There are two basic ways to correct your dog during formal training. One way is with stimulation from the e-collar and the other is using physical correction. Physical correction was the primary form of correction to teach the steadying process until the late 1980s when Tri-tronics came out with a variable intensity e-collar. Unlike the “hot” single button e-collars that were the norm, this new e-collar had low, medium, and high buttons and five intensity levels. For the first time, you could adjust the intensity level of the e-collar to fit the situation and use it around birds without causing blinking problems.
As trainers experimented with these new e-collars, articles began appearing in some of the sporting magazines on how to use them in formal training. I really liked the idea of using a variable intensity e-collar and decided to buy one. At first, it was almost too easy to teach a dog to stand birds and not chase. After I’d taught a couple of dogs to be steady with the e-collar, I realized something was missing in their training and that something was respect. My dogs didn’t respect me. By relying solely on the e-collar and foregoing any type of physical correction, my dogs had learned to respect the birds but not me.
If you think about it, physical correction is fundamental to how dogs learn. I was watching a momma dog with her pups recently and one of the pups began pulling on her ear. She gave a warning growl, and when he didn’t quit the behavior, she gave him an immediate bite that sent him howling and running away. She showed no concern or remorse and continued about her business as if nothing had happened. Eventually, the pup returned, but this time he was much more respectful. His approach was low and crouching, and he rolled onto his back and tried to lick her lips. The momma dog corrected the pup swiftly and without emotion to teach him that his behavior was unacceptable. At the same time, she earned his respect, and as a result, the pup would think twice before trying the same thing again.
I decided to incorporate some of the physical corrections used in the Bill West method along with the e-collar corrections I was already using. Over the next several years, I saw a big difference in my dogs. Instead of standing broke from e-collar pressure, my dogs were standing broke for me. They weren’t competing with me to flush the bird and seemed more obedient to my commands. In other words, respected me and wanted to work for me.
In the Bill West method, trainers use the pinch-collar and check-cord and their hands to correct a dog and earn his respect. Pro trainer Maurice Lindley explains, “A dog learns to respect me when I get my hands on him. I begin training with physical pressure and mold the dog with my hands as I teach him to stand still. Once the dog is comfortable with physical pressure, I’m ready to introduce physical correction.” Two examples of physical corrections Maurice uses are setting a dog back and spinning a dog (see Training with Mo: How Maurice Lindley Trains Pointing Dogs by Martha Greenlee). These corrections aren’t meant to hurt a dog and are done swiftly and without anger to let him know his behavior is unacceptable.
If you have been depending on the e-collar for most of your corrections, you might consider adding some physical corrections to your training program. Be sure to use one type of correction or the other, not both together, so as not to overwhelm your dog. As training progresses, be careful and try to match the severity of the correction to the situation. Just as e-collar corrections have different intensity levels, physical corrections have different intensity levels too. Some physical corrections are given gently and resemble nagging while others are given more forcefully in order to get your dog’s attention.
The timing of a physical correction is the same as an e-collar correction and must be delivered quickly before your dog’s brain has time to move on. If you have to wait to correct your dog, it is best to skip the correction so you don’t confuse him. If it’s hard for you to get physical with your dog, realize that you are communicating to him in a language he already understands. And any time you feel yourself becoming angry, remember to stop training. Getting physical with your dog isn’t about hurting him. It’s about getting down on his level and teaching him the same way his momma taught him.
You can gain a dog’s trust by being nice to him, but you won’t earn his respect. If you can find the right balance between physical corrections and e-collar corrections in the training field, your dog will learn to respect both you and the bird, and once you have his respect, you will have a dog that wants to work for you and is a brag dog to train.
This article describes exactly where I am at with my dog. His is steady 99.9% of the time in training both in the yard and off of horseback. I began to see some “small” issues in the beginning of the field trial season, a small step here and there, not recalling when called in to water…The next thing I know he is ripping bird and delaying chase in trials where he know he has freedom. I have dusted off the pinch collar and am working on respect around the kennel with more well timed physical authority. Thanks.
Hey Travis—dusting off your pinch-collar sounds like a good plan. Once your dog is broke and knows what he’s supposed to do, the solution isn’t more training. It’s about gaining your dog’s respect almost to the point of intimidating him a little which can be a fine line. You don’t want to dampen his enthusiasm but you want to remind him he’s working for you. In other words, he’s saying, “Yes, sir” instead of blowing you off. Good luck! Martha
Thank You for the column a lot of good trainer could benefit from reading your columns most have forgot about the hands on training
The picture associated with this article shows a handler positioning a dog by grabbing it’s tail. I’ve heard and read that this should not be done. Have I heard bad advice or should a different picture be used to illustrate your points. Thanks.
Hi Charles—it’s a good observation. I’m guessing you are referring to Dave Walker as Dave is adamant about not touching the tail. However, Bill West, Dave’s mentor, grabbed the tail to set back a dog and so does Mo. Now if I’m working a young dog or just beginning formal training. I usually reach under the dog and lift her gently but I’m in the teaching mode and working on the stand command and showing her the picture of what I want. Once she is accustomed to being handled this way, it is fair to correct her by lifting her by the tail because it already makes sense to her. Hope this explanation helps, Martha
“By relying solely on the e-collar and foregoing any type of physical correction, my dogs had learned to respect the birds but not me.”
Yup that’s my problem with Razz. He’s dead broke training but takes advantage at field trials. Any advise??
Is there a way to ease them in an then correct? If he breaks it takes some effort to recollect him
Thx
Hi Frank—enjoyed our conversation last night. Gaining a dog’s respect is so important and can be the difference between a dog that works for the trainer but not for you. Using physical correction at the appropriate time is a good way to earn respect from a dog that already knows what he’s supposed to do. You will need to set him up in training so he makes a mistake when you are close enough to get your hands on him. Another thing is confidence. Dogs really pick up on this. You need to be self-aware and project it both in your voice and your body language. It sounds like Calvin is giving you good advice.