Building Drive by 'being' a Bad Dog Trainer

[Aastarisk]

Even though I've watched this a million times I still think it's one of the best dog training videos I've ever seen. I link it to all my new club members who turn round and say 'My dog can't tug' or I was told not to play tuggy with him'. It just brilliant. My dogs all have the drive that you have with Buzzy but not quite the control but we are getting there.

[PositivePuppy]

What a shame people have to try to make themselves look clever by picking apart a video that demonstrates a fun way to achieve great drive and control through play. It's very clear the dog understands the game - look at how quickly he backs off the toy when the cue to take it isn't given - fabulous. I love playing with my dogs this way, you get wonderful drive and with that drive comes the motivation to perform enthusiastically. Maybe not for the inexperienced but I love it!! :)

[RachelO56]

Very good point you are making here, Susan. I went to a seminar given by a behaviorist where we were shown a video clip of a golden retriever puppy who was a resource guarder. The owner was given some very bad advice by a very bad trainer, telling her to force the puppy to give up whatever he was guarding, by putting her knee on the puppy's back and not giving up on the object until the puppy let go. At the age of 6 months, this puppy was put down, because he became very aggressive.

[patriciaathorp]

I laughed so hard I cried! I do "bad" things with my "puppy," and he LOVES it!

[LiaGoldie]

Love this video! Has been the best one for helping me to have fun and lose inhibitions when playing with my dog and trying to improve his tugging enthusiasm.

[1s2h3i4t]

Susan you crack me up :) Love it!!!

[klevadawgz]

...and reinforce the set of instinctual behaviours that you want displayed? I wouldnt include this in my training as I do not want my dogs reinforced for displaying this type of behaviour, it goes directly against my cues to keep them on the ground near people with wavy things in the air (so they dont snatch stuff and knock kids over) :) Having recently taken my puppy to "puppy classes" (which were great) the amount of times the others ignored the trainer saying "dont say no no no" is crazy!

[ipspots1]

@klevadawgz while I respect your right to have your opinion, I use this very technique for building drive in flyball dogs. And what I think you miss is that we only play like this with one object. The TUG! My dogs know what a TUG is and what is NOT a TUG. They are not idiots, they know when we are playing, and when we are not playing. I have 9 dogs who all live in the house uncrated together (I have some very high drive dogs when it comes to play), yet I have no issues like you suggest

[klevadawgz]

I've always understood "Drive" is how likely a dog is to show instinctual behaviours - this video seems to illustrate that if you raise your voice and dance about you incite your dog to 'shout' back again and because the jumping/barking is reinforced by attention from you and a moving toy its likely this will generalise eventually to all toys and is an accident waiting to happen if you have young kids about? Surely what you should do to increase drive is increase the dogs confidence ...

[gobil527]

@klevadawgz no, its not an accident waiting to happen. Building drive in a dog does not equate to creating an out of control dog.

Games like this teach the dog how to listen even when highly aroused and excited. Which is actually safer for a dog who's going to spend any amount of time around kids. I have kids, I have four dogs. We build drive AND we install an on/off switch :)

[AgilityFox]

Such a shame some people - and dog trainers - just don't get what this video is all about.

Susan you rock !

[ClickerDogs]

are you kidding me? This is a GREAT way to build drive and I have had success teaching thousands of people world wide to increase their dog's focus and drive using this as well as many other positive, science based games of drive. World renown trainers in all disciplines of dog training have sought out my help.

Dogs, dolphins, monkeys, man -- all learn the same way. It is science, not history or tradition that advances the way dogs are trained. It is outside the box thinking!

[gsdsarah]

Golly, I didn't think she was implying that tons of professional dog trainers (and who said anything about Schutzhund??) are out there doing this. From my years of reading/observing Susan, she uses "trainer" to mean anyone handling or interacting with a dog (as is the case for all of us who have dogs). You have a dog, you interact with it, you're a trainer. We've all seen someone do this, sometime. We all seem to agree this behavior is "bad" training... why the fuss?

