Thursday, 31 January 2013

Geelong Obedience Dog Club Proudly Presents ‘Kris Kotsopoulos’ MELBOURNE AUSTRALIA 18th and 19th May 2013


Geelong Obedience Dog Club
Proudly Presents ‘Kris Kotsopoulos’
“How To Achieve A Dynamic, Focused and Harmonious Obedience Performance”
MELBOURNE AUSTRALIA 18th and 19th May 2013

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.

Kris’s “Obedience in Drive” Workshop is 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 obedience performance. 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.

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.”

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 and excellent family companions. www.vonforell.com



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



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 Tracking and Search and Rescue. www.precisiontrackingdogs.com



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.

Some of the topics covered in this Melbourne Seminar on the 18th & 19th of May 2013.

  • Appropriate relationship between a dog and his handler
  • Criteria of the Leader   
  • Positive Reinforcement and how it relates to drive - See video of drive building for the ball
  • http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0jgv7k805LE 
  • Clicker Training - do’s and don’t
  • Nurturing and development of your puppy 0 – 7 weeks - information for the breeder
  • Puppy Development for success from Sevens Weeks to 12 months
  • The Necessary Drives and Their Utilization and  Development for Obedience
  • Focus, Recall, Stand, sit, down, return to heel - all before any heeling is ever done and why
  • The Proper association of a Competition Dog to His Training Field
  • The Basic Components that Form All the Exercises In Obedience
  • Strengthening the Components, the Locking of Positions
  • Introduction of Negative Reinforcement by Leash Direction and Why
  • Developing Each Exercise by Linking the Basic Components – Back Chaining
  • Balance of Expression, Speed, Attention, & Precision
  • Balancing Motivation & Concentration
  • Obedience - Basics to a High Level of Control
  • Problem Solving in Training
  • Importance of Preparation, Organization, Structure, & Discipline in Training
  • The Development of a Daily Schedule to Weekly Plan to Monthly Tactic, To Yearly Strategy and more!!!
  • Questions and answers all weekend and ongoing for all seminar attendees.
COURSE DETAILS

WHEN:                          18th and 19th May 2013
START:                         9am to 5pm Sat & Sun
WHERE:                        Geelong Obedience Club. Breakwater Road Breakwater.
WHAT TO BRING:         Notebook, pen, seasonal training clothes, dogs & an open mind.
COST                           $440 per person - “Previous Von Forell Participants  & NDTF 15% Discount ” $370
Additional:                   This event is fully catered for - Please advise of any special dietary requirements.
                                     Lodging available locally.

                                    Expressions of interest, bookings or questions to be made by contacting Tina Button via email at Tina monlaird_kennels@hotmail.com or Kris info@vonforell.com

Kris Kotsopoulos phone 0418 348 804 or Tina Button phone 0414 363 556

Payment options will be sent by reply email on confirmation of booking info@vonforell.com
                                    
                                    Looking forward to meeting you all for this exciting event


To book your participation please call now!

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                                              
www.vonforell.com           Email:    info@vonforell.com

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.

15 comments:

  1. 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.

    As 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

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  2. Hi Kris,

    A 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

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  3. 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.

    I 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

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  4. 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.

    After 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

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  5. The author has worked with dogs since 1981, at many levels with first time owners and with Law Enforcement handlers and competitors.

    He has realised that not all animals are reliable if they are forced to track out of fear of correction; He encourages and uses other means to get dependable work with success. His approach to tracking and the success achieved by his methods is very impressive.

    He speaks of the importance of the scent pad, how to approach the laying of the track-and what one should be looking for from the dog when working. How one reads a dog and what one should look for is very important – also what the dog is trying to tell you.

    All written in simple and understandable language even for a beginner- set in easy step-by-step chapters with pit falls also explained.

    One feels success and believes one will succeed, something one does not often find many books which get too technical.

    To observe and promote certain aspects so that the dog becomes reliable because no pressure has been placed on them to achieve successful track. The importance of reliability is referred to many times through out the book.

    He explains in his experience how many handlers are not able to go and work as they are not confident and cannot rely on their dog to complete the track. Often because the dog is fearful of making mistakes because of other harsher means are used to teach or correct.

