Are you seeking are better understanding
on how dogs learn?
Dog Training Courses For All Levels
"Creating Extraordinary Dog and Extraordinary Handlers"
Kris Kotsopoulos "Von Forell Australia
www.vonforell.com
Von Forell
K9 Education, an International training and development company,
offering Workshops and Seminars that are innovative, effective training programs
for creating extraordinary dogs and extraordinary handlers.
Our “Clear Communication Workshop” the foundation of many is specifically designed to bring about positive and permanent shifts in your quality of training. It is designed for you to view the training of animals with complete new possibilities.
Von Forell Seminars / Workshops
A Transformative and Informative Learning Model.
The program is grounded in a
transformative learning model rather than an informative learning model.
Informative or additive learning increases what one knows, adds to one’s skills,
extends already established capacities by bringing new knowledge to an existing
worldview and frames of reference.
Transformative learning, by comparison, gives people an awareness of the basic structures in which one knows, thinks, and acts in the world. From that awareness comes a fundamental shift that leaves people more fully in accord with their own possibilities. While most people are familiar with methods for producing outstanding results, they recognize certain realistic limits to what seems possible.
Von Forell K9 Education
Instinctive Dog Training Solutions
What’s in it for
you
Benefits
K9 Security Service
Our “Clear Communication Workshop” the foundation of many is specifically designed to bring about positive and permanent shifts in your quality of training. It is designed for you to view the training of animals with complete new possibilities.
Von Forell Seminars / Workshops
A Transformative and Informative Learning Model.
Seminar In N.S.W Australia
Transformative learning, by comparison, gives people an awareness of the basic structures in which one knows, thinks, and acts in the world. From that awareness comes a fundamental shift that leaves people more fully in accord with their own possibilities. While most people are familiar with methods for producing outstanding results, they recognize certain realistic limits to what seems possible.
Seminar for Victorian Sheep Herding Association
Von Forell K9 Education
Instinctive Dog Training Solutions
- Experience a positive, permanent shift in the quality of training you deliver.
- Redefine the very nature of what is possible in training dogs.
- Create a future of your own design in the dog world.
Seminar in Cyprus 2011
Benefits
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In our research, 97 percent of people surveyed said Von Forell K9 Education made a profound, lasting difference in the way they trained their dogs.
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Von Forell K9 Education is specifically designed to bring about positive and permanent shifts in the quality of your dog training.
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The freedom to be absolutely at ease no matter where you are, who you're with, or what the circumstance - the power to be in action effectively.
- Participants overwhelmingly report that their participation in Von Forell K9 Educational Systems yields not mere insights or improvements, but provides lasting results that expand and unfold over time.
Seminar in Melbourne Australia
Our Presenter:
Kris Kotsopoulos has been
involved in Breeding and Training Dogs since 1981. He has worked with
first-time dog owners to the most demanding Law Enforcement Canines and World
Championship Competitors. Kris and his wife Tonia are breeders of Dobermanns
and German Shepherds under the kennel name “Von Forell”. His dogs and training
philosophies have been inherited into many training systems by competitors and
Law Enforcement Agencies Worldwide.
Seminar in Western Australia
Kris’s Workshops are designed to
give you a clear directive of how dogs learn, what drives them, how to improve
learning due to purposeful directives to shape behaviour for an Dynamic,
Focused and Harmonious performance.
This is an opportunity to learn the latest cutting edge training systems to deliver a spirited animals on cue.
This is an opportunity to learn the latest cutting edge training systems to deliver a spirited animals on cue.
Having devoted the last 32 years of his life
to the research, development and education of the working dog, paired with
extensive work in the area of animal welfare, Kris has now expanded his
professional horizons by sharing his knowledge with the community as a consultant
for a range of government agencies, breed clubs and animal welfare groups.
Over the past three decades, Kris has
travelled the globe in order to learn from the world’s best International
trainers, breeders and animal behaviourists. As a result of his enthusiasm and
dedication for greater knowledge, Kris has acquired an in-depth understanding
of raising, developing and training dogs for a variety of purposes.
Seminar in Sydney Australia
Through the skills and successes he has achieved, Kris has gained a
sound understanding of what motivates animals to behave the way they do, and
just as importantly, how to apply this knowledge to achieve specialised goals.
