Intro to ILL and LL (Lesson 1). " Why the KMODT works so well". Excellent article by Deb Kidwell (student, breeder of Labs and a PhD in Military History)

                            Why it works – 

            The Koehler Method of Dog Training 

by Deb Kidwell

 

Lesson 1 – 15’ Longe Line and Quiet Time

 The use of the Longe Line with no spoken commands teaches the dog to pay attention to the handler and to avoid distractions.  Distractions can be real (actual) or planted to simulate a specific reaction to social, prey, defense and fight drives.  The first few days of each new week teach new skills and proof those developing skills under increasing levels of distraction as the week continues.  As the handler walks a preset pattern, if the dog does not stay with the handler for any reason, the handler takes opposite action to regain the dog’s attention.  For example, if the dog lags, the handler speeds up (or turns), if the dog forges, the handler makes an about face turn and walks quickly in the opposite direction.  Similarly, if the dog goes left, the handler turns right; when the dog goes right, the handler turns left, and so on.  This action is not a punishment, but a correction or an action to make wrong action right.  The wrong action is being inattentive to the handler, and the correction is the chain collar tightening until the dog pays attention and again moves with the handler.  Over time, the distance given as leeway gradually shrinks, until the dog is in proper heel position.

KMODT is a true method of training and relies on the comprehensive application of behavioral principles.  It applies to all breeds, genders, temperaments and even to dogs with previous behavioral problems such as biting and fighting.  The foundation is that to create a favorable mindset in the dog, we are mindful of the paradigm that actions create memories and favorable memories lead to desire for the correct behavior.  The dog’s behavior and character is permanently changed.  When correctly motivated, the dog’s work ethic is activated, and the dog is encouraged to work for and with the handler.  These are very different goals than teaching the dog to perform specific skills and/or perform behaviors on command.  In KMODT, the relationship between and handler and dog is enhanced.  By contrast, if compliance is achieved through force, the handler must continue to force the dog to learn new skills.  Similarly, if the dog is motivated to perform behaviors with treats, the handler must continue to treat the dog to learn and maintain new behaviors.

Given the choice, a dog will always move from discomfort to comfort.  We can use this contrast in the dog’s comfort level to encourage a choice between right and wrong behavior (as we define it).  For example, if the dog gets out of heel position, the chain collar tightens causing discomfort.  When the dog chooses to return to heel position, the collar is loosened, and the dog returns to a state of comfort.  The element of choice is much more stable and reliable than compulsion, force or reward.  KMODT teaches the dog to be accountable for his or her choices, because they experience a consequence that comes along with each choice.  Right action earns comfort, while wrong action earns a correction that is uncomfortable until the dog makes the right choice and comfort is restored.  The correct behavior is also strengthened by the dog NOT experiencing a negative condition (discomfort) and receiving an additional positive condition (praise from the handler). 

Quiet Time, or the quiet settling of the dog at the left side of the seated handler, allows the dog to maintain comfort at the side of the handler and begins the bonding process.  When the dog realizes that he or she is not required to engage with their surroundings, they begin to regard the handler in a different perspective.  Koehler stated that his most important objective was “that the dog be so trained, that he will regard all temptations, distractions and emergencies in relation to you, his master.”