Updated version for 2014, presentation given at the 2014 K9 Cop Conference.

1. Misapplication of Force in PoliceMisapplication of Force in Police
Dog TrainingDog Training

2. Tarheel Canine Training, Inc.Tarheel Canine Training, Inc.
 Jerry Bradshaw, Training DirectorJerry Bradshaw, Training Director
 Sanford, NCSanford, NC
 12,000 Square Foot Training Kennel12,000 Square Foot Training Kennel
 22,000 Square Foot & 7 Acre Tactical22,000 Square Foot & 7 Acre Tactical
Training FacilityTraining Facility
 www.tarheelcanine.comwww.tarheelcanine.com

3. Canine Learning ReviewCanine Learning Review
 ObservationObservation: Mimicking behaviors (e.g.: Mimicking behaviors (e.g.
teaching open stairs in a group).teaching open stairs in a group).
 Classical ConditioningClassical Conditioning : Learning by: Learning by
association, dogs respond to a signal inassociation, dogs respond to a signal in
anticipation of another event. (e.g. They getanticipation of another event. (e.g. They get
excited seeing a decoy because they areexcited seeing a decoy because they are
anticipating biting).anticipating biting).
 Operant ConditioningOperant Conditioning : Learning by: Learning by
consequence.consequence.
 Reinforcing Consequences (positive & negative)Reinforcing Consequences (positive & negative)
 Punishing Consequences (positive & negative)Punishing Consequences (positive & negative)

4. Summary of learningSummary of learning
 Dogs learn throughDogs learn through
observation, classical,observation, classical,
and operant conditioning.and operant conditioning.
 Learning takes placeLearning takes place
whether we are aware ofwhether we are aware of
it or not. The dog’sit or not. The dog’s
environment providesenvironment provides
myriad consequences.myriad consequences.
 There are constant gainsThere are constant gains
and losses from the dog’sand losses from the dog’s
mind during learning.mind during learning.
 Learning is not a linearLearning is not a linear
process.process.

5. Applying Force: Two OptionsApplying Force: Two Options
 Positive Punishment:Positive Punishment:
Application of force after anApplication of force after an
unwanted behavior occurs asunwanted behavior occurs as
a consequence of thata consequence of that
unwanted behavior.unwanted behavior.
 Example: Dog Growls at theExample: Dog Growls at the
handler – handler corrects thehandler – handler corrects the
dog for infringement ofdog for infringement of
handler’s perceived socialhandler’s perceived social
position.position.
 Negative Reinforcement:Negative Reinforcement:
Applying force in order toApplying force in order to
remove it when a wantedremove it when a wanted
behavior occurs.behavior occurs.
 Example: Choke chain sit.Example: Choke chain sit.

6. Misapplication of Force:Misapplication of Force:
Dominance AggressionDominance Aggression

7. Canine Dominance Facts…Canine Dominance Facts…
 Dominance is a pack-relative social behavior.Dominance is a pack-relative social behavior.
 As pack animals, dogs expect all relationships to be unequal. Somebody has to be inAs pack animals, dogs expect all relationships to be unequal. Somebody has to be in
charge.charge.
 Dominance aggression is usually shown by male dogs (85% of cases) and is mostDominance aggression is usually shown by male dogs (85% of cases) and is most
intense as social maturity is approached (2-2.5 yrs). Social maturity takes a lot longerintense as social maturity is approached (2-2.5 yrs). Social maturity takes a lot longer
than sexual maturity.than sexual maturity.
 Dominance aggression is both genetic and learned.Dominance aggression is both genetic and learned.
 The genetic component is formed while still in the womb when a testosterone surgeThe genetic component is formed while still in the womb when a testosterone surge
“masculanizes” the brain. If no testosterone surge occurs, a female brain is created.“masculanizes” the brain. If no testosterone surge occurs, a female brain is created.
 Therefore, castration has little effect on correcting this behavior. However, sinceTherefore, castration has little effect on correcting this behavior. However, since
learning is involved, extinction is still possible.learning is involved, extinction is still possible.
 Dogs tend to direct their dominance aggression toward those that are threats to theirDogs tend to direct their dominance aggression toward those that are threats to their
social position (i.e. the K9 handler).social position (i.e. the K9 handler).
 Common Triggers:Common Triggers:
 AffectionAffection
 Placing or removing collars/leads which initiate control on the dog.Placing or removing collars/leads which initiate control on the dog.
 Punishment (staring/discipline).Punishment (staring/discipline).
 Frustration (e.g. keeping the dog under obedience when he thinks he may do bite work).Frustration (e.g. keeping the dog under obedience when he thinks he may do bite work).
 Grooming (Postural)Grooming (Postural)
 Classical Conditioning: Can be context driven (e.g. place associated, obedience commandClassical Conditioning: Can be context driven (e.g. place associated, obedience command
associated)associated)
 Can be psychologically dominant and physically submissive (e.g. allow physical touching/handling).Can be psychologically dominant and physically submissive (e.g. allow physical touching/handling).