Kris currently shares this knowledge by operating both National and
International training programs, seminars and workshops, each individually
tailored to meet the needs of the general community, other trainers and
government agencies globally.
Kris has implemented a variety of learning systems ranging from basic
family obedience, to the most demanding competition, police, prison and
professional security animals. He is truly committed to breaking down barriers
that exist for dogs and dog welfare in our community and believes that
consultation with Breed Clubs, Animal Management Officers and Animal welfare
groups will help extend this commitment of learning outcomes and his ultimate
goal.
“Purposeful,
meaningful relationships between handlers and their dogs to create
Extraordinary Dogs and Extraordinary Handlers.”
Seminar in Melbourne Australia
Kris’s commitment to the dog world is further highlighted through his
three companies:
Von Forell Kennels
An international provider of working dogs Dobermann & German
Shepherds, Training Equipment, Premium Dry Dog Food and cutting edge training
technologies. The company’s primary focus is the breeding of highly driven animals
that are genetically orientated to be working service dogs. www.vonforell.com
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| Von Forell Entrance |
Detector Dogs Australia
A specialised consulting service that focuses on providing explosive and
narcotic detection dogs specifically trained to meet the individual needs of
government, business, private enterprises and the education sector. Detector
Dogs Australia has been appointed to provide Explosive Detection services for
the Port of Melbourne since 2008. www.detectordogs.com.au
D.D.A Handler Graduations Indonesia
K9 Security Service
A specialised security and
consulting service that focuses on providing security dogs trained to meet the
specific needs of government, business, private enterprise and educational
sector assets. www.k9security.com.au
How To Achieve Precision Tracking
With Your Dog
Kris is the author of this internationally acclaimed manual for teaching
dogs the specialised skills of Competitive Tracking, Police Canine Development,
and Search and Rescue. www.precisiontrackingdogs.com
Testimonials for Tracking Book
Tracking Book
Kris is also a Co-founder of the National
Dogs Trainers Federation - a representative and educational organisation for the dog
training industry, which has now become the national representative body in
Australia for dog trainers from all fields. The NDTF offers
Australia’s only Government accredited, nationally recognised, dog trainer
certification course, and by using Kris’s strong links and networks with other
animal organisations, both nationally and internationally, Kris is able to
assist with the development of formal policies, contribute to ongoing research
in the area of canine training and behaviour, and further build on the
necessary educational programs required to assert positive influence and bring
about permanent change.
Kris’s experience, preparedness to work hard and to stay goal focused,
combined with his team spirit, makes him the ideal member of your team.
If you wish to book your seminar for you or your group, whether it is for Obedience, Protection, Tracking, Law Enforcement please contact Von Forell K9 Training Courses on the details below:
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| Von Forel Levi Son 9 weeks old |
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Further
information:
Von Forell Australia
Telephone from Australia 03
5786 5388
Fax from Australia 03
5786 5277
International Calls +61
3 5786 53 88
International Faxes +61
3 5786 52 77
Postal PO
Box 419 Greensborough 3088 Melbourne Australia
Internet
Personal
Advice:
By telephone, e-mail or at our facilities, our specialists will answer
any questions what ever they may be, and guide you in your choice of products
and services.
All rights reserved.
Copyright © - Kris Kotsopoulos Von Forell International
No part of this document may be reproduced in any
form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying,
recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without
permission in writing from the author.
The workshop was a wonderful way of introducing dog enthusiasts to the world of working bred dogs. Owning a difficult dog, attending the valuable workshop and speaking with Kris has further helped me to shoot for improvement and solutions, that will not only improve my dog but also my quality of life as well.
ReplyDeleteSharon Blakeney-McDonald
After being involved with in training, breeding and showing dogs for over 20 years under both Sablecraft working lines and Madrodish show lines it was a pleasure to attend the WA 2012 Von Forell workshop.
ReplyDeleteOnce in a lifetime (if you are lucky).. a person can walk into your life and change your outlook and totally open your eyes to a whole new perspective… I was fortunate enough to experience this at this weekend’s training seminar in Perth WA (Nov 10 -11 2012)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i7Lo1IiAmu8&feature=youtu.be
Not only was I impressed, to watch a room full of people awakening to Kris’s philosophy with regards to canine training and motivators of behaviour. To see the practical demonstrations come to life on the field was a fabulous experience.
