Respect comes from knowing the value of something and not forcing your parameters on it's existence.

Being around dog sport awhile, I've seen some amazing things.  Some I was fortunate to catch on video or I wouldn't have believed, things that simply "flowed".  The start seemed normal, generally with a concrete plan and clear direction, but somehow something happened and it went somewhere with an unexplained motivation, an understanding without words, gestures or reason.  A combination of things working together all at once like it was obviously going to happen, but nearly incomprehensible beforehand.  A remarkable interaction, understanding, communication or breakthrough.

It's beautiful and unmistakable when it happens.  It lasts moments, seconds or minutes.  Of course it comes from repetition, familiarity, trust, and respect between teammates- an understanding of how each partner will support the other when it's both easy and hard.  Taking slack, giving room, it's about feel and experience.  It's teamwork certainly- but over days, weeks and years it's more.  It's openness, the freedom to try without consequence and the patience to allow behavior to happen.

It seems like a sixth sense, an insight through experience that something isn't quite right on one day and knowing all the pistons are firing on another.  Knowing when you can get a bit more or need to ease off.  Having faith in the foundation and knowing their heart will really be in it even when you're a bit concerned- knowing they will try for you, not just because of the training.  A soft eye, a nuzzle into your hand, a lean on your leg and a big happy face.  It will all be fine- "we've got this".  Yes.  Teamwork.

He was a pleasure to watch, be around and video.  Awesome.  He had the stuff and was a gentleman.  He was truly something and he adored Dave.  I think it was mutual.  There were many of those hard to believe moments with him, a few that really stand out.  It's a shame they have to go so soon.  We're so truly sorry Dave and Karen, great dogs leave big holes.  RIP Enoch, travel well.
 

"They say there is a doorway from heart to heart, but what is the use of a door when there are no walls?" ~Rumi

Columbia, MO- May 5, 2014- Canine Training Systems, the leading provider of broadcast quality instructional training titles for sport, service and companion dogs, today announced that their most recent offering, Training Through Pictures with Dave Kroyer- Learning to Learn DVD has been awarded a 2014 Hermes Creative Gold Award.

The Hermes Creative Awards is an international competition for creative professionals involved in the concept, writing and design of traditional and emerging media. Hermes Creative Awards recognizes outstanding work in the industry while promoting the philanthropic nature of marketing and communication professionals. Hermes is administered and judged by the AMCP (Association of Marketing and Communications Professionals), which consists of several thousand marketing, communication, advertising, public relations, media promotion and free-lance professionals. Judges are industry professionals who look for companies and individuals whose talent exceeds a high standard of excellence and whose work serves as a benchmark for the industry. The Gold Award is presented to those judged to exceed the high standards of the industry norm. You can learn more about the Hermes Creative Awards here.

"This is the second award won by this title in as many days of sales! We're very proud of the title and are always happy to receive feedback from industry professionals about the quality of work we're producing"- commented Doug Calhoun, producer, writer and director. The much anticipated Training Through Picture with Dave Kroyer- Learning to Learn DVD is being replicated and is due to ship 5/1/14. "We couple with the 'best of the best' trainers to produce video titles that enable individuals to understand the systems of training used by the top trainers in multiple disciplines of dog sport. Our technical experts are competitors, coaches, world team members and seminar presenters both nationally and internationally. What sets us apart is not only the caliber of trainer we work with and their successes but our ability to convey information in a meaningful way to a multitude of people in multiple languages across the world."

"Although the DVD took quite a while to produce, the project was a major undertaking for a few reasons. Up to this point in dog sports, no one has really touched on this type of training and theory and the beginning stages are very 'conceptual'. It's not really a 'this is how to teach sit,down,heel behaviors' project.  It's something MUCH greater and has many depths and layers to it.  It was crucial my info made a clean transfer from outline to script into narration and video.  Doug and CTS hit it outta the park!!!  It's a beautiful production and I feel the info is ULTRACLEAR!  I am super proud of the work everyone has contributed to the project" added Dave Kroyer.
Learning to Learn is a highly anticipated release from Canine Training Systems.  Known as a teacher of trainers, a competitor and coach, David Kroyer and his students have stood atop podiums in the arenas of Schutzhund/IPO, Mondio and French Ring Sport, Police K9, AKC Obedience, Agility, SAR and AKC Tracking.  He has represented the United States Internationally on multiple World Teams while gaining notoriety both domestically and abroad.  As a student of animal behavior, Dave's approach to training is intuitive, calculated and utilizes the tools and techniques of many disciplines and styles in a system of training that has helped his students achieve National and International success.  


