Tools of the Trade

CROOK - The best height is to your lower rib.  Use wood, something with which you are comfortabe.  The crook is used as an aid to show the dog where you want them to go.  It is not to be used on the dog except as an occasional guide; never as a weapon!  Dogs, even "hot" dogs, never need to be touched by the pole; I will show you how we do this

RAKE - The leaf rake is an idea I got from Greg Prince and Bob Vest.  The rake is useful because it is soft on the dog but large enough that the dog sees the rake and with pre-training, will move off the PRESSURE of the rake.

ROPE - A rope lead is used to "hold the dog's hand" throughout hard situations.  The rope is a very positive force; we are showing the dog exactly what we expect from them and working as their partners.  This gives them confidence not only in themselves, but in us as well.

CRATE - A place for the dog to go so he can think about what he did after working.

BODY PRESSURE - Once the dog is trained on the rake now we need to make sure the dog will move off your body pressure.  The dog needs to understand that they must do it even if you don't have the rake.

COLLAR - Buckle collar works the best tightly fitted behind the dogs ears.

FOOD & TOYS - Additional motivators if needed. Food treat or favorite toy.