8. K9 Dominance IssuesK9 Dominance Issues
 Can affect both new and experienced handlers.Can affect both new and experienced handlers.
 If progresses to handler aggression can seriously affectIf progresses to handler aggression can seriously affect
mission.mission.
 Typical response to dominance is to establish rank byTypical response to dominance is to establish rank by
force (force (Positive PunishmentPositive Punishment ). Fight fire with fire.). Fight fire with fire.
 This may work well, or may initiate a cycle of constantThis may work well, or may initiate a cycle of constant
struggle for supremacy in the relationship if thestruggle for supremacy in the relationship if the
punishment is not severe & traumatic.punishment is not severe & traumatic.
 Changing behavior throughChanging behavior through negative punishmentnegative punishment isis
used less often, and may be seen as less proactive, butused less often, and may be seen as less proactive, but
may be safer and more effective.may be safer and more effective.
 Have you ever worked a dog you didn’t think you couldHave you ever worked a dog you didn’t think you could
win a fight with? One you can’t traumatize withwin a fight with? One you can’t traumatize with
punishment? You behave a lot differently!punishment? You behave a lot differently!

9. Specific DominanceSpecific Dominance
PerceptionsPerceptions
 Public vs. Pack Sociability: Many new handlers think dominancePublic vs. Pack Sociability: Many new handlers think dominance
applies to the dog they just took out of the crate!applies to the dog they just took out of the crate!
 ““I want a Tough, Hard Dog with no Rank Issues…”I want a Tough, Hard Dog with no Rank Issues…”
 ““I like a dog that comes up the leash…I respect that…”I like a dog that comes up the leash…I respect that…”
 ““if I let him get away with anything, he will lose his respect forif I let him get away with anything, he will lose his respect for
me…” leads to constant nagging of the dog about every little thing.me…” leads to constant nagging of the dog about every little thing.
Alphas don’t sweat the small stuff. Avoid confrontations you cannotAlphas don’t sweat the small stuff. Avoid confrontations you cannot
control or are not certain you will win – use retreating reprimands.control or are not certain you will win – use retreating reprimands.
 Try to look at things from the dog’s point of view: If you use a “dutchTry to look at things from the dog’s point of view: If you use a “dutch
method” to train the out….you may think you are training an out, butmethod” to train the out….you may think you are training an out, but
your dog may think you are fighting him for possession of the decoy.your dog may think you are fighting him for possession of the decoy.

10. Techniques for ChangingTechniques for Changing
BehaviorBehavior
 Remove the StimulusRemove the Stimulus
 Punish the Behavior (Positive Punishment)Punish the Behavior (Positive Punishment)
 Punish the behavior (Negative Punishment)Punish the behavior (Negative Punishment)
 Extinction: If a learned response is not rewarded any longer, theExtinction: If a learned response is not rewarded any longer, the
behavior is gradually lost and the frequency of the behavior willbehavior is gradually lost and the frequency of the behavior will
return to naturally occurring levels. If naturally recurring levels arereturn to naturally occurring levels. If naturally recurring levels are
high, however, no noticeable change will have occurred. (e.g.high, however, no noticeable change will have occurred. (e.g.
proofing off plastic bags and reward toys in detection training).proofing off plastic bags and reward toys in detection training).
 Modify the BehaviorModify the Behavior
 Re-Direct the BehaviorRe-Direct the Behavior
 Train Mutually Exclusive BehaviorsTrain Mutually Exclusive Behaviors
 Habituation: Constantly exposing a dog to a neutral (non-harmful orHabituation: Constantly exposing a dog to a neutral (non-harmful or
non-rewarding) stimulus.non-rewarding) stimulus.
 Flooding: Habituation through constant heavy exposure to a non-Flooding: Habituation through constant heavy exposure to a non-
neutral stimulus.neutral stimulus.
 Systematic Desensitization: Habituation through gradual exposure.Systematic Desensitization: Habituation through gradual exposure.

