Live Q&A with Larry Krohn: Your Dog Training Questions Answered (Follow-Up to Last Week’s Interview)

TL;DR

In this video, you will learn from expert dog trainers Larry Krohn and Nate Schomer as they address common dog training questions during a live Q&A session. They discuss effective techniques for handling aggressive behavior, building strong relationships with dogs, and correcting common training mistakes. The discussion also includes insights into the use of remote collars and the importance of clear communication in training.

Transcript

hey how's it going everyone i'm Nate Schmer and you are watching my show on dog training where I sit down with worldclass trainers behavior specialists authors and educators in the world of dogs today's guest is Larry Cone he's a retired special agent from the Department of Homeland Security where he also served as a firearms instructor but Larry i... Read More

Key Insights

• Larry Krohn emphasizes the importance of addressing unwanted behaviors immediately and not allowing them to develop into bad habits over time.
• Nate Schomer highlights the significance of using management techniques to prevent undesired behaviors, such as using gates to block access to areas where dogs may misbehave.
• The trainers discuss the benefits of using remote collars as a tool for training, emphasizing the need for proper education and understanding of their use to avoid potential harm.
• Larry and Nate stress the importance of building a strong relationship with dogs through positive reinforcement and clear communication, rather than relying on dominance or force.
• They discuss the concept of spatial pressure as a non-physical way to communicate boundaries and expectations to dogs, using body language and demeanor.
• The trainers advise against overusing free shaping in training, as it can lead to dogs becoming overly active in seeking rewards, which can complicate duration training.
• Nate and Larry agree on the value of learning from various dog training disciplines, including sport work, to gain a comprehensive understanding of canine behavior and training techniques.
• They recommend investing in a tripod for filming training sessions, as reviewing footage can help handlers identify areas for improvement and refine their techniques.

Questions & Answers

Q: How do you handle a dog that acts aggressively towards another dog when returning from a walk?

Larry Krohn suggests addressing the behavior immediately and not accepting it. He advises understanding the dog's reaction to different scenarios and ensuring clear communication. If the dog shows aggression, it's important to address it directly and establish that such behavior is unacceptable.

Q: What are some techniques to teach a dog to move away when asked?

Larry emphasizes the use of spatial pressure and body language to communicate with the dog. By changing posture and demeanor, a handler can effectively convey the message to the dog to move away. It's crucial to establish clear communication and expectations from an early age.

Q: How can you prevent a puppy from being too rough with an older dog?

Larry recommends setting boundaries quickly and not allowing the puppy to overwhelm the older dog. If necessary, use a leash or crate to manage the puppy's behavior and provide the older dog with a break. It's important to intervene and correct the puppy to prevent future issues.

Q: What is the best way to deal with leash reactivity in dogs?

Larry advises against using short leashes, as they often create frustration. Instead, he suggests using a long line to allow the dog more freedom. Building a strong foundation of communication and trust with the dog is essential before addressing leash reactivity in real-world situations.

Q: How do you teach a puppy to heel?

Larry uses luring and marking techniques to teach heeling. He emphasizes the importance of showing the dog what is expected and gradually fading out the lure. Consistent practice and rewarding the dog for correct behavior are key to successful heeling training.

Q: What gear should new dog trainers invest in?

Larry recommends investing in a tripod for filming training sessions, as reviewing footage can help trainers improve their techniques. Other essential gear includes quality leashes of various lengths, tugs, and balls for play. He emphasizes the importance of not overcomplicating with excessive equipment.

Q: Can you put too much pressure on a dog while playing tug?

Yes, it's possible to put too much pressure on a dog during tug play, which can diminish their drive. Larry advises adjusting play style to match the dog's comfort level and ensuring the play is competitive and enjoyable for the dog. Being too overpowering can discourage the dog from engaging.

Q: How do you manage a dog that keeps going under the deck?

Larry suggests using management techniques to prevent the dog from accessing under the deck, such as installing a barrier. If management is not enough, setting up a situation where the dog experiences an unpleasant consequence for going under the deck, without associating it with the owner, can be effective.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Larry Krohn and Nate Schomer discuss effective dog training techniques in a live Q&A session. They emphasize the importance of addressing unwanted behaviors immediately and using management techniques to prevent them. They also highlight the benefits and proper use of remote collars in training.

• The trainers stress the significance of building strong relationships with dogs through positive reinforcement and clear communication. They discuss the use of spatial pressure as a non-physical way to communicate boundaries and emphasize the importance of understanding various training disciplines.

• Larry and Nate recommend using a tripod to film training sessions for self-review and improvement. They caution against overusing free shaping, as it can lead to overly active dogs, and advise on learning from different dog training disciplines for a well-rounded understanding.