The Koehler method of dog training
by William R. Koehler
Category: Pets

When the complexities of modern living demanded that, for his own protection as well as his master’s convenience, the dog be made controllable, the average owner sought advice from the most available source, which was, too often, some local dog-show exhibitor. Not realizing that, excepting a few praiseworthy individuals, these exhibitors were only superficially concerned with the qualities of use and companionship, an unfortunate dog owner would accept the sight of trophies or ribbons as the credits of an expert. Growing numbers of people and dogs continued to emphasize the advantages of proper dog-behavior and when, in 1935, The American Kennel Club instituted its obedience trials, the competition necessary to focus attention on results and improvement of methods was provided. And something else was observed. It was evident that thorough obedience training does more than assure a dog’s response to his master’s command; capacities for learning and emotional stability could be increased and integrated as permanent qualities of character. Recently, leading magazines of both general and specialized nature have made the public aware of the trained dog’s potential, and of the recreational possibilities of dog training as a hobby. Interest in dog-training classes and other activities where dogs are dignified by usefulness, rather than merely looked at, is evidence that the dog-training public has outgrown the “make a game” and “tid-bit tossing” techniques that, by not being founded on positive and proper motivations, demonstrate the inadequacy of the master, thus promoting failure of response at those times when control is most needed, as well as contributing to the dog’s feeling of insecurity. Dog owners of perspective have come to want the type of obedience upon which a blind person might stake his life, and the emotional stability that is vital to dogs in the presence of small, unpredictable children. This classic includes the following chapters: Introduction Lesson I. Fables and Foibles Lesson II. Correct Equipment Lesson III. The Foundation Lesson IV. Heeling Lesson V. Sitting Lesson VI. The Automatic Sit Lesson VII. The Sit-Stay Lesson VIII. The Down Lesson IX. Down-Stay Lesson X. Stand-For-Examination Lesson XI. Recall Lesson XII. Finish Lesson XIII. Polishing Lesson XIV. The Throw-Chain Lesson XV. The Light Line Lesson XVI. Don’t Lose It—Use It Problems