11. Addressing Dominance ( Judo forAddressing Dominance ( Judo for
K9 Handlers)K9 Handlers)
 Key: Gain the dog’sKey: Gain the dog’s
respect using your brain,respect using your brain,
not your hands. Imaginenot your hands. Imagine
you are training a grizzlyyou are training a grizzly
bear and not a dog. Whatbear and not a dog. What
would you do?would you do?
 Reject model of Alpha forReject model of Alpha for
that of “Super-Alpha”that of “Super-Alpha”
 Dogs don’t expectDogs don’t expect
equality, so put all theequality, so put all the
odds in your favor.odds in your favor.

12. Judo Continued……..Judo Continued……..
 Specific Techniques of the No Free Lunch Program (Bill Campbell).Specific Techniques of the No Free Lunch Program (Bill Campbell).
 Disorient his expectations, and set the dog up to have to show deference toDisorient his expectations, and set the dog up to have to show deference to
get anything he desires, including affection, rewards, food, etc. (includingget anything he desires, including affection, rewards, food, etc. (including
toys, bite sessions).toys, bite sessions).
 Use obedience as a pre-cursor to his favorite activities or those where heUse obedience as a pre-cursor to his favorite activities or those where he
gives you problems (e.g. obedience for bites).gives you problems (e.g. obedience for bites).
 Keep a level head – leaders do not explode with anger. Be results oriented,Keep a level head – leaders do not explode with anger. Be results oriented,
and do not become upset if you need a few trials to get the desiredand do not become upset if you need a few trials to get the desired
behaviors.behaviors.
 Regiment his life. He makes no decisions, and he makes no choices on hisRegiment his life. He makes no decisions, and he makes no choices on his
own. Use negative punishment to reduce unwanted behaviors (dominanceown. Use negative punishment to reduce unwanted behaviors (dominance
behaviors). Positively reinforce appropriate behaviors.behaviors). Positively reinforce appropriate behaviors.
 Use rewards in obedience (food rewards work well – little chance of fightingUse rewards in obedience (food rewards work well – little chance of fighting
over possession of the reward).over possession of the reward).
 Focus on the pre-cursors to aggressive responses, and plan your training toFocus on the pre-cursors to aggressive responses, and plan your training to
set yourself up to win any possible confrontations. (e.g. You know he getsset yourself up to win any possible confrontations. (e.g. You know he gets
frustrated and impulsive prior to bite work, and challenges your authority tofrustrated and impulsive prior to bite work, and challenges your authority to
control him).control him).
 Desensitize the dog to triggers (e.g. corrections, by focusing the dogDesensitize the dog to triggers (e.g. corrections, by focusing the dog
outwardly during the use of physical correction, and planning ahead).outwardly during the use of physical correction, and planning ahead).

13. Misapplication of Force: ObedienceMisapplication of Force: Obedience
TrainingTraining

14. Typical Training MethodologiesTypical Training Methodologies
 Obedience training philosophies run the gamut from motivational toObedience training philosophies run the gamut from motivational to
compulsive, and a mixture of the two.compulsive, and a mixture of the two.
 Purely Motivational: Positively Reinforce new behaviors by rewarding themPurely Motivational: Positively Reinforce new behaviors by rewarding them
and ignore incorrect responses (extinction) applying negative punishment.and ignore incorrect responses (extinction) applying negative punishment.
 Advantage:Advantage: low stress learning.low stress learning. ProblemProblem: competing motivations.: competing motivations.
 Purely Compulsive: Use negative reinforcement to teach new behaviors,Purely Compulsive: Use negative reinforcement to teach new behaviors,
and maintain the learned response by correcting unwanted behaviorsand maintain the learned response by correcting unwanted behaviors
(positive punishment), and rewarding correct ones with praise (positive(positive punishment), and rewarding correct ones with praise (positive
reinforcement).reinforcement).
 Advantage:Advantage: Preserves Alpha Model.Preserves Alpha Model. ProblemProblem: stress/confusion can trigger: stress/confusion can trigger
aggression in dominant dogs, and shut down softer dogs.aggression in dominant dogs, and shut down softer dogs.
 Eclectic Method: Teach new cues & behaviors motivationally (positiveEclectic Method: Teach new cues & behaviors motivationally (positive
reinforcement & negative punishment), and once behaviors are learned to areinforcement & negative punishment), and once behaviors are learned to a
certain level of competency, variably reinforce correct responses, andcertain level of competency, variably reinforce correct responses, and
positively punish (e.g. leash corrections) incorrect responses to commands.positively punish (e.g. leash corrections) incorrect responses to commands.
 Key: Striking Balance of method and temperament and not applying theKey: Striking Balance of method and temperament and not applying the
same cookie cutter approach to every dog.same cookie cutter approach to every dog.