I feel honoured and privileged to know Kris and to have been lucky enough to train with him and further to that to spend time with him personally discussing all aspects of genetics, breeding, imprinting, early development of puppies.
Adopting his training and breeding philosophy and incorporating Von Forell bloodlines into our current breeding program at Sablecraft, gives WA its most exciting working shepherd litters to date. Kris’s generosity has made all this possible.
Look forward to seeing him at WA’s 2013 Obedience In Drive Workshop
Rod and Trish Humphries
Sablecraft German Shepherds, WA
sablecraft@bigpond.com
0414 86 4224
For anyone considering attending a Von Forell training seminar, I cannot recommend it highly enough.
ReplyDeleteMy knowledge of Von Forell was somewhat limited and I guess my initial thoughts were that it would be geared to protection training only but the information gained from Kris' professional presentation (and honest answers to questions from the participants throughout the sessions) was extremely thought-provoking and I came away from the weekend with a greater perception of what makes our dogs tick and dog training in general.
The practical side was fantastic and it was great to watch and participate, with running commentary from Kris so we knew what body language each dog was displaying.
All in all, a great weekend and thank you for giving us the opportunity to attend your workshop. Hope to see you again in WA in the not too distant future.
Cheers,
Heather Barron Western Australia
Thank you Kris for the weekend of highly entertaining and informative dog training work shop. The well presented and planned classroom formal sessions prepared our group of West Aussies systematically for the hands on sessions with our dogs. This work shop catered for an audience of diverse backgrounds and breeds in such a way that Kris improved EVERY dog and EVERY handler- which is no mean feat.
ReplyDeleteAs a professional horse trainer for over 20 yrs I have been coached by a myriad of Olympic, World Cup and international equestrians (also having instructed riders and trained horses to World Cup level) and I have been in dozens of equestrian clinics and training days. From this experience I can assure you that Kris teaches at the level of the very best highly intuitive coaches.
Thank you Kris for taking the time to travel out West, and a huge thank you for breeding such incredible dogs. My doberwoman Von Forell Leila is by far the best out of the 6 Dobermanns I have owned, (including her), on so many levels and this work shop has helped developed Leila at an extraordinary rate.
Do one of these workshops- get the most out of your dog!
Melanie Cuomo Western Australia
It is with pleasure that I report on Kris Kotsopoulos, Von Forell Workshop Western Australia 2012.
ReplyDeleteCanine Education and Training was proud to host such an exciting and educational weekend.
Dog training enthusiasts came together from a number of training and breed clubs.
The workshop included everything from theory, pictures, videos and live demonstrations with over 18 dogs.
There where 30+ attendees including National Schutzhund champion, behaviorists, chief training instructors, breeders, trainers, pet owners and dog lovers.
The fact that EVERYONE got a lot out of the workshop is testament to Kris' ability to clearly deliver such world class information.
During the practical demonstrations Kris coached up to 7 decoys. By the end of the weekend they had all improved and grown in their ability to read behavior, reward behavior and understand key motivators behind all the behavior.
I would like to thank Kris for spending time with me and offering such great insight and advice.
You truly are my coach
Kind regards
Seth Pywell
Canine Education & Training
Hi Kris,
ReplyDeleteA quick note to say a huge thank you for your hard work and sharing of knowledge over the weekend… You came well recommended so I had high expectations, however I was not prepared for, nor did I expect what we received!
Words escape me and this is a rare occasion J The information gained is still filtering through, and will do for some time to come I suspect… My understanding of dogs, of handling dogs, and of Drive Work has increased tenfold.
I am so pleased for Charlie, my canine companion, as not only did he too have an amazing weekend, he now has a handler with a bit more nous, who is better equipped to develop him to his full potential and give him what he needs!
Charlie is the most amazing dog, and nothing he achieves surprises me… until this weekend. You were able to get so much from him – he had it to give, he hadn't been asked before. You asked, and he stepped up… and he will keep stepping up. He has shown himself, under your guidance, to have the strength of character required to ‘do the job’…
His training has been progressing wonderfully well under our current trainers… he has now proven himself to have what is required to progress to the next level – all because you showed his Handler what is appropriate, what is required and how to achieve it.