[OATAGILITY]

MINE MINE MINE ok. Guys , stop dissing her. She's a world famous dog trainer, and she makes a great point. And YES the MINE MINE MINE part does happen. My sister's dog was taken to a place like that. One day she invited me to a lesson and by then end of it I made them drop out aid trained the dog myself.

[urosca]

And all you do is bash trainers who train with drive. i by no means said you were a bad trainer. I said that food training not the only way. your entire video is about bashing trainers.

[urosca]

I have no need to defend myself. I'm published in total Rottweiler magazine and currently writing an article for K9 COP magazine. Dogs dont click dolphins do. Take care and good luck in your school.

[max2right]

I've trained with a schutzhund club for many years and attendes dozens of other clubs and seminars. We all work to create high drives in our dogs and I've never seen a trainer do the things this woman says happens. She sets up a strawman argument .

[ClickerDogs]

@max2right even though I have never even seen a schutzhund competition nor attended any seminar I have had the honour of having many elite level schutzhund competitors seek out my help --several of them have represented their country at world championship events (one has won the US Nationals).

Not everything in dog training is as tradition would have you believe. There is no strawman here-- just science based training that has produce results across the highest levels of multiple dog sports.

[max2right]

@ClickerDogs I repeat. I have never seen a professional or competition dog trainer do the things demonstrated beginning @ 1:21 I take issue with your opening claim that the demonstration @ 1:21 is a way to, or would build drive. Anyone that successfully trains dogs for AKC or USA competition uses science based training and those that would use the technique demonstrated would not be successful. Of courseI agree that it is bad training

[RobBCactive]

@max2right : I found it very true to what I see out on dog walks. Your point is like those who argue that "noone trains a dog to jump up", when I explain that's what is happening. Training can be passive not just active and deliberate, and it's a demonstration of the results of inconsistency with a generally orderly and well behaved dog.

Bad dog trainers are inconsistent, excited and tend to yell a lot :)

[max2right]

@RobBCactive My point is that, contrary to what this woman says, bad dog training does not build drive and I've never seen anyone use the method she demonstrated to do so. I believe It's intellectual dishonesty. I agree with the rest o your comment,

[RobBCactive]

@max2right : Understood. But the point is really more subtle, calm dogs don't seem keen & hyper, because of consistency & building steadiness; the hyper dogs raring to go at all times look very keen but are wasting energy due to inconsistent handling. They look "more" driven superficially.

So I agree with you to, but ""Buzz" performs his favourite demo showing how many 'driven' dogs are created through bad dog training habits." note the quotes around 'driven' !

[ClickerDogs]

@max2right are you kidding me? This is a GREAT way to build drive and I have had success teaching thousands of people world wide to increase their dog's focus and drive using this as well as many other positive, science based games of drive. World renown trainers in all disciplines of dog training have sought out my help.

Dogs, dolphins, monkeys, man -- all learn the same way. It is science, not history or tradition that advances the way dogs are trained. It is outside the box thinking!

[max2right]

@ClickerDogs Are you saying that your actions starting about at 1:20 is the way to build drive?

[ClickerDogs]

@max2right No I am not saying this is THE way but it is A way drive is built into dogs. This is why many dogs hold their ball/toy tighter rather than spit it out when their owner hollers at them or tries to pry their jaws open. Reinforcement does build behaviour and if it wasn't reinforcing to hang on --the dog wouldn't do it. Buzzy here is doing a demo, one of his favorites. He is a "high" dog and I would never do something like this as a way of training because yes, it would make him "higher"

[ClickerDogs]

@max2right No I am not saying this is THE way but it is A way drive is built into dogs. This is why many dogs hold their ball/toy tighter rather than spit it out when their owner hollers at them or tries to pry their jaws open. Reinforcement does build behaviour and if it wasn't reinforcing to hang on --the dog wouldn't do it. A high dog like "Buzz" wouldn't need this but if you wanted to increase a dog's drive to "hold" -- yes, play fighting the dog for the toy is an effective way of doing it.