15. Some Key IssuesSome Key Issues
 Hardness vs.Hardness vs.
Softness: Tough dogsSoftness: Tough dogs
can be handler soft.can be handler soft.
 Pack Sociability:Pack Sociability:
Dominant vs.Dominant vs.
Submissive.Submissive.
 All dogs seek toAll dogs seek to
resolve conflict.resolve conflict.

16. Crossover Effects: Safety SeekingCrossover Effects: Safety Seeking
BehaviorBehavior
 Middle pack dogs and handler soft dogsMiddle pack dogs and handler soft dogs
 Resolve Conflict by seeking safety: Dogs thatResolve Conflict by seeking safety: Dogs that
are too worried about the handler – the dogare too worried about the handler – the dog
worries about positional obedience or potentialworries about positional obedience or potential
punishments when he is “supposed” to bepunishments when he is “supposed” to be
working independently.working independently.
 Example: Elon and the building search.Example: Elon and the building search.
 Example: Detection dog walks around the car inExample: Detection dog walks around the car in
obedience instead of actively searching.obedience instead of actively searching.
 Example: Dog over anticipates controlExample: Dog over anticipates control
commands during controlled aggression.commands during controlled aggression.

17. Crossover Effects: ReactiveCrossover Effects: Reactive
ResponsesResponses
 Dominant DogsDominant Dogs
 Resolves Conflict byResolves Conflict by
attacking the source ofattacking the source of
the conflict, the handler.the conflict, the handler.
 Reactivity becomes aReactivity becomes a
learned response that islearned response that is
context driven.context driven.
 Handlers are taught toHandlers are taught to
punish the reactivity,punish the reactivity,
creating a cycle ofcreating a cycle of
conflict.conflict.

18. Resolving Conflict over ObedienceResolving Conflict over Obedience
 Choose a model of training that fits theChoose a model of training that fits the
temperament of the dog.temperament of the dog.
 The pure compulsion method hasThe pure compulsion method has
drawbacks for high drive, reactive,drawbacks for high drive, reactive,
dominant dogs as well as for softer dogs.dominant dogs as well as for softer dogs.
 Hard dogs do not learn from compulsionHard dogs do not learn from compulsion
as easily as softer dogs.as easily as softer dogs.
 Balance compulsion with reward for theBalance compulsion with reward for the
dog you are working with.dog you are working with.

19. Misapplication of Force: AggressionMisapplication of Force: Aggression
ControlControl

20. Methods for controlling aggressionMethods for controlling aggression
 Out & Guard (sit, lieOut & Guard (sit, lie
down, bark)down, bark)
 RedirectRedirect
 Corollary: Out &Corollary: Out &
Return to coverReturn to cover
 ““Call-off” aka: Recall,Call-off” aka: Recall,
Stopped Attack – dogStopped Attack – dog
can return or laycan return or lay
down and watchdown and watch
suspect.suspect.
 Last Two articles inLast Two articles in
K9 Cop Magazine!K9 Cop Magazine!

21. Training the Out & GuardTraining the Out & Guard
 Inherently conflict ridden: dogsInherently conflict ridden: dogs
are taught to bite withoutare taught to bite without
control first, then we teachcontrol first, then we teach
them to release in a high statethem to release in a high state
of drive.of drive.
 Prerequisite: Dog must be ablePrerequisite: Dog must be able
to channel his drives (prey &to channel his drives (prey &
defense) seamlessly beforedefense) seamlessly before
training the out. This gets shorttraining the out. This gets short
shrift in most police dogshrift in most police dog
training.training.