    He explains how to introduce articles-eliminate your dog missing them-how to teach corners and to stop overshooting. One very important aspect is to how to keep control whilst tracking and slow an enthusiastic animal down without destroying its motivation

    He sets food for thought for the handler, why did this happen what am I am doing wrong. He also explains he has been there and this was how he wrote the book because he wanted to have positive outcome.

    The writer is also a good instructor who works his own dogs with excellent success.

    There is a Glossary of terms explaining what is meant in the book. If I had gone looking for a book written purely about tracking one could possibly have found one or two in this category, but one need look no further when purchasing this book for it stands out on its own it is a must for the book shelf.

    Excellent value for money and very well produced. Kris has written a book for any person to read and understand whether they are a beginner or experienced. Which has long been waited for. This is a book that both Trials and Schutzhund enthusiasts will find interesting.

    Dorothy A Cullum

    Head trainer GSD League from UK (1995 to 1999)
    Kennel Club Founder member of the Accredited Training Scheme.
    News Editor of Dog Training Weekly 1993 to 1998.
    Our Dogs Breed Correspondent.
    Championship Obedience Judge/ Good Citizens Scheme Judg

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  6. Dear Kris,

    I 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

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  7. For years I have been struggling with the conventional methods of training with regards to Tracking and I encountered, two ends of the spectrum in the main. The use of food as a manipulator to get the tracking per footstep and this brought the dog to a certain level.

    On the other end you have the forced track, which is basically useless in certain endeavours like Law Enforcement. But Kris' methods go way beyond, conventional training. It is so simple and easy to follow I wondered why no one else came up with this methodology before. but therein lies the genius. because once you start to really apply the method, you really start to see the direct effects it has on your training and the confidence you have in your dog's understanding of what is asked.

    Kris' methodology takes into account the way dog's perceive the scent stimulus, and what is necessary to have reliable results, every time you track. By proofing it under this method I am sure my dog is tracking the article laid by a human in every setting.
    For me it is a quantum leap in application of understanding of dog's physiology and psychology when it comes to them receiving the scent information and proper harnessing of such into a performance event.

    Whether it is the competition field or the streets, Kris' precision tracking is worth a read, and a re-read for every level !

    On a personal note, I have to recommend Kris' work in this book and also Kris as a consultant as he has been so meticulous and generous with his advice to me. It is clear he comes from a point of well researched knowledge and experience and is willing to share it to assist others.

    Thanks again Kris.

    Vithala Singh Miami Florida USA

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  8. Your book on Precision Tracking was very complete and comprehensive. The book gives a very clear, yet thorough, explanation on animal behaviors, tracking methods and other important topics. In a very short time frame you covered a lot of methods and theories that every dog trainer needs to know.

    One of the best reasons to read your book is because it’s easy to understand, no matter what your level of K9 knowledge is.

    Outstanding book, I can’t wait to read your next one.

    Brad Smith - USA
    West Covina Police Department, CA (Ret)
    Canine Tactical Operations & Consulting
    N.T.O.A. National Canine Chairman
    SME for California Association of Tactical Officers
    Cell: 626-523-4028
    www.skidds.com
    www.K9TacOps.com

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  9. Talent is nothing without coaching. Anyone who is involved in a high level of competitive sport understands that having a great coach is just as crucial as having talent. I am very fortunate because I have two such coaches.

    I remember when I first started my career in Schutzhund, I was a rough diamond with a thousand sharp edges, too ready to prove, too stubborn to listen. Kris Kotsopoulos and Jim Tokis recognized my burning desire and took me under their wings. Thinking back, in the three years I spent with them, they are a lot more than just coaches to me. They are my mentors, who harnessed my talent, showed me the ways to bring out the best of my dogs, and more importantly, they taught me the only way to be a winner, is being a winner in your heart.

    Tricks and trades can be copied, imitated, and impress some people, but being cannot be faked. Jim and Kris truly understand how to bring out the best of each handler and dog, not only in his physical skills, but in his mindset and attitude, to be the victor he dreams to be. They offered me a precious gift that I now have in the rest of my life. I highly recommend their system and teaching.