[max2right]

@ClickerDogs First you say it's what bad dog trainers do and demonstrait it. Then you call it great, effective then brag about teaching it and about your credintials. What's the point here? Many understand and use behavieral science as well as you.

[ClickerDogs]

@max2right Please note in the title the quotations marks around the word "being". That implies while you are building more drive you try to "be" a bad dog trainer. will not address your other obvious slur against my credentials.

[ahoedel]

How do you get the dog to want the toy?

[drumcafe8]

@ahoedel Depending on your dog, have some version of a "PARTY!" with the toy -within earshot of your dog. They will become intersted in anything you place high value on like that. Then play with them and the toy (any toy, heck a sock or a carboard box would work, too). Your dog has never played with toys before? Fill a pencil case with their breakfast, attach it to a leash, let them see what's inside and then start moving it around a bit so the kibble starts to come out. Have fun!

[pitbull7263]

how can i build my dog drive i just love your video by you being a female you rock

[chemistrigirl]

ROFLMAO... I LOVE this clip. It's just so dang true to what we see the majority of the time on the dock!

[cc91801]

lol

[cattledogagility101]

HILARIOUS, but very true!!!

[weo1weo1weo1]

soooo funny haha! my new fav video

[ahundley81]

so hilarious!!!!

[smoon3]

haha I was confused at first cause I thought she was saying "NEW NEW NEW!!" :P Very funny video.

[EightPaws4Hoof]

So do you have a vid of how to do it properly? 

[askel89]

I don't really got the point about this video. But what i know and what i have been teached to do to get my dog tug il to push him while he is taking it. Push him to get him excited. what i also do il run after my dog when he has his toy and scream "give it give it" he's just so proud when i don't succeed to catch it... but the point is the word to tell him to give it to me il in fact leave it and this is important

[HoneybunchBunny]

If i did it with my dog she would bite me hehe :P

[Geckoforhire]

Too funny! And that is so true. It is awesome to have a well trained dog.

[RoxyAgilityRox]

This was great!!! And everything is true!!! BAHAHA

[labcolliejumper33]

MINE MINE MINEEEE!!!!!! Lol And I lvoe it when she does the funny walk with the tug in her hand. Haha <3 this

[Bordeinstein]

I love this, soo true and ridiculous/obvious when you've seen it presented this way.

[PointersandSetters]

This is the best piece of training footage on youtube and it has bought a huge smile to my face all day I will try not to laugh too loud at work for too long.

[NormyPie]

Love this video - makes the point and is very funny - I love the way she interacts with her dogs - they both look like they're having fun!

[NormyPie]

Ooh it's the Crate Games lady! My dog loves his crate thanks to her :o)

[crysania4]

@urosca And you claim you've been training for 17 years? Seems you don't understand dogs at all. I call shenanigans on this one!

[urosca]

Dogs should not be trained with food! Do to the fact that they only read body language!

[ninjakittyinmypants]

@urosca Are you for real? Using food is a fantastic way to train a dog.

[EAlexandra73]

@urosca If they only read body language, how is it that millions of dogs respond to verbal cues? What about herding trials where the dog is trained on whistles and responds when they are long out of visual range from the handler?

[VTECsqznN2O]

this is still one of my favorites

[FEAdiscdogs]

OMG this makes me laugh so much, cause thats ME!!!!

[bergwanderkennels]

Love it....

[otheman62]

only insecure bad dog trainers talk about bad dog trainers..That's a fact !!

[LittleMsIvy]

hahahhaha! True!

[akyramoto]

ok. that made me laugh out loud, great demo, wish I could see the rest!

[SandiBobie]

haha. Thats sooo damn true ! I have one commando when he´s just holding a thing and I want him to drop it and leave it and one when I "take it" when he´s holding it, and he will not drop it unless it is the right word so my friends have a hard time getting the stick, ball or what ever unless it´s the right word ^^.