22. Out: Setting up forOut: Setting up for
successsuccess
Plan for what can go wrong: Back-Plan for what can go wrong: Back-
tie & 2 Lines. Eliminates redirectedtie & 2 Lines. Eliminates redirected
aggression and eliminates dirtyaggression and eliminates dirty
gripsgrips
Correction & Reward must balanceCorrection & Reward must balance
– otherwise the dog views exercise– otherwise the dog views exercise
as a net loss every time, and if youas a net loss every time, and if you
selected a strongly driven,selected a strongly driven,
possessive dog, you are workingpossessive dog, you are working
against his natural instincts insteadagainst his natural instincts instead
of with them.of with them.
Force the out & balance with Re-Force the out & balance with Re-
bite: Correction comes into gripbite: Correction comes into grip
when the dog channels into prey,when the dog channels into prey,
release is immediately rewardedrelease is immediately rewarded
with another bite. This resolves thewith another bite. This resolves the
conflict.conflict.
Successively approximate theSuccessively approximate the
guard behavior once you achieveguard behavior once you achieve
the idea of “release generates thethe idea of “release generates the
reward.”reward.”
Pick a command that will meanPick a command that will mean
“release and stay” – “OUT”“release and stay” – “OUT”

23. Forcing the out: TechniquesForcing the out: Techniques
 Positive punishmentPositive punishment ::
Correct the dog for bitingCorrect the dog for biting
after the out command isafter the out command is
given.given.
 NegativeNegative
reinforcementreinforcement ::
Constant pressure isConstant pressure is
applied, and once the dogapplied, and once the dog
releases, release thereleases, release the
pressure (reinforcingpressure (reinforcing
consequence), andconsequence), and
immediately reward withimmediately reward with
another grip (positiveanother grip (positive
reinforcement).reinforcement).

24. Out and guard is the first releaseOut and guard is the first release
technique we teach, and thentechnique we teach, and then
progress to out/return viaprogress to out/return via
redirects.redirects.
Out/Guard VideosOut/Guard Videos

25. Out Training ProgressionOut Training Progression
 Vary the out from sleeves, toVary the out from sleeves, to
suit, to hidden sleeves.suit, to hidden sleeves.
 Move from 2 lines on the back-Move from 2 lines on the back-
tie to 2 lines in the field.tie to 2 lines in the field.
 Vary the environmentalVary the environmental
context: Field, buildings,context: Field, buildings,
woods, tight spaces, decoywoods, tight spaces, decoy
position.position.
 Move from 2 lines to one lineMove from 2 lines to one line
on correction collar, handleron correction collar, handler
initiating the corrections.initiating the corrections.
 Incorporate e-collar (helpful forIncorporate e-collar (helpful for
distance work later in recalls).distance work later in recalls).

26. Redirected bites: Set up forRedirected bites: Set up for
successsuccess
 Redirects are theRedirects are the
foundation for the out andfoundation for the out and
return and the call off.return and the call off.
 Prerequisites: Dog mustPrerequisites: Dog must
have a good motivationalhave a good motivational
recall, and understandrecall, and understand
being forced to out for abeing forced to out for a
reward, and find heel.reward, and find heel.
 Equipment: Long line onEquipment: Long line on
flat collar, and a short lineflat collar, and a short line
on correction collar.on correction collar.

27. Re-directed bites: TechniqueRe-directed bites: Technique
 Start purely motivationallyStart purely motivationally
 Maintain proper line handling toMaintain proper line handling to
set the grip when the dog is in theset the grip when the dog is in the
grip (tight line), and loose linegrip (tight line), and loose line
when you are ready for the dog towhen you are ready for the dog to
come back.come back.
 Pick a command that means comePick a command that means come
back to me – I use the dog’sback to me – I use the dog’s
name. Do not use the same wordname. Do not use the same word
that is to mean release and stay!that is to mean release and stay!
 Once dog is on decoy #1, thatOnce dog is on decoy #1, that
decoy picks up the correction linedecoy picks up the correction line
to be ready.to be ready.
 signal (non-verbal) for the decoysignal (non-verbal) for the decoy
to stop the fight, call the dog’sto stop the fight, call the dog’s
name, and immediately, decoy #2name, and immediately, decoy #2
agitates to draw the dog back.agitates to draw the dog back.

28. Redirects are built in stages,Redirects are built in stages,
layering skills on top of eachlayering skills on top of each
other.other.
Redirect VideosRedirect Videos

29. Question & AnswerQuestion & Answer