Featuring detailed instructional footage throughout, beautiful illustrative graphics and a step-by-step progression of the first 8 months of Dave's system, this title is ideal for anyone wanting a broad, comprehensive foundation in dog sport.  This title features rare footage of the father of Classical Conditioning, Ivan Pavlov, and his experiments on salivary secretions.  Beneficial to puppy owners, trainers with problem dogs or anyone wanting a more clear understanding of how to isolate behaviors.  For any trainer wanting to establish or teach students to create a dynamic, interactive worker while establishing a common language, this title is a must have!

“Dave Kroyer's foundation work is best described as multi-dimensional”, commented Calhoun.  “Conceptually, the dog is able to learn new behaviors incredibly quickly.  Because the dog understands the concept of behavior first, then reward, the dog is free to offer behaviors, even in the immediate presence of highly desirable rewards.  This lack of understanding in many systems of training is a roadblock to precision and flexibility in what a dog can achieve.”


Product Highlights

• This production details a systematic approach that yields a strong partnership based on trust, reliable, clean dialog and a habit of correct performance
• The integration of auditory behavior markers into the training routine is demonstrated and efficacy is discussed
• Through shaping positive, clean habits, Dave circumvents many bad habits that are byproducts of traditional methods
• The dog is taught the concept of 'Targeting' which teaches the relationship of behavior first, then reward
• Through Targeting, the dog is "untethered" from the handler which removes the handler as a lure from the training environment and expands behavioral possibilities including motion work, send-aways, object guard, scent indication and more
• Because the foundation work in Dave's system is multi-dimensional, the concepts taught are beneficial for ANY dog sport- Kennel Club Obedience, IPO, Ring Sport, Agility, Nose Work, Police K9, pet training and more
• This Hi-Definition, 16:9 aspect ratio production is available on professionally authored and replicated DVD for playback on the widest variety of consumer equipment.

Pricing and Availability
Training Through Pictures with Dave Kroyer- Learning to Learn, is immediately available through the Canine Training Systems worldwide reseller channel and direct from the Canine Training Systems website at www.caninetrainingsystems.com for an MSRP of $79.95.  The website contains a detailed outline as well as excerpts from the 105 minute, hi-definition title here.


About Canine Training Systems
Founded in 1987, Canine Training Systems is the worldwide leader in instructional titles for pet owners, dog sport competitors, industry professionals and institutions of higher education.  The company’s success lies in its ability to couple with the experts in service, sport and companion dog training and deliver their techniques to consumers through the most up-to-date delivery formats.  With the strength of their growing expert list, no other organization in the market place can offer the variety of techniques, disciplines, depth of knowledge or quality of product that Canine Training Systems routinely provides it’s worldwide customer base.


Canine Training Systems Press Contact
Douglas Calhoun
+1(573) 214-0900
doug@caninetrainingsystems.com

It feels like we're about to step across the finish line at a marathon.  Over 1,500 (one thousand five hundred) video, audio, overlay and graphical elements have magically stumbled together to create a gorgeous, detailed introduction into the much anticipated Training Through Pictures Sport Dog Series! The date is nearly upon us!  The much anticipated Training Through Picture with Dave Kroyer- Learning to Learn DVD is being replicated.  Once we have an arrival date, we'll begin pre-orders. 

It's absolutely gorgeous.  Really gorgeous.  It's detail rich, full of information on the first 6-8 months of Dave's system of training.  Whether you're working a puppy, new dog, needing to fix some problems or training across venues, this title is ideal.  There is a long laundry list of topics that are detailed over the course of 105 minutes.  This is the longest title we've produced and despite it's length, it's not a seminar or survey video!  It's the quality you expect, carefully written, meticulously filmed, edited, narrated and beautifully packaged!  This is the foundation of Dave's multi-dimensional system of training!

Here's the first 5 minutes.  If you'd like to be notified upon availability of the remaining 100 minutes, join our newsletter list, send us an email, or follow us on Facebook. 

And......Action...

The definitive guide on the first 6-8 months with your puppy or working dog with Dave Kroyer!  Known as a teacher of trainers, a competitor and coach, David Kroyer and his students have stood atop podiums in the arenas of Schutzhund/IPO, Mondio and French Ring Sport, Police K9, AKC Obedience, Agility, SAR and AKC Tracking.  He has represented the United States Internationally on multiple World Teams while gaining notoriety both domestically and abroad.  As a student of animal behavior, Dave's approach to training is intuitive, calculated and utilizes the tools and techniques of many disciplines and styles in a system of training that has helped his students achieve National and International success.