[KrazyKai0905]

MINE! MINE! NO! MIIINE! MINE!

[urosca]

wow food for training! and bad mouthing other trainers! very un-professional! I have been training for 17 yrs. Its time to be nice! good luck with ur school!

[SullivanOlssen]

I LOVE your video!

[starlessriver]

Can anyone tell me who this brilliant lady is?

[VTECsqznN2O]

@starlessriver Susan Garrett

[Sreed714]

So we got to see how a pet dog person doesn't know how to teach rules. We saw how to make it worse, you should also show how to make rules! For example, there is a critical time to make rules to the game. If you make rules too quickly you can spoil the game for some dogs.

When they are completey engaged then you make rules. Also, it's not complicated to teach an "out!" Make the toy idle and say the word. When the dog finally outs it the game can start up again.

[audebutcielle]

First time I've seen this, but Susan defiinitely knows what she's talking about. I've seen some BAD dog owners who couldn't control their dog if their life depended on it!.

[hesway17]

im sorry that is freakin funnier than shit butt im just still pist off about pinkys last moments go on it and vote to get ride of it.

[TrikkesAlot]

Hilarious!! dying laughing here.

[darrelhager]

Hey! Pretty Funny! I watched it twice.

[justforgetit332]

I laughed so hard. It's so true!

[agility4me444]

hahahahaha you are sooo right!!!

[cAsSiEiSwHoIaM]

OMG that was hilarious!

My mom is like that with her dog "nooo mine mine mine"

[superchad15]

nice video

[apbtnyc]

Hahahahaha, that was awesome. I have seen a few "professional" dog trainers, especially working dog trainers do a toned down version of that. Or they just choke the dog or hit it with the ecollar or prong until it outs.

[AstaraCheetah]

LOL this video made me laugh till i got kinda teary-eyed. Very good.

[harrischrysler]

Where on God's green Earth do you live? I have NEVER seen a trainer do that crap.

[freakinamazingbcs]

ive seen people do that. maybe not that bad but she made her point across.

[harrischrysler]

People, sure. But I would like to know how she defines "trainer".

[freakinamazingbcs]

u dont have to teach classes to be a 'trainer' if u have a dog and want to teach it a trick or some simple obedience. guess what? ur a trainer. i dont teach classes but i train my dogs in agility and some obedience (although i dont compete in obedience) and i consider myself a dog trainer.

[harrischrysler]

ok then. She could be talking about any Joe Schmoe outside with a dog. Comparing yourself (a seasoned professional dog trainer) to frustrated John Q. Public know nothing is a bit absurd. I still would be interested in the "bad trainers" that do the dramatized actions from this video as serious training...

[NormyPie]

@harrischrysler I've seen ~much~ worse, sadly (not professional trainers, but people who are training their own dogs).

[jacenkel]

LOL, Oh god, I actually know quite a few people around these parts that act like that.

Excellent demo !

[freeshapingjunkey]

wow wow and wow.  this really works and i posted a videoresponce to show you how effective this method is.

thank you susan and buzz!

[Totemspirit8]

Classic .. lol

[TherealAshman]

I'm confused,

Do you really recommend doing the bad trainer thing in order to build drive or where you being sarcastic?

btw, where can i get your book? amazon is sold out...

Thanks!

[crysania4]

@TherealAshman I don't know if she's really recommending it, but I've been doing something similar to build drive in my very non-drivey dog and to also get her over her insecurity at being run into. She now has much more drive, leaps for the toy and tugs with complete abandon. And she can be run into without shutting down. It's worked WONDERS with my dog.

[KrazyKrystalBaby]

:D omg iv watched this video like 500 times and i still crack up laughing everytime i see it ! u r awsome :) !

[GoldCorgi7]

That was hilarious! But so true!

[funtasticjumps]

over and over again...that's wonderful.

[toydogs]

That's hysterical.... Can bring a smile to any face! How many times have we seen the "bad dog trainer" at trials!

