The Koehler Method of Dog Training

William Koehler's method of dog training has been popular for more than 40 years. Unlike modern training programs that use clickers and positive behavior reinforcement such as treats, Koehler focuses on using physical and mental dominance to teach a dog that incorrect behavior leads to punishment. Koehler's philosophy is that a dog's behavior is determined by expectation of reward or punishment, and the dog chooses conduct and consequences. The Koehler method teaches AKC standard behaviors such as "heel," "sit" and "stay". After completing training, Koehler-trained dogs consistently perform the commands on and off the leash.

Things You'll Need

  • "The Koehler Method of Dog Training"
  • Choke collar
  • 15-foot leash/longe line
  • Practice area
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Instructions

    • 1

      Read "The Koehler Method of Dog Training" (1962). William Koehler states that his methods must be studied and understood by the trainer before the dog's instruction begins. The fundamental training steps are described in Chapter 3, The Foundation. Commit to working with your dog daily for the duration of its training for optimal results.

    • 2

      Keep the dog in a confined space for two hours before the training sessions. Withhold food for four hours and and water for one hour before training. These measures ensure you have the dog's attention.

    • 3

      Equip the dog with a properly fitted choke collar and a 15-foot leash (Koehler advocates using a longe line, which is a horse lead with a snap fastener on the end). Koehler recommends a prong or pinch collar with inward-facing spikes for dogs with advanced behavioral problems.

    • 4

      Perform a training exercise with your dog such as the "heel" command as described in Koehler's manual. Perform the exercise 25 times per session. Be firm and remember you are teaching your dog to make correct choices based on comfort vs. discomfort. Praise the dog when it performs correctly.

    • 5

      Continue working with your dog on the "heel" command for two weeks. During weeks 3-4, continue the "heel" command exercise and introduce the "sit" command. Have the dog perform "sit" 25 times per session. Praise acceptable behavior and correct mistakes.

    • 6

      Continue "heel" and "sit" commands while you add new exercises such as "stay," "come," "down" and "stand." Repeat each command 25 times. Reward your dog with praise, and correct its wrong behavior.