing trust your instincts and find another trainer.  No training is better than poor training and abusive training should never be allowed or tolerated.  Table training is serious work and not to be taken lightly, experimented with or done by novice trainers and decoys.  It is a skill and needs to be perfected by training with someone very experienced.  The ability to read a dog is critical.  I have been bitten several times while working Police dogs on the table.  I can tell you it is fantastic for the dog and not so great for me.  If you are afraid of getting bit by a dog you probably shouldn't do helper work.  When you are eye to eye with a serious dog, agitate it and reach in and touch it's ear you need to have very fast hands.  Next, I have the handler "turn the dog off" and walk back in and pet and praise the dog myself only 30 seconds later.  For those that have never seen this it is pretty amazing, I know I was amazed the first time I saw it done.  For those that asked I will provide some videos today of our table work with dogs of different levels, temperaments and ability.

Slam, EXCELLENT post!
Anyone who is starting out new or even contemplating having protection work done with their dog needs to read this post and internalize it. Even those who are already with some one, who ever makes them cringe, pay attention to your gut. There are some "helper/trainers" (including club presidents) who should not be allowed to pick up a sleeve, let alone 'work' dogs.
JM2c

Just like other tools in training...Table Training is very effective and very beneficial for ALL dogs...Is it necessary? NO...But beneficial...

Just like others don't see the use of "Post" training...but it too teaches the dog a lot of things...*Working Independently...from Owner/Handler...Also teaches Defense...So is also very useful...

So many people when training for a Sport...Such as Schutzhund ONLY train for that venue and don't train for an all around dog...Although I do train for Schutzhund I feel that my dog should have the experience of working in many situations...It makes the dog a much better all around worker and makes them a much better...stronger...more reliable partner...

We used to work on developing our dog's "Jaw/Neck Strength"...Using different exercises and the dog's natural drives...

We talk about "Table Training" ...you need to understand that there are different types of this and need to understand what you're doing with it before trying it...

I think one of the good things about "Table Training" is that it's much easier on the "Helper"...He now doesn't have to bend over or be pulled down...when working the dog...All helpers will develop back stress after awhile...So...you young helpers or want-to-be helpers...Protect your back and your body...You should also stretch before doing any physical type work...It will save you in the long run...

~Bob~

Gene England has some good video on table training. It,s a tool that is good when used properly.

Bob Kress ~ I would like to get into using it, i am goin to build one Maybe thats a little moblie maybe with detach legs with base on the bottom of legs or something. And yes this would be easier than taking my back to shit..lol. Also up at your place with all the dogs you work i think it would help alot..
Im going to start doing some research on it.. I got an asshole i can try with that i know i wont ruin...lol.
I might come on Sunday and Show you him, Hopefully the weather is decent!!