| Men have been keeping dogs as pets for | | | | There are two basic positioning styles that they |
| centuries and the relationship between the two | | | | will have to master. First is the heel position, |
| species has definitely developed considerably over | | | | where they stand or walk directly behind the |
| the years. Today, not only do they provide | | | | person. The second is the front position, where |
| companionship, but they can also be very helpful | | | | the animal stays right in front of the person as if |
| in rescue and survival operations with the right | | | | leading the way. |
| rescue dog training. | | | | As mentioned, these two positions can be taught |
| Obedience | | | | using both the compulsive and inductive styles of |
| In order to be considered a rescue dog, one of | | | | dog training. Using the compulsive training style, |
| the requirements is for the animal to show the | | | | the dog trainer will actually guide them, |
| capability and skills for obeying simple commands | | | | encouraging them to stay in front of him. This will |
| such as sit, stay, fetch etc. This is essential in | | | | effectively teach the dog the basics of the front |
| ensuring that rescue missions go as smoothly and | | | | position. |
| as efficiently as possible. | | | | The compulsive dog training style can also be |
| Agility | | | | used to teach other simple commands like sit and |
| A slow-moving animal may be more of a liability | | | | stay. Regardless of the command, the compulsive |
| than an asset during crucial life and death | | | | training style requires that the trainer give the dog |
| situations. It is very important that a rescue dog | | | | ample assistance during the training process. |
| should be quite nimble and able to find his way | | | | Inductive training on the other hand, makes use |
| through various obstacles, which can be very | | | | of rewards - typically dog treats - to enhance |
| common in rescue missions involving natural | | | | their eagerness to learn and obey. The general |
| calamities. For this reason, agility exercises are | | | | rule here is to only give the dog a treat when he |
| among the most important elements of a | | | | satisfactorily obeys a command. However, you do |
| standard rescue dog training program. | | | | have to make the offering first in order to give |
| Retrieving | | | | them something to look forward to. Next comes |
| Many pets can easily learn the fetch command | | | | the command, and when he finally accomplishes |
| even without having attended obedience school, | | | | the task, that's the only time to give him the |
| mainly because of their eagerness to play with | | | | treat. |
| their human family. However, in rescue dog | | | | Moderation is required in both of these training |
| training programs, fetching lessons will require | | | | methods. In the compulsive style, make sure that |
| them to retrieve more than just a piece of stick | | | | you don't overdo the assistance you give the dog |
| or a Frisbee -- they will actually be trained to help | | | | to the point that it becomes harsh. In the |
| save people from dangerous situations. | | | | inductive style, you should exercise prudence in |
| Proper positioning | | | | handing out treats. |
| While being trained for rescue operations, they will | | | | Several sessions of rescue dog training will be |
| have to learn simple problem-solving strategies | | | | required before a dog is considered ready to join |
| that will enable them to make sound judgments in | | | | a rescue mission. During these sessions, he will |
| the face of a crisis. A good balance of compulsive | | | | learn all kinds of skills that will surely make him a |
| and inductive training techniques will be necessary | | | | real top dog. |
| for this. | | | | |