Thank you Kris – I still haven’t lost the smile, and nor has Charlie!! I hope its not too long before you can make it back here to Perth and I hope we can make it to Sydney in (April) 2013 J
Take care
Lynne Blake - Western Australia
I had the privilege in attending a seminar held by Kris Kotsopoulos held by the Rottweiler Club of Cyprus. I enjoyed the seminar so much that I also had some private lessons.
ReplyDeleteI wanted to say that I would definitely recommend to all dog owners, whatever the application they wish from their dog to seek assistance from Kris as his knowledge on the animal behavior is impressive to say the least.
Kris gave me immediate solutions to all my problems.
Kris is very patient and eager to help people understand not only how to train their dogs but also the reason you do a certain exercise in order to create the correct meaning/feeling of the exercise for the dog. He teaches you how to "read" your dog and be able to react and counter accordingly in order to not damage your dogs character or associations. He believes that many owners give their dogs the incorrect information without even know it. I know that I did.
IF ANYONE TRULY WANTS TO ACHIEVE GREATNESS WITH YOUR DOG I RECOMMEND VISITING KRIS KOTSOPOULOS AS YOU WILL NEVER COME AWAY WITH FAR MORE THAT YOU ANTICIPATE.
Iacovos Iacovou
Cyprus
On the 25th & 26th of August 2012 I attended a decoy training seminar that was presented by Kris Kotsopoulos of Von Forell Kennels. The seminar was held at Pet Resorts Australia, Dural NSW.
ReplyDeleteThe workshop was based on TRAINING and MENTAL TACTICS for WORKING DOGS.
The information and knowledge that I received from the weekend was tremendous. All instructions were clear and informative. Kris very openly answered all questions that were asked by all through out the weekend. They were answered with his complete and utmost honesty. This, in my opinion is a trait that is rarely seen in the working dog world and something that i had never en-counted until I participated in this great event.
All of Kris's decoy work was timed to perfection and precise. His training tactics and methods were something that I had not seen anyone employ here in this country before. This to me shows Kris's extreme dedication to dog training here in Australia to keep all us working dog enthusiast's up to date with the training methods which are used all over the world.
I cant thank Kris enough for all the knowledge that i obtained over the weekend. I highly recommend this seminar and the many others that Kris and Von Forell present.
Thanks again to Kris of Von Forell and Pet Resorts Australia.
Kind regards
Loz Bezzina
n the weekend 25-26 of August I have participated in a “Decoy Seminar / Workshop” held at the Pet Resort Australia in Dural. Organised By Glenn Cooke and conducted by Kris Kotsopoulos.
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed this seminar immensely mainly due to the fact that it was very well presented in theory and then backed up by practical demonstrations on several dogs which clearly showed and outlined the theory. The fact that the dogs that participated, did not belong to Kris and he had never worked any of them before, underlined and proved Kris’s methods work.
It was clear to see how each practical block changed the animal’s behaviour in small increments, and at the end of the two days every participant was able to observe a tremendous amount of improvements.
I would like to thank Kris for his continuous efforts and commitment to help and guide dog trainers so that they improve their training skills and outcomes.
A special thanks to Kris for his openness, honesty and easy to understand training methods and most of all his willingness to show, explain and teach it to anyone that wants to listen. It is something everyone should take notice of as I have not yet come across anyone in this country who is willing to share such valuable information in such detail.
I would recommend Kris and his training methods to anyone, dog owners and trainers. I am looking forward to participate in upcoming workshops.
Regards
Bruno Grutzner
I attended Kris Kotsopoulos' from Von Forell Decoy / Drive Fulfillment seminar in August 2012. There were people attending from all different backgrounds from the experienced to the novice.
ReplyDeleteI got the feeling that everyone had a great weekend and learnt a lot...I know i did! Kris is a man with so much knowledge of working dogs and how to get the best from them...
Every time I am with Kris I walk away with a small ingot of Gold (a piece to the puzzle that helps my training).