    Felix Ho
    Bachelor of Animal Science, La Trobe University
    Training Director, CanineSquad
    Trainer & Helper, Total Canine Sporting Club
    Field Writer, Australasian Working Dog
    Two times Australian Schutzhund National competitor
    Multiple High In Trial winner
    Handler, Owner, & Trainer of Malinois - Schwarzhund Marko “Corvette” SchH2,IPO3, 2nd in 2005 Australian Schutzhund National Championship 90 90 91
    The first, and currently the only person in Australia to bring up, train, and title a Belgian Shepherd Malinois to SchH/IPO3 level
    www.CanineSquad.com

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  10. My name is Peter O’Dowd, I worked for the Department of Justice as an Operations Manager with the Security & Emergency Services Group.

    One of my portfolio responsibilities is managing the K9 section for the Security & Emergency Services Group.

    Through this portfolio I met Kris Kotsopoulos from Von Forell Kennels.

    I have now known and had business dealings with Kris for the past five years. In this time I have developed the greatest respect for Kris as a businessman, but most of all as a person.

    My respect for Kris as a person has come from listening to him talk about K9’s, as he has a wealth of knowledge in breading and training. Kris is not the type of person that keeps all that knowledge to himself but is always willing to pass the knowledge on to anybody having behavioral problems with their K9’s. This knowledge is freely passed on because of his love and respect of K9’s.

    In my role of sourcing K9’s for the Security & Emergency Services Group, I have always found Kris to be professional, reliable and honest in all business dealings.


    Peter O’Dowd

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  11. I found Kris' November seminar in Perth to be very incite full, and his style of presenting easy to follow and engaging. He managed to get such a large amount of information across in a very short period of time. Watching him work the dogs was also particularly educational and inspirational for me."

    Kind regards

    Vida (Western Australia)

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  12. Hi Kris,

    I 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

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  13. 22nd April 2013

    Hi Kris,

    RE: Obedience in Drive Workshop – Perth, Western Australia 6th and 7th April 2013

    I would like to personally thank you for conducting the “Obedience in Drive” workshop and I would also like to extend my gratitude to Canine Education and Training (CET) for hosting this event. I don’t believe I can adequately express the value of attending your workshop.

    Of course, I can expound the knowledge I have gained; the training tools and system of training were presented in a logical and informative manner. The practical demonstrations using a variety of dogs consolidated learning. However, your workshop delivered much more than its placard claimed.

    While the subject content appeared to be directed at high level obedience for competition using high drive working dogs, I was amazed at the actual versatility of the workshop. You were able to explain and demonstrate dog training concepts in order to cater for attendee’s backgrounds, experience and requirements. Whether a breeder, pet dog owner, behaviourist, competitor or trainer, the information you provided was applicable and relevant.

    However, the outstanding and undeniable highlight of the workshop was being witness to your dog training/handling approach. During the practical session, you accounted for the individual differences in each dog and made adjustments to training accordingly. You were genuinely humane, sensitive to the dogs’ needs and balanced in the way you approached each dog whilst still achieving incredible results.

    I left your workshop tired, challenged and inspired! Thank you!

    Cheers
    Lina Femia-Moore

    PS. Weeks later, I am still challenged and inspired, just not so tired 

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  14. Hi Kris

    After attending a 2 day decoy seminar with yourself I though it only right to take the time to right a testimonial to your ability to share your life’s passion with others.

    Firstly I would like to take the time to thank you personally for sharing your knowledge in the way you do in such a powerful extraordinary way yet with such calmness and that is what made the 2 days. I have like many dog owners spent a fortune in time and money trying to broaden our knowledge and increase our understanding of our interaction with our dogs and how to bring out the best in them, yet you made it so simple, Reflexivity. The ability you have to read a dog is outstanding and something that has obviously taken you years to master at such a level. You had everyone in the room captivated when you presented the theory side which amongst dog enthusiast is not always an easy thing to do. You can tell you love what you do and is has been a lifelong passion just by the way you speak.

    The one point I would like to make to anyone that reads this testimonial is I had never heard of Kris until 2 days before this seminar and yet by the end of 2 days I felt I had known Kris for a long time and he has that no bullshit approach to training that I greatly appreciate. I would not hesitate recommending anyone who has an open mind and is willing to learn to invest in yourself and your dogs future by attending one of Von Forell’s training seminars.

    For those who still need convincing please contact myself.

    Neville Bennett
    Darksupreme Rottweilers
    www.dsrotts.com

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  15. Hi Kris,
    I 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

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