[chihuahuaagility324]

haha lol lmao rofl thats so funny i could watch all day long

[mightymikaagility]

I just love this video, it's hilarious. but also very informative of course!! :)

[bzikson]

smack-a, smack-a, smack-a! :D

amazing :)

[snuggliepuppy]

smack-a-baby!

[ChillyAndClover]

That's so funny! I love the way he just goes crazy when you're a "bad" dog trainer!

[stereo27]

Great!!!

[happyhoundz]

ok, I've been waiting for the video showing how you teach the release being a good dog trainer...

[claudiahoyle]

You made me laugh so hard. That is hilarious, great example.

[sheltiebrat]

Wonderful example of controlled chaos : ) 5 stars.

 Very nice.

[emeliesvensson]

that so funny, i could watch it all day long..

[airrunweskerII]

that was amazing!

[quintvondergraf]

That was so me when I began a year ago. Probably still am.. Funny Funny Ha Ha!!! Building drive is good though! Smackababy!!

[smiling0aussie]

wow great demo!

that's so true!

[miinganharmony]

Haha, great demo :) I love the people in the class start looking at their dogs who are freaking in the crates behind them. Dogs feed off energy, plain and simple, whether it's good or bad. No wonder high drive dogs are with bad trainers :)

[costaricajones]

"Smackababy, Smackababy."

Somebody's had too much sugar.

[WildAgilityBC]

Excellent video, excellent demo! Loving Buzz. :D

[redlaceribbon]

Very good video.

[SteinbaumGSD]

Great example and demonstration.

Very similar to the people who, when their dog is in the process of doing something "wrong" such as chasing a cat or running out into the street, just start yelling the dog's name in a loud, excited voice, without giving an actual command.  All the dog hears is his owner cheering it on in a loud, excited voice.

[gullinvarg]

Touché. Or like people who run after their dog. What happens when you let 2 dogs play? One dog chases the other, then they wrestle, then the other dog chases the first. Gee, think running away might be reinforcing? :-) I've caught a couple of dogs who got loose and didn't know me by running away, zigging and zagging, then catching their collar when they got close enough (actually, I zigged and zagged a few times when they were close enough, but you get the idea). BTW, the demo was hilarious. :-D

[EmilySnider]

HAHAHA!! Hilarity ensues!!

Great run with Encore this morning, btw!! :o)

[rebelsugarpie]

LOL great example! See it all the time.

[HopeQ8]

hehehe

amazing :D

thank you

[animalfanatic19]

haha definitely a great lesson lets hope some people learn from this in one way or another haha =) love that dog he had funn

[DarkestEmpress]

This was hysterically hilarious.

[jennm1988]

Oh thank god...I taught this one right with my dogs :) Tugging maniacs, and they never get to tug until I tell them to. The second I say "Mine," which is what I use, they stop and don't even think about it anymore.

[goose200468]

Oh so true! Had to laugh as I just heard our decoy tell a client the same thing...maybe just not quite the same verbage! :) Thanks for taking the time and interst for posting.

[klcabe]

This is GREAT! And so true, too!

[Muranzor]

HAHAHAHAHA

[AnneVaini]

Hysterical! and true! :)

[discdogshayne]

It's so true! this was such a great video--had me laughing out loud--i cannot count the number of times i have seen people do this and wonder why their dog gets all amped up!

[4pawsinn]

HAHAHA i love this video susan is one of the best dog trainer i seen she tells like it is.

[madskyweims]

that was hysterical

[jeenacolin]

huahahahah

That was soo fun! xD

[Bcgoldenagility]

OMG! that was sooo funnt.

[mdoldron]

hilarious!

[airalibi]

Wow how true. There is always one of those in every crowd! :0) What a perfect example, never laughed so hard in all my life!

[ClareRubi]

HA! That was great! xD

[ObiWanKitsune]

Haha! That was too funny. But very true!!!

[assortedagility]

Funny impersonation of bad dog trainer. Hilarious. :D