The venue was first class thanks to Glen and David of Pet Resorts Australia and the seminar was divided up really well between theory and great practical demonstrations.
I really like how Kris could read each dog and bring the best out of them in such a short time.
On a scale of 1 to 10 I would have to rate the whole weekend as a nine...to get ten it would have to go for another day! Kris's seminars are awesome.
Stephen Williams Newcastle - Australia
Hello Kris,
ReplyDeleteI sorry for the late response, I’ve just found the time and the energy to write to you in an effort to express my emotions of that overwhelming, exciting and fantastic weekend I shared with you and the crew at Pets Resorts Australia.
Mate where do I begin? firstly It was a pleasure meeting you in person and seeing you in action, the way you handled the dogs was beautiful your experience is phenomenal, you are the guru and that was evident in the seminar as well as in the field.
I personally think you’re on a good thing promoting seminars like these Nationally and Internationally educating people on what a good working dog is all about. Breeding - Selection and training. I so understand your philosophy as do the loyal owners of these working dogs even though early in the day I overheard a couple of people saying that it was over their head and seemed difficult, but by Sunday we were all in tune with the aim of the weekend.
I’m so looking forward to the next time we get together again (mainly so I can pick your brain) for you to teach us and show us the next chapter of raising and working these amazing animals. Keep up the good work and keep excising that Greek mind of yours...
Again thanks buddy
Regards
Dimitri - Nsw Australia
The girls from Geelong Animal Rescue would like to thank you for the workshop that you provided. We came to you willing to learn as much as we could, and we left very happy.
ReplyDeleteAfter spending just one day with you, we have come away with knowledge that would have taken years to develop on our own. We were all amazed at how knowledgable Kris is, and how willing to be open and honest he is.
A great mix of theory, practical, and hands on led to a very enjoyable day.
Kris has opened our eyes to how we would like to run our organisation, and has provided us with the tools that will support our decisions. He gave real life examples, and offered realsitic suggestions for some of our hard questions.
We defiantely came away with a much better understanding of a dogs behaviour and temperament.
The facilities and trainer were top quality and the time flew by. The support and ongoing assistance offered to us has not been offered to our group before, so it was a refreshing change for a fledgling organisation.
We will be back for more...this could become addictive.
Thank you again,
Cass Langdon
Geelong Animal Rescue GAR Ltd
Director
0433667879
On the weekend of 23rd and 24th June I attended the Remote Trainer Workshop run by Kris Kotsopoulos and his lovely wife Tonia.
ReplyDeleteI have known Kris for over thirty years and he still has that passion for working dogs and helping people to get the best out of their dogs.
I have attended many seminars/workshops on working dogs over the years and can say without a doubt that this two day workshop was the best by far.
The presentation of the theory part was first class. We were then treated to practical demonstrations outside. I witnessed some of the best obedience i have ever seen.
Kris has fine tuned his method of using the remote trainer for many practical situations. I was blown away when i saw Kris work one of his dogs...what really convinced me that Kris is on to something really big is the results that i have achieved with my own dogs when i arrived home and put Kris's methods to work.
Stephen Williams - Newcastle Australia
On the weekend of the 23rd to the 24th of June I attended a workshop on remote trainers hosted by Kris Kotsopoulos of Von Forell Kennels.
ReplyDeleteKris is well known for his knowledge and experience in the world of dogs, I must be honest when I say that I was not sure what to expect.
On arriving I found Kris and Tonia to be extremely accommodating,helpful and friendly. The facilities were first class. Brand new with up to date technology. This is not just a dog training facility for working your dogs but its also an amazing place to learn via the modern screen, notes and easy going atmosphere.
The said seminar on remote trainers was both stimulating and interesting at the same time.
I have been involved with dogs and dog training for many years, I must admit that I believe that I learnt more on this weekend than in my previous 15 years of working with dogs.
The presentation was excellent as well as the constant supply of coffee, tea, food and snacks! Speaking of the presentation, I found it quite refreshing to have `live` demonstrations of what we were learning. Its always easy to talk, but when you are shown practically the why`s and how`s of applying those theories, that to me is how you put a top class seminar together.
The question and answer sessions were also stimulating as there were so many points to put forward. Sometimes we strayed off topic slightly but this was all to good effect as using a remote trainer affects all areas of training.
