helper/decoy development - Page 1

For a number of years on this forum(and off forum) many criticize helpers and decoys both for development and trials. Many criticize by region, sport, country, and affiliated associations.

However the one thing i havent found a lot of is too many ways to resolve this. What resources does one have? Especially here in the US?

Would just like for everyone to help formulate a list of resources ie... camps, seminars, reading material, etc............ from novice to advanced

 

samael- Order the book "Decoys and Aggression" by Stephen Mackenzie, excellent reading material


A good Decoy/Helper is worth their weight in gold.


Kim

Sam,
Where exactly are you located? I'm sure there is a very skilled helper
within reasonable travelling distance you could seek out for instruction etc.
By the way, reasonable is usually 1-3 hours LOL!

This question really wasnt that much for me. Its more for others. Though if i heard about something i liked and hadnt done, you better believe i would jump on it if i could!
I just hear a lot of complaining about this topic but never heard anyone really provide a solution out there besides go to seminars. For myself it was basically make friends with helpers and decoys at clubs and trainers and just go work dogs with them. But not everyone has that opportunity or people skills. And we all have room to improve lol.

So anyone whom has information on resources for the work. I would love to here and im sure many others would as well. As most of the resources are not public knowledge and you really have to dig to find anything. Then you dont know if its worth it or not. As most workshops, schools, camps, etc..... require money and travel. And lets face it not everyone has an elite or top level trainer close enough to really understudy.




Thanks Kim, I was looking into that book. found some on amazon. its the "decoys and aggression: police k9 training manual" correct?
Is that you guys place in canada doing the work with puppies in the "jungle gym" behind your home? if so love those puppy videos on imprinting for environmental soundness.





 

samael - That is the correct book, everyone should read it.

The jungle gym video was done at home, this was the final one;


  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LmfWkn7ykgs

Kim

Thats the one i watched before. I just said "jungle gym" to be lazy and not list everything. Wish everyone went to that extent with pups.

 

An awesome video and pup!  Great training!
 

Thanks Jim

K9 Vader got his first drug bust recently (two days before his first birthday). He will be Certifying for Patrol work very shortly, the SD in Iowa are very happy with Vader and Mufasa.


Kim

First, it's no secret.  You join the highest level club you can that always sends people to the nationals or wusv (IPO).  You must apprentice.  People who think they are expert helpers in one or two years are insane.  Maybe trial helpers but not training helpers.  I would say 5 years to get a good grasp.  You work dogs thousands of times under a teaching helper.  These are on IPO websites.
Also, people always say they want to do helper work but it seems to me, that nobody shows up to the regional seminars, etc.
You cannot learn from books IMO.
also, compete.  You must compete to understand what behaviours you want to promote as a training g helper.  This is then applicable to all dog training.  

the fact is, a helper is only as good as the club dogs he help title and send to big competitions and having success.  To me, a helper must have this goal to get better for his club.




 

no doubt that is the correct and best path, i can see why there is so few great helpers in many parts of the world because frankly how many hundreds of guys are lining up to make that time investment to do essentially volunteer work, and hence the problem, and why Kim said they (good helpers) are worth their weight in gold.

when comparing dogs and training accomplishments i think resources and particularly access to such skilled helpers should weigh in.

Peter yr post is actually depressing.