Tag Archive for: muto

Teaching a Puppy to Work In Straight Lines

This is the beginning stages of a drill that I will be using for Dante (10 1/2 month Malinois) to help him understand to always work in straight lines regardless of obstacles or distraction. This exercise has many direct applications into various dog sports where being able to send your dog away from you is essential. However I also find it very helpful for pet dogs as it will inevitably increase your ability to communicate with and control your dog even at distances.
In general, anytime you can increase the clarity of communication between your dog and yourself it will improve your bond, and increase your overall level of obedience.

Teaching The “Right” Position

Josh Moran and his Pit bull ‘King’ learning the “right” position using a place board and markers.

Beginning Remote Position Changes

This Video shows trainer Tyler Muto from K9 Connection Dog Training in Buffalo, NY  and his 8 month old Malinois puppy ‘Dante’ beginning an exercise for remote position changes (moving from sit-down-stand, at a distance.) Tyler is using a platform to help keep Dante from creeping forward as he learns how to do this.
The foundation for this work has been done using positive reinforcement and marker training. The prerequisites that the dog needs to know are: All of the individual positions, how to transition those while next to you (sit to down, down to stand etc.) and some variation of a ‘place’ command (keep all four feet on an object).  The word “no” or “nope” here is not being used as a correction, but rather as a way to communicate to the dog that he made a mistake and he has to try again.

Interview on Z101 Radio

Tyler Muto on Z101 Radio Part 1

Tyler Muto on Z101 Radio Part 2

Click on the above links to listen to the interview with K9 Connection’s Tyler Muto on Z101 Radio. Tyler Talks to Kieth Kelly about common issues and training tips with new puppies and adult dogs.

Dante Protection Training At 7 Months old

This video (Courtesy of Marcus Hampton) shows Tyler Muto and ‘Dante’ in protection training. This was filmed about 1 month ago when Dante was 7 months old. The Decoy is Marcus Hampton.

Dog Training For The Whole Family

One of our K9 Connection Dog Training Clients, Sarah Giansante, is seen here with her young dog ‘Munson.”
I was amazed when I found that Sarah, at 8 1/2 years old had taken over the responsibility of training the family dog.
Sarah has done an excellent job of giving consistent leadership and guidance to Munson, so he can develop into a well mannered family companion.

Dante’s Early Protection Training

This is Dante’s first bite session after finishing teething at 5 months old. It is also his first time transitioning from a jute or burlap rag to a bite pillow, and first time working around a blind.

The Helper is Marcus Hampton. Marcus is an excellent trainer and decoy. His role in Dante’s early training is crucial for proper development. To see more of Marcus’ work, Click Here to view his YouTube page. If you do not have experience training protection dogs, do not try this work yourself. It can be dangerous for the dog, you, and others. Always seek the help of a professional.

Training Position Changes

This is a video clip showing Tyler Muto and ‘Gia” training position changes (heel, front, under.) This is a typical training session where a specific behavior is chosen and isolated for repetition. There are some minor variations thrown in to keep thing dog from anticipating too much which could cause problems down the line. These variations are important to keep the dog from thinking too much during training. When a dog thinks too much they stop listening to the handler. We always want to make sure that the dog is responding to the commands given, not just performing out of habit.

Golden Retriever – Afraid of the Car

This clip shows progressions in a behavior modification dog training program for fear based behavior. ‘Bob’ was terrified of the car, and despite all their efforts, his owners could not get him in without excessive force. During the training sessions, we used a ball to motivate the dog to overcome his fear. We also used an electronic training collar to help him stay focused through the fear. Many people think that electronic collars are always used negatively, and will create fear. However, as you can see, with proper guidance, the electronic collar can be a very positive tool, that works to help a dog overcome fear, and become happy and confident.
If you need help training your dog in or around the Buffalo, NY area then contact K-9 Connection at (716) 548-3642

K-9 Connection Dog Training on the Radio

K-9 Connection Radio Clip

I did an evaluation for Keith Kelly from Z101 Radio and his 2 month old puggle Wanda this week, and I had an opportunity to show off my dog. Apparently, we left an impression. Click the link above to hear the clip.

Thanks Keith!