Through a systematic approach that yields a strong partnership based on trust, reliable, clean dialog and a habit of correct performance, the techniques in Dave’s system repeatedly demonstrate how to create a picture of excellence and shape your dog into an eager, engaged, interactive learner capable of the success you strive for regardless of discipline.

Featuring detailed instructional footage throughout, beautiful illustrative graphics and a step-by-step progression of the first 8 months of Dave's system, this title is ideal for anyone wanting a broad, comprehensive foundation in dog sport.  This title is multi-dimensional and the concepts taught are beneficial for ANY dog sport- Kennel Club Obedience, IPO, Ring Sport, Agility, Nose Work, Police K9 and more.  This title features rare footage of the father of Classical Conditioning, Ivan Pavlov, and his experiments on salivary secretions.  Beneficial to puppy owners, trainers with problem dogs or anyone wanting a more clear understanding of how to isolate behaviors.  To anyone wanting to create a dynamic, interactive worker while establishing a common language, this title is a must have!

Copyright 2014 Canine Training Systems®, 16:9 Widescreen Hi-Definition DVD, 105 minutes.

With 2013 in the books, winter in full swing and crazy cold temperatures everywhere, it's time to consider and plan for 2014.  What are your goals?  Aspirations?  Have you already scrapped your New Years' Resolution?  Personally we think about losing a bit of weight, eating better, spending more time with friends, saving a bit of money for something special or even giving up a vice that's not healthy.  Where our dog training is concerned we think about a faster sit in motion, a smoother jump or transition between obstacles, a more straight finish, a cleaner hold of the dumbbell, more attentive heeling or getting the title we've been chasing, but consider less how our mental state impacts our training.

Nearly 10 months ago, I joined a CrossFit affiliate in Columbia, MO, CrossFit Fringe. You may or may not have heard about CrossFit but it's "constantly varied, functional movements, performed at high intensity".  In short, it's an intense workout that focuses on strength and conditioning for everyday tasks.  It's not just weight lifting or cardio, but a combination, often using just body weight to elicit a positive neural adaptation.  Huh?  What's this have to do with dog training or a blog on the Canine Training Systems website?  Interesting you should ask.  It took a little time to circle around to it myself.  After barely being able to finish the free Saturday morning workout last April, I realized I needed to make a change.

I started IPO (Schutzhund) way back in 1989 with a Rotweiller pup, then worked GSD's and then got involved with police K9 training, earth work with terriers and have been involved with dogs back and forth between venues of some type in one way or another ever since.  I have lots of shiny production trophies made of expensive plastic and metal for video production and have seen some amazing dog work.  Really.  Cool. Stuff.  The bulk of my time with my own dogs (maybe like yours) has been spent in consideration of training, the fitness and capabilities of my dogs, a training/conditioning plan for moving forward and how to best achieve my next short term goal.  Little dedicated time and attention was consciously given to my mental and physical preparation; MY physical conditioning and MY mental approach to the work.

So little in fact that in my 40's I'm paying a relatively heavy physical price.  I've compression fractured and herniated discs catching dogs, have arthritis in both thumbs, a surgical repair for torn labrum and rotator cuff in my catching arm, have a bulge at T10/11 and facet sydrome here and there along with arthritis in both knees.  I am currently having some tingling/numbness down my left arm into my thumb when I sit too long.  Gotta get that checked out soon.  I caught a fair few dogs and played hard- I regret none of it.  I wish I'd been in a bit better shape though!

A Tough Mudder later, I realize all this working out has pushed me to where I am.  Where am I?  Hmmmmm.  I'm mentally stronger.  I'm also physically fit but more importantly, I'm looking at things differently.  It took me really pushing my body to see where my mind was at.  I'm happier, healthier and feel more complete.  I'm better for my work, family, dogs and my outlook is bright and resolute.  It's really quite bizarre to think that my mental game hasn't been 100% all this time.  It's been a culmination of things for me.  My food, exercise and attention to detail.  Details.  Anyone that reads this may think what a useless blog post, he's slipped, why post this.  Point being, what role does your mental game play in YOUR training, YOUR everyday, YOUR outlook.  Are you achieving your goals?  Goals?  How do you face difficulty, failure, accept success?  What details are pertinent to you to make you best at your game?  It's about the details.  What we do daily, reward and reinforce.  The baby steps toward success.  Approximations to finished behaviors.  What routines and behaviors are you filling your days with?

