Obedience Seminar At Von Forell
“How To Achieve A Dynamic, Focused and Harmonious Obedience Performance”
MELBOURNE AUSTRALIA 13th and 14th July 2013
Geelong Obedience Club workshop was out of reach for many so we have booked another workshop in July - please register by email - NOW! 20 Seats Available Only
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 behavior 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 traveled the globe in order to learn from the world’s best International trainers, breeders and animal behaviorists 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 specialized 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 specialized 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 specialized 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 N.D.T.F offers Australia’s only Government accredited, nationally recognized 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 behavior 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 13th & 14th of July 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
- Questions and answers all weekend and ongoing for all seminar attendees.
COURSE DETAILS
WHEN: 13th and 14th July 2013
START: 9am to 5pm Sat & Sun
WHERE: Pheasant Creek
WHAT TO BRING: Notebook, pen, seasonal training clothes, dogs & an open mind.
COST $440 per person -
Previous Von Forell Participants, V.C.A Members and N.D.T.F Student past and
present receive a 15% Discount - $370
This event is catered for - Please advise of any special dietary requirements. - Lodging available locally.
present receive a 15% Discount - $370
This event is catered for - Please advise of any special dietary requirements. - Lodging available locally.
Expressions of interest, bookings or questions to be made by contacting Tonia Kotsopoulos via email tonia@vonforell.com or Kris info@vonforell.com - Kris Kotsopoulos phone 0418 348 804. 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 email 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
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.
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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.
Kris has the ability to provide information to all types of dog owners - from those with a family pet to high level obedience trainers and breeders - and he did this in an easy to understand manner.
ReplyDeleteHe welcomed all questions and explained things in great detail including using both participants and their dogs to demonstrate concepts. He conveyed a straight forward structure and discussed the techniques and approaches for obedience training as well as drive training. Kris is passionate about what he does and this is very obvious in his seminar.
We came away with a greater understanding of what motivates our dog and what we need to do in order to get the best from him as well as do the best for him! Furthermore, Kris took the time to work privately with us and our dog regarding specific issues after the end of the day’s session.
That additional time was fantastic to consolidate our understanding and application of the concepts discussed in the seminar.
We both feel more relaxed and confident in what we need to do with our dog and this is already obvious with how he is responding to us.
We highly recommend von Forell seminars. Thank you, Kris.
Don & Jenneane Ninness
Melbourne Australia
I recently attended a Von Forell seminar in Sydney Melbourne Australia. I was not quite sure what to expect from my weekend of learning about drive and working dogs, and to be honest was a little nervous.
ReplyDeleteFrom the minute I arrived at Pet Resorts Australia, Dural, I found myself being warmly welcomed by the presenter Kris Kotsopoulos and was among a friendly and enthusiastic group of people who were geared to learn! To my delight I found the entire weekend absolutely enthralling and learnt far more than I can put into words. Without even realizing; I developed not only my knowledge of dog behavior and training but also my practical handling skills and my confidence.
All of my questions were answered eagerly and with a wealth of knowledge, and I was made to feel more like family than a student.
I would recommend attending seminars by Kris and Von Forell for anyone who wants to learn more about dogs (and themselves). I traveled from Canberra for this seminar and would readily cross the country for another.
Sally Ferguson ACT Australia
Hi Kris
ReplyDeleteAfter 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.
Neville Bennett NSW Australia
A 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.
ReplyDeleteThere was an attendance of over 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
Kris' workshop has changed my whole perspective on breeding, training and raising dogs. He has so much knowledge and he clearly answers any questions you throw at him without hesitation.
ReplyDeleteThe decoy side of the workshop has given me a better understanding on reading behavior which allows me to promptly reward for the correct behavior. The workshop is for anyone that wants to progress with their dog and a must for all breeders and anyone working with dogs.
Thanks for the awesome two days and looking forward to attending more workshops!
Chris Wyrewenaden Western Australia
I have just come back from a mind bending two days of dog training bliss. It has been several years since I have had the opportunity to attend any training seminars or workshops and am very glad that I made the effort to get to Dural NSW. The timing was right, the money was there and the time off from work was negotiated, it all fell into place.
ReplyDeleteThe organization of the two days was second to none, professional and friendly all round with well spaced breaks to accommodate brain overloads. The balance between sitting and taking in complex tutorials and then going out to the training field to see it all in action was a stimulating mix and kept me focused even through fatigue from travel.
I only wish that I could have traveled with a dog and been on the training field myself, that would have rounded out the experience for me.
It has been about 17 years since I have trained with Kris and others from his genre, we were all a lot younger then!
I must say though that now when I see you work Kris you have an amazing sensitivity to your training and an ability to translate and pass on what you see and feel through the dog. It made me tear up to see you working those pups and bringing out the best in the little ones with a gentle touch and at their level.
There was also a wonderful cross section of dogs, in breed and learning levels to watch and see improve over the two days. The improvement in the handling was also very obvious and even though there was some laughs it was a team environment all the way and very supportive.
The blend of old, young, professional trainers and breeders created a dynamic base to interact with and bounce off ideas.
I am grateful for the opportunity I was given to attend and learn once again from Kris and encourage all those out there who train with working dogs both civilian and services to take the next workshop available.
Thank you Glen who made it all happen, brilliant!
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
I attended Kris Kotsopoulos from Von Forell Decoy Workshop on the 10th / 11th Nov 12, 2012 it was a weekend well spent learning how to improve my dog training skills.