My only gripe is that I live so far away!!! I would just like to say thanks a ton Kris and Tonia, it was a fantastic weekend.
Yours sincerely
Ivan Kezurer
www.dogmania.com.au
Perth Australia
Dear Kris,
ReplyDeleteI am sending this testimonial to thank you for the opportunity to attend your workshop as it has given me many ideas to use in training our show dogs and to improve temperament in our breed.
Being involved with German Shepherds since the mid 70’s in obedience and show I have been always looking to learn new methods to improve my dogs performance and I only wish we had come in contact earlier as I feel our breed could have been further ahead than what it already is.
With your open teaching methods I feel all who attended did not feel intimidated and as such were able to take in more valuable information than that of other seminars I have attended.
Now that I have attended your workshop I feel motivated to try your methods on my own dogs and when I instruct at my local breed club so I hope in the longer term we can all have better dogs in the show ring/breed survey/and to pass on to their progeny that we sell to the members of the general public as their pet.
Wishing you every success with your dogs and I look forward to keeping in contact in the future.
Regards,
Alastair Henderson
Hi Kris,
ReplyDeleteJust wanted to thank you for hosting such an amazing workshop over this weekend.
“In an industry where there is so much conflict, it was great to be able to question and learn from someone like yourself, who has an unbiased and open approach with a deep understanding of canine behaviour patterns and how to implement them in real time, allowing the dog an opportunity to express peak performance and reduce any conflict.
So often when you attend seminars and workshops only to see that what the presenter is talking about in the theory side, conflicts what they do practically .
However with your workshop you could actually see what you where describing in the theory being deployed out on the field, you could see immediate results and a change in the dogs emotional mindset / physical performance simply over the weekend.”
Thanks once again!
Chris Loverseed
Dog trainer and behaviourist
Mobile - 0403 727 981
I have been attending Canine protection training with my German Shepherds for the last four years and have labored through books by great authors such as Bruce Fogel, Steve Lindsey and Captain Von Stephanitz.
ReplyDeleteRecently I attended a remote collar and protection dog workshop conducted by Kris Kotsopoulos of Von Forell Kennels and I have to admit I was not a big fan of remote collars, until now.
While I did my best to find any kind of suffering in the dogs, I saw dogs having the most fun doing the job they are being trained to do. Positive results are tangible and far reaching. My male German Shepherd was to be put to sleep as he was considered dangerous and untrainable, I took him on and took him to the seminar, in just two days I saw a positive change in the dog and with ongoing attention as taught by Kris he will get better.
With a straight forward no nonsense dialogue married up with video, sometimes hilarious interactions with class members and real life demonstrations with the dogs themselves. The remote training seminar was thorough, dynamic and left all of us on a high and with renewed focus.
I also purchased Kris's new dog tracking book called "How To Achieve Precision Tracking With Your Dog" and discovered a wealth of straight forward, effective methods that GET RESULTS.
Kris has redefined and simplified the term K.I.S.S.," keep it simple stupid", to just "keep it simple".
My only question is, When is the next seminar?
Sincerely
Neil Boyd
Im at a loss for words with what we achieved in 2 days. There is nothing worse than going to a course and your dog does great but when you get her home it all falls apart.
ReplyDeleteWith the training and handling skills I learnt over the two days my dog and I are still functioning as a team and growing, something we were not even come close to being when we first arrived.
Forget Dr Harry and Ceasar Milan we have Kris (Von Forell) whos understanding and teaching skills are amazing, Im now counting down days, minutes and hours untill I return to learn more and further the new bond and working partnership I have created with my dog under Kris’s skilful training and guidance.
Its not just for workingline German shepherds its also helped me with my show dogs and understanding what motivates and drives a dog allowing me to increase my dogs performance and turn it into a fun experience for both of us. The proof is in the pudding it's more than words at Von Forell the results speak miles for themselves.
Kris Hodkinson
Security Dog handler and owner
and
Duel Purpose Kennels
Specialty German Shepherds
Prior to attending my first Workshop at Von Forells’ in December 2010, I was unaware of the huge challenge we face in Australia breeding and training a true working line of dog, whether it be Shepherds, Dobermans or any other canine chosen for its service capabilities.