We consider all of the aspects of character, temperament, drive, endurance and trainability we want in our dogs and do our best to isolate, shape and strengthen what we can to get optimal performance through good training.  It's why we do this- it's fun for us and our dogs.  What are you bringing or, more importantly, NOT bringing to the training equation?  Beyond the relationship and sense of teamwork we gain through working with animals, your ability to be sharp, orderly, track progression and identify the moments we want to reward are what training is about.  You need to be in the moment.  The more that you are, the more precisely your ability to isolate behaviors is.  If you're not 100%, your training won't be.  Consider what it would take to get there and stay there.  What would you need to do today, tomorrow and by the weekend?  Is 2014 your year?  What are your goals for 2014? 2015?  Beyond?  For you and your training, family, career and future?  With your dog, you're half of the picture, are you the best half you can be?

Important Ship Dates for Christmas Delivery

UPS- United Parcel Service

For Christmas arrival using UPS-

UPS Ground by Tuesday December 17

UPS 3 Day by Wednessday December 18.   

UPS 2 Day by Thursday December 19.   

UPS Overnight by Friday or Saturday December 20-21.    

Orders placed on Saturday and Sunday the 20th and 21st will ship on Monday the 23rd, but are not guaranteed to deliver by Tuesday December 24th 2013.  

USPS- United States Postal Service

For estimated arrival by Christmas-

First Class Mail by Friday December 20

Priority Mail by Saturday December 21

Priority Mail Express by Monday December 23

Merry Christmas, everyone! ~Canine Training Systems

Based on clicker training principles, the Balabanov method relies on voice signals instead of a mechanical device. Trainer Ivan Balabanov has had great success with his method, including winning the 2005, 2006 and 2007 AWDF Championships, the 2007 FMBB World Championships and 2007 FCI All Breeds World Championship. The central goal of the Balabanov method is to break each obedient skill down to its most essential concept and then teach the dog a full and explicit understanding of this concept. Clarity of communication between handler and dog is essential in this method of training, which requires a structure of rules and system of signals. To learn more about these signals and the structure required for success check out the trailer and DVD.

This exciting video is packed full of body bite suit action. Dr. Stewart Hilliard’s production is informative and practical. Dr. Hilliard is best known as the founder of French Ring Sport in the U.S., as well as being an extraordinary writer, director and animal behaviorist. In the trailer the dangers of training with a body bite suit are clearly defined. Dr. Hilliard describes the dangers and how to properly handle and avoid them. He also explains where to begin training and how to gradually progress in the trailer. To find out more and see bite suit training in action watch the whole trailer and check out the DVD!

One of our most exciting videos, full of fantastic bite suit footage!

Experienced trainer, Randy Hare, uses his 20 years of experience in this video to demonstrate his revolutionary method of substance detector dog training. Hare has trained FBI and Special Forces dogs with this method and knows better than anyone how to get a dog to produce spot-on results. This video covers all aspects of The Hare method and shows you the tools to use for success. This trailer first covers how to train the dog what not to pay attention to, so that the results are more accurate. Then the non-traditional method in which rewards are handled is explained. Watch the trailer to find out more about this fascinating topic and how to train substance detector dogs. 

This video goes beyond your average dog bath and gives you the inside scoop on professional grooming. With its comprehensive steps and attention to detail this video makes grooming a Jack Russell easier than ever before. Michelle Ward’s regimen for preparing a dog for the ring is complete with detail shots of the dog’s coat, equipment and a full hands on demonstration. This trailer also highlights finishing touches, like how to use trimming sheers on the dog’s feet to make them appear rounder, how to detail the ears and more. So, with Ward’s instructions your Jack Russell will be ready in no time for any occasion. Watch the trailer now to find out more!

This title has was won more awards than any other we've produced!

This video not only shows you how to build drive and constructive play your dog, but also how to manage that energy and maintain it in 'containment'. The basic skills covered in this video are perfect for any dog or puppy learning obedience aiming with interest in pursuing dog sports. This trailer also demonstrates how to use the concept of containment in basic obedience while teaching the basic obedience exercises of sit and down. Joanne Fleming, the technical expert featured in this video, explains in depth how not only to train the dog, but also how the handler should adjust for different types of dogs, based on their body types and drive levels. So gear up and watch this trailer to learn more about what your dog can achieve!