ReplyDeleteIn our class we had a wide range of dog people from the novice owners to people with 20+ years with training experience. All who attended the workshop found it to be very educational & enjoyable.
Kris is an exceptional lecturer with his wealth of knowledge & experiences & would highly recommend anyone involved in dog training no matter what level or type of dog training or dog owners to attend one of his workshops in the future, I know I will be!!!!
Pat Jones 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
One weekend with Kris is not enough, so much to learn in so little time. Kris has a wealth of information that really needs to be absorbed over time and fully understood to allow all handlers and decoys a chance to put into practice all they learn.
ReplyDeleteI recommend Kris’s seminars to anyone wanting to work a high drive dog in any sport or anyone just wishing to understand dogs better. No matter how many seminars you have been to, whether from Kris or another trainer, you will always take away some vital piece of information that will increase your knowledge and make you a better, more informed trainer.
I can’t wait for Kris’s next seminar in WA, I will definitely be there. Thank you for all the information you shared and for supporting other dog trainers and enthusiasts to increase their knowledge and love of high drive dogs.
Thanks for a great weekend, really enjoyed it and Morf wanted to continue the fun today (though my knee didn't!!). Plus we might have a German Shepherd convert in Stacey, might not be more Border Collies in her home now.
Kim Rance - Western Australia
My name is Iacovos Iacovou, I am a German Shepherd owner and I live in Cyprus.
ReplyDeleteI 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.
I 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
On 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
Contact Details if you would like to get more Info is: grubru@yahoo.de
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
Dear Kris,
ReplyDeleteI would like to take this opportunity to express my very deep gratitude for your assistance.
In August 2012 I had the pleasure of purchasing an 8 week old German Shepherd Via Von Forell Kennels. From my initial contact with Kris he was extremely patient, professional and helpful. I love my dark sable Kaos, he is very intelligent, confident, loyal, self-assured, shows no fear towards foreigners or foreign object.
He is showing intelligent traits far beyond my expectations. It is one thing to have a great shepherd with solid genes, and another to be able to bring out their potential. Being fairly new and not having much experience with larger dogs, I attended Kris’ seminar in Dural NSW, where I learnt more over a period of 48hrs than I did in about 12 months of researching the Internet.
Many thanks for on going support, and the follow up phone calls making sure I was doing all the right things.
John Elias NSW 2199 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 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
Hi Kris and Tonia,
ReplyDeleteI’m so glad I undertook your week-end Seminar/Workshop (June 23 and 24, 2012) on Remote Collar Training (RTs’), as it gave me a new understanding of training philosophies, tools and techniques that I hadn’t comprehended through the Nationally Accredited Dog Training course that I’m presently undertaking during 2012.
Through my interaction with other Students and Instructors, I have heard several good reports about RTs’ and their application in dog training. However, I have likewise heard what has proved to be ignorance based negative comments about the use of RTs’ and the “shock inflicted on dogs”.
Your seminar has provided a solid and informative learning structure dispelling the negative comments with first hand demonstration on how the RT is utilised in an effective (and painless) training regime. I was indeed prudent for me to become far more familiar with RT and how to apply its’ use to generate more accurate and rapid responses to commands.
Therefore, I too gladly add my commendation to Kris Kotsopoulos's week-end Remote Training Collar Seminar and Workshop. It was extremely well presented and illustrated by working line dogs, supported by the other participants who were able to offer their own dog training experience and expertise.
Again, Kris and Tonia, well done, a great week-end and I’m looking forward to further seminars and workshops.
Kindest Regards
John V. McIntosh
Information and Communication Technologies Manager
European Travel Experts Pty. Ltd.
+61 3 90059592
john.mcintosh@euroscape-travel.com
www.euroscape-travel.com
I am sure we can all agree working dogs are those that have been selectively bred to assist us in the many diverse roles which we ask of them. In appreciation I would like to humbly thank all breeders and trainers past and present for the wealth of genetic and intellectual material that will allow me to move forward into the future.
ReplyDeleteDuring the Von Forell workshop I developed a deeper understanding of the working dog but compassion is the foremost view that I derived from my time at Von Forell. Until now I believed the traditional view that a dogs abilities were a direct product of both it's genetics and training.
http://vonforell.com/seminar-workshop-intro/seminars-a-wo...
It is possible however for a new synergy to be achieved in a dogs performance using a system of Drive Fulfilment whereby the sum of genetics and training far exceed the outcomes previously thought possible.
Sincere thanks to Kris and his team for opening my mind to these new methods and helping me on my way to becoming an extraordinary handler for extaordinary dogs. From my new viewpoint I now take sole responsibility for the genetic potential of my dogs and will never again assign performance issues to any animal or it's breeding.
As the saying goes a good tradesman never blames his tools. This for me will mean working closer with breeders, detailing specific outlines of my needs and providing constructive feedback to ensure that I do not place unreasonable demands upon my dogs genetic capabilities.
I have learnt to set clear goals with staged development suitable of the individual nature of each animal that will provide absolute confidence moving forward into their working career. Quantum leaps in my training are now at hand and I eagerly await a future were all working dog enthusiasts can pool together to evolve our methods for the complex demands of the 21st century.
Many thanks to all at Von Forell for your vision and compassion within the working dog community.
In earnest Matt Cooper. Tasmania Australia
The author has worked with dogs since 1981, at many levels with first time owners and with Law Enforcement handlers and competitors.
ReplyDeleteHe 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
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