ReplyDeleteKris’ workshop brought into perspective for me how wide the gap truly is and how hard he is working to bridge that gap, especially between breeders and trainers.
His emphasis on education of breeders, trainers and dog owners is second to none and inspiring for its honesty and unbelievable ocean of experience and knowledge. To be able to see some of his dogs in action was a real eye opener and allowed me to understand the differences between prey-driven dogs and confidence-based aggression.
In February 2011 we were fortunate enough to have Kris come to Western Australia and run a Decoy Workshop where we could utilise our own dogs. Once again his vast knowledge and training methods surpassed anything I have experienced previously. Having Kris take the time to work my own dog and point out his weaknesses and strengths was invaluable. The division between show lines and working lines becoming even more apparent to me – owning a show line shepherd myself.
However having Kris take the time to work with him and over the course of 2 days take him from uncertainty to a higher degree of clarity than he’s had previously was truly an honour and proof that a trainer of Kris’ calibre can make all the difference to even the non-working lines.
Kris’ workshops are an inspiration for anyone who would like to expand their knowledge and understanding of bringing together genetics and training to produce a quality working dog that can be utilised by all factions of society from households to the military.
I shall certainly be seeking Kris’ guidance when the time comes to choose my next shepherd.
Thank you Kris for your dedication to the dog world and on a personal note thank you so much for taking the time with myself and my dog and showing me that with the correct handling my dog can produce so much more than he already has.
I look forward to the next workshop.
Tuhi Davies
Dated: 25th March 2011
Kris:
ReplyDeleteI want to thank you so much for your time we spent with you this year. It was a humbling experience and one I will remember forever. It is nice to know you have such high standards for your work and dogs. It is of no surprise you will be successful in your book. I hope to get it as soon as it is out in print. Your work and your dogs are magnificent examples of what a true working dog should be.
Your breeding program speaks for itself when you see your dogs and the work you have done with them. I know many people who have lost sight of the “Total dog” because they are breeding them too large and they end up with dogs with so many problems. You have managed to keep in mind the work a working dog should be doing and not lose sight of an Intelligent, even tempered dog.
It is not often you come across a person who has goals for his breeding and working program. Today you will see people who only hold the value of money and they are short lived and not remembered. Kris you will go down in history as a man who has protected the breed in doing so you are protecting the world. Imagine a world where a dog can only look pretty and not be able to work. That would be great if you could save a life from behind a desk. Your training and dogs get the job done. What more could you ask for?
Again thank you for your knowledge on picking the puppy who will work and thank you for your time. I can’t wait to send you video footage of my next litter.
I operate a business in Canada called Trackers Edge. Amongst other things, I evaluate products and services for potential clients. I am independent and do not advise the business or service I am evaluating of my intentions so as to be treated as a regular customer. I have acquired every noteworthy tracking book I have heard of. I am interested in tracking with and without a dog.
ReplyDeleteI stumbled upon "How To Achieve Precision Tracking With Your Dog" while doing ongoing research on the internet. I had a gut feeling about this book which is written by Kris Kotsopoulos. I ordered it right away and was surprised at how fast it arrived from the other side of the world. I was not disappointed. The book is well organized and clear. It is an ideal training manual. Most books of this nature have a tendency to repeat what has been written before on the topic.
This is not plagiarism, but rather due to the fact that most people do not think outside of the box. There are as many "experts" in this field as there are dogs. The refreshing thing about this book is that Kris has taken information gained by past research and assembled it in an orderly fashion that all can understand. Equally refreshing is the fact that Kris clearly states that there is more than one way to do things. He looks at the big picture and even has some noteworthy philosophical comments that are enlightening. His sections on clickers and electronic training collars are some of the clearest and best written chapters that I have read on the topics.
You may not agree with everything in the book, but that is the whole point he makes. As opposed to forcing a set of rules down your throat he presents what he believes to be valid ideas with the hopes that you will use these ideas as you would any other tools, in the right way and under the right circumstances. There are many fine books out there on tracking by many fine people. This book is definitely on my top two list. I believe you should have an whole arsenal of training books. Read them all if you can as each has something to offer, but if you can only read a couple make this book one of them.
