What exactly is a soft helper? - Page 3

Have you ever read the Kohler Guard Dog Training Book? It really details agitation methods. Not suggesting this is for sport dogs.....

Yes DR, but it's what we all read years ago. There wasn't a whole lot more.

I know that(evertime this book is mentioned someone say's that). Point is what you mentioned is close to part of his method of training. Alot of people critize his book but I see alot of sport trainers using parts of his training methods.

Realcold, What "soft" dogs could get 99 in protection at the worlds? Having trained many dogs to this level yourself surely you see what a ridiculous statement you have just made. Perhaps, it's time that helpers with over inflated egos stopped taking all the credit for work being done on the field. Handlers are constantly thanking helpers for the really fine job that they do because without helpers it would be impossible to do schutzhund. On the other hand without good handling and training the helpers wouldn't be able to showcase their work. When was the last time you thanked your handlers for going on the field making your helper work look good? Good look up in the upcoming trial season, Pat B.J. on Crocop's computer.

This has to be one of the most constructive threads I have read in a long time. Gives good insight from the helpers point of view. I guess in our club we are pretty lucky as we have a variety of helpers available for the different stages of our dogs training. Thanks again for taking your time.

Dr, I think a lot of us 'old farts' were affected by Colonel Kohler. I think it was as instrumental as anything else in getting me to understand that a dog, is a dog, is a dog. Assigning human characteristcs to them just makes it harder to train. He is very analytical and business like in his approach. People who blow this book off may be missing a very important part of the puzzle.

I agree spook...