Re: Wash Out Rates etc.

It was nice to see you back Bob,

I feel that I missed out on something special during the few training sessions I attended with my Dobermann Apollo at your club during the time that you were away from the sport. Good to see you back and nice job on the seminar.

Q - How long does it take for you to evaluate a dog and decide whether or not this dog can make the MR III grade?

A - I like to talk in terms of "potential". Potential to play in the sport and potential to play in Ring III. Because so much replies on what the handler gives to the dog it is hard to judge. On pure quality of the dog, I would say it takes us 4 to 10 sessions to assess potential to play in the sport. It would take up to a year to really know if the dog has Ring III potential. Remember that a lot depends on the handler also. In addition, there is no way of telling what is inside the dog that is not showing at the time of assessment. I have seen dogs who had major problems with the stick and their confidence (result of training from other people) rebound in six months to complete their Ring I and eventually do on to Ring II. You just never fully know what is in the dog's heart. We always tell our members, we'll put the building blocks in place, it will be up to your dog and you to progress.

Q - What is the wash out Rate for dogs that want to make the MR III grade in Mondio assuming that people are not just hanging in to gain training experience and are serious about getting there?

A - Considering all influences and what it takes to become Ring III, my guess is one in five to one in ten in North America. That is training from puppy up.

Q - What is the ratio compared to Police Department wash out rates?

A - I have no idea...

Q - What experience do you have with PSD dogs? How many?, How Long? What training certs were followed?

A - I have very little experience with PSD dogs.

Q - What is the exact reason that you are working with Mals now as opposed to GSDS's?

A - I had always worked with GSD's. After returning to the sport a year ago, I decided to try another breed but did not know what breed that would be. After a long search, I decided on a Mal. I felt that the Mal may suit my training style and I wanted to compete at the WC.

Q - How many dogs have you titled in Mondio Ring?

A - One, to Ring III

Q - How long have you been training Mondio Ring?

A - 1995

Q - How long have you been training dogs?

A - 20 years

Q - Do you still breed GSD's?

A - No

Q - Whatever breed you are breeding currently, are you going to use Mondio Ring as the breeding tool by which your stock will be gauged?

A - I am not breeding but if I was I would use Mondioring as the gage.

Q - Do you use the Agitation muzzle in any way to enhance the fight drive and teach control more quickly in training?

A - I have in the past and I do plan to use it in the future. I am a big fan of muzzle work.

Q - If so many Dobermann's were in fact reaching 100 + lbs aren't these heavier dogs moving away from being bred for working ability? What advantage would a hundred pound Dobermann have over an 88 pound Dobermann? What disadvantages? Shouldn't this be a real consideration by anyone seriously breeding working dogs of any breed?

A - Generally speaking there is no advantage. You will begin to lose agility, structure, stamina, speed with the 100 lb. dog.

Q - MOST not ALL Schutzhund dogs would never even come close to making it as a PSD which is a known fact by any sane working dog person, it seems to me that Mondio Ring would be much different in that it has most of the requirements met that are in the PSD certs. I personally believe it would be easy to switch the dog over to PSD work with a few minor adjustments, what are your thoughts on this?

A - Again, I am not experienced in switching these dogs, however I just completed a seminar in Brazil with personal protection trainers and the military and the philosophies of Mondioring carry directly over to their applications.

Q - In private conversations I've had with your club members when I was there, there was a clear understanding that many Sch dogs would never be able to make the Mondio Ring cut, what is the biggest difference? Is the ability to react to different situations with a clear head and encounter new "things"?

A - I believe many Sch. Dogs can play Mondioring at the Brevet and Ring I level. But, like all dogs, encountering the variables they will see in Mondioring will challenge them in a way they will not be used to. After training and exposing them to these variables, it is possible for Sch. Dogs to progress.

Q - Some Schutzhund dogs have a hard time with different training fields, new helpers etc. We made sure we trained our SAR dogs for new scenarios and territories all of the time to ensure that the dogs were prepared and that they could handle it? Is this a major part of Mondio Ring?

A - Absolutely. If I understand you correctly, you train to what you know you will encounter and probably a little more. Therefore A, B, C, D, E and F for a little more. In Mondioring you will encounter many variables and you must be ready. Therefore A to Z and imagine past that. Your imagination in Mondioring is your only limit in training. Every day I consider and imagine new possibilities for my training. This will never end. I also encourage our club members to think outside the box also, because we want to be prepared for everything.

Q - With this type "of training for the unexpected" how much extra stress does it put on the dog?

A - None, dogs love to think and what the mental challenge. I think it is more stressful for the dog when they are pattern trained and are bored to death. Challenge a dog to think and you will develop him completely.

Q - From my own experience I understand that this is a big part of PSD training and I believe that this would be a huge separating factor that would really determine the level of courage and stability of nerves in a dog cut out for PSD work or any sport that requires this type of dog such as Campaign? What are your thoughts on this?

A - I think when you expose and train a dog to think from the start the separation factor is less. But, I do agree, it is a separating factor. I think we have a bigger problem in that the handlers / trainers have been accustom to pattern training and it them who need the reeducation.

Q - Jason and others suggest that the Police does a poor job in all areas of their endeavors, and has heard the same about PSD's in competitive sport. Is this true? What would be the reason for this if in fact it were true?

A - If this was true, it would be that many trainers are locked in their own paradigms and shortcomings. In that their egos are in their way of true progression.

Q - Finally, with all of the focus on new situations, clear heads and control work wouldn't a dog with high fight drive that is actually tested to this degree be a much more stable dog that could be trusted in all areas including living with a family?

A - Yes, without a doubt

Regards

Bob