How To Achieve Precision Tracking With Your Dog” www.precisiontrackingdogs.com
• Achieve greater accuracy in your tracking?
• Increase scent commitment?
• Eliminate the possibility of your dog missing articles?
• Prevent overshooting of corners?
• Slow your dog down without destroying motivation?
• Integrate the clicker and remote trainer?
• Learn how to plan and lay a track for success?
• Introduce and teach corners accurately?
• Understand you dog’s olfactory ability?
• Target the fundamentals of tracking?
• Shape behaviour for competition?
• Understand the importance of lead finesse?
Internet
www.vonforell.com Email: info@vonforell.com
www.detectordogs.com.au Email: Kris@detectordogs.com.au
Hi Kris,
ReplyDeleteI would like to thank you for the opportunity to be able to attend your workshop in Sydney Australia. I was very happy with what I came out of the seminar with, your easy going approach to the world of dog training and your open mind towards it really created a great learning atmosphere. It made me feel comfortable as a learner that you would and were answering my questions and made it clear that no question is a silly one unless unasked. This made me as a student still very new to the world of dog training comfortable and it made learning easier due to this relaxed approach.
I was happy with the way you were happy to pass on your knowledge in the seminar and not just give us the basics, I felt as if it was more in depth and that you revised so that people gained knowledge not just words. The beginning of the seminar on the first day was a little overwhelming, but when you went through it on the second day it all began to fall into place and my understanding of the many concepts that were being discussed grew.
I am also impressed with the way in which you were happy to work with everyone's dogs no matter what level the dog or handler was at and changed your approach to suit the individual needs of the dog and their handler to suit. Your professional approach to handling others dogs was great, I would feel comfortable with you handling and working any of my dogs because of that.
I am interested in the next seminar which will be run in Sydney 27th & 28th of April 2013 and was curious as to what topics you were planning on covering and will it be a further continuation on of the other seminar?
Thank you
Lainey Kemp NSW Australia
11th April 2013
ReplyDeleteA huge thank you for the fantastic 2 day seminar which was held at the German Shepherd Dog Association grounds in Perth on the 6th & 7th April 2013.
There was an attendance of around 50 enthusiasts and these included members from the German Shepherd, Rottweiler & Doberman clubs, plus of course others. The focus of the seminar was developing prey drive using a variety of stimulus and reward to gain superb results.
I have been involved as an obedience instructor for a number of years and by attending your seminar with an open mind, ready to learn, I came away from the seminar with a much better understanding of how to get the best from the animals under training. I am sure I can incorporate, into our training program, many of the training methods that you covered during the week-end. Kris, you have a very positive manner when talking to the group and your comments were always informative, concise and went straight to the point. The knowledge that you passed on to us will be of great benefit whether it is used in the show or obedience field.
There was no suggestion of using aggression or tagging while training and the emphasis was always about positive learning which in turn will allow your dog to perform to its best ability by wanting to do what you require to receive his reward.
Thank you again for a very positive week-end and I look forward to the next time you are over here in the West. I have absolutely no hesitation in recommending your seminars to anyone who wants to improve the drive of their dog and who wants to get the best out of their dog.
Ian Marr, Life Member and President, German Shepherd Dog Association of WA
Hi Kris,
ReplyDeleteI have finished reading your book, "HOW TO ACHIEVE PRECISION TRACKING WITH YOUR DOG". I found it stimulated a far better understanding and reinforcement to many of the modules in my NDTF course materials, that I found that I probably did not fully appreciate at the time. As yet, I haven’t pursued Tracking as a skill, but plan to do so. I have dabbled with a couple of training sessions in the Tracking arena, but frankly, your Book provides far more common sense based information and motivational elements, not just for Tracking, but in the management of one’s beloved canine companion.
To me, your Book should be compulsory reading for NDTF students, and indeed, any Certificate III Canine Behavoural Management courses students. Your presentation of some difficult subjects is handled with sensitivity and common sense, while stimulating a need for such matters to be addressed more effectively at the political and administrative levels.
I am looking forward to your next book, which, as I recall (rightly or wrongly), is being prepared.
Kindest Regards
John V. McIntosh