What are your thoughts about helpers correcting the dog? - Page 1

thought it would be nice to start a training related topic.

so is it okay or no?  what would be the situation when you would say it is ok to do?  what are the down side to helper corrections?  

john

 An effective and skilled helper can "correct" a dog in a variety of ways. However, I am assuming that by your use of the term you mean that some correction is given which is meant to deter the dog from doing something. Do I have that correct?

For example, if a dog comes into the blind on the hold and bark and is "dirty" and tries or does take a bite at the sleeve or some part of the helpers body, he/she might simply say "No" in a loud and sharp manner. Or, depending on the dog, how hard-headed it is and how long such behavior has been going on, the helper might actually give the dog a good whack with the stick. Personally, I do not find it inappropriate for a well-timed whack if such a behavior is evident and, in my opinion, stopping it sooner than later is probably a good idea.

Another way a good helper can correct a dog is to take the leash, for example, as the dog is coming into a hold and bark, be it in the blind or outside the blind, and "help" encourage the dog to come closer or stay in a proper position.

Well timed corrections given by a helper can be very good assistance to the dog/handler team. To be effective, of course the dog must understand what the correction was related to, and that takes skill and timing. 

Are these some of the situations you might be thinking about?

IMO, it depends on the dog, the helper, and the situation.  Though I do think that it can be a good thing. 

Just one situation could be the helper corrected the dog into him on the outs vs. the handler corrected the dog and sometimes pulling the dog a bit away from the helper.  It has it's advantages, whereas the dog gets corrected for the out, but still stays close to the helper.  ie:  distance work.  If the correction is too strong or maybe done too soon kind of thing, you don't want to have the dog starting to avoid the helper.  That's where your good helpers come into play, being able to read a dog to know whether or not it's appropriate time for the particular dog. 

However, I do feel that this is something that should be done with caution. 

I also think that the helper giving the dog commands and talking to the dog is a good thing as well.

What I meant above was the helper grabbing the line to correct the dog. 

hodie, yes those are the type of things i was talking about. 

john

I would absolutely never want a helper correcting my dog or giving them commands in any fashion. All training comes from me. Period. To each its own, I guess.

i have to agree with kczaja.  having a helper correct or command  the dog causes confusion.  that needs to come from the handler.  when it comes time to trial, if the dog has learned to obey the helper, how much trouble is he going to have in running your dog off the field?  think about it.

pjp

I agree with KCzaja and ziegenfarm.

When I am training helper is NOT the one to correct the dog. HANDLER handles the dog not the helper.

I believe that there are 3 parts to this equation...The Dog...The Handler...and The Helper...They are all different and require different things...I think we all agree that every dog is different and requires different type training...Therefore it's only natural that both the handler and the helper are also very different...Good ones and Bad ones...and they all need different things...If you have a novice handler and an experienced helper...and are doing bitework...and the dog needs something...then I think they need to work together and work out the problem the best they can...Different Situations like different dogs...handlers...and helpers all require different set of guidelines...I'm not one that usually likes the helper to correct my dog...but in the right situation I don't mind it...and as a matter of fact I encourage it...for instance...If your teaching your dog to run blinds and your out and away from your dog...and the dog runs into the find blind...and starts to be dirty...then I definitely encourage the helper...if experienced enough...to block the dog from biting the sleeve...he doesn't need to really correct the dog...but he is still controlling him...I have had other dogs that need to be reminded "not to touch the sleeve"...when coming into the blind particularly with a new helper...so with a good helper...I also encourage the helper to "bop" the dog when he comes in...just as a reminder that "hey-you're not to touch me here"...So I believe every situation is different and needs to be addressed accordingly...

~Bob~