David Dikeman's Command Performance Dog Training System - Vol. 1 & 2

[Adina P]

If you are a fan of treat-as-reward training only, you won't like this video series. But if you are open to a training system based on a "older" but tried-and-true method (used on over 10,000 dogs) that gets results...this video series is for you.

This method teaches the dog to make choices, focus on its handler (you) without any nagging, bribing, or anger. Everything is presented to the dog in a way that is easy to understand, making it very fair and improving the dog's confidence in his ability to choose his consequences. In the process trust and respect is built =)

Clark (my hubby) trained our border collie with this method 10 years ago. Thule has been trained to heel on leash impeccably with this method. I've gotten Rosco to a high level of reliability on leash around difficult distractions with this method and we're continually progressing in our off leash work around distractions.

I think this video series is excellent regardless of breed or temperament and if you are having a difficult time finding a good trainer in your area...you might want to consider David Dikeman's Command Performance as a training tool. It is seriously good stuff.
I only have one warning for you...this is NOT a method you can pick and choose from...it's gotta be done "by the book" to get the results. However, if you commit to it 100% in 3 months you'll see excellent results. This training is best for dogs who are at least 6 months old, though a mature 5 month old could start this too.

(available on Amazon.com and Ebay.com)

Here's David Dikeman demonstrating:

[ClarkP]

This training system is the best thing I have ever done with a dog. The dog instantly "gets" what is happening after the first session. They are already 50 times better than they were before that one 20 minute session. It's really amazing to see. By following through and doing all the training on the videos, you can have an absolutely reliable dog.

Using this system, Cass was off leash reliable by 18 months. I mean COMPLETELY off leash reliable. Here's an example of that reliability. Cass obsessed about playing Frisbee. She loved Frisbees more than squirrels or bunnies or ducks or cats or anything else that she could chase. We played Frisbee daily and she was an amazing athlete dog. One day while throwing Frisbee for her, I unleashed a marginal throw that was caught by the wind and WAS being carried onto/across a busy street. My heart stopped. I yelled "Cass! Down!" and from a full on sprint, she stopped and hit the grass. Whew! I knew she was very reliable but I sure didn't want to test it like that. :-) I called her to me and she came immediately. She did look back at where the Frisbee was being run over by cars... and she didn't understand why I stopped her when the Frisbee was obviously over there, she just did it because I told her to. My mom saw it and couldn't believe it. She later made snide remarks about life being easier if I had listened to her that well as I grew up, but that's another topic entirely.

I would unreservedly recommend this training system to any dog owner. As Adina said, you can't pick and choose which parts of it you like and leave out others because it is a system. But it works miracles. I know. I did it.

It's no longer being produced and is only available on VHS but it is soooo worth pulling out the old VCR to watch. Go to ebay and get a copy.

[2sforeqbpo84w]

so what type of technique is it? Is it collar jerking?

[Adina P]

Jennifer, yes it does utilize collar corrections if that is what you are referring to--but it's not that, strictly speaking, that makes it effective. It's an overall method from start to finish that takes the dog step by step from a foundation of "attention" through heeling (and all the novice obedience exercises) all the way to reliable off leash obedience.

I like how it actually uses all corrections because each correction actually works to bring the dog back into "correct" -- in other words it's not just you, the owner, being irritated and "punishing" the dog for doing something wrong. Each correction actually helps the dog BE correct and receive praise so it is crystal clear when the dog is right and when the dog is wrong. I love that. There is no ambiguity and dogs like that too and learn fast. Plus corrections have to fit the dog. A small, soft dog isn't going to get the same level of correction as a tougher, bigger dog.

I realize not everyone is comfortable with corrections, and that's okay. Obviously you have to use what makes sense to you. This particular program made sense to us, and gives instant results...it really does. The long term, off leash reliability is not instant, obviously, but it shows you step by step and day by day how to work toward that in a very concrete way.

[Adina P]

Oh and I want to add that this program is ALL I did once Rosco was close to 6 months old. Never stepped foot in an obedience class (only got a little help from a trainer over the phone when *I* was having trouble understanding some things) and I think that speaks volumes about the effectiveness: That *I* have been able to accomplish decent training of Rosco on my own is really cool! There's no way we would have gotten this far using something else.

[25pn2nescla2f]

thank you i will be buying this...

[Paula Cheser]

Does anyone know where I can purchase a
DVD of command performance. I bought the vhs years ago and now I can not find vol one and no longer own a vcr. I love the techniques because I do not believe in treat training either but can not find it on dvd anywhere. I would even settle for a copied version if anyone would care to email me. Please [e-mail]
Thanks so much Paula

[Maryann,Roo and Tigger]

I found this set of videos used and inexpensive at Amazon.com. I think they are really excellent. Very clear instructions. One caveat - I don't think anyone should attempt the doublering chain throw without really expert help. Perhaps I am overly cautious, I know I am overly uncoordinated, but this one thing ( the only thing) that puts up big caution lights in my head. I sent the videos on to my son who just adopted two more huskies from a rescue. He really has a knack with dogs and thought he would really be interested in a step by step do it yourself program. Thanks Adina

[Adina P]

Hi Maryann...isn't it super logical? I love it!
You know I had the SAME concern (about the throw chain) when first watching and then preparing for this part. I was really worried (what if I did it wrong? what if Rosco saw me? what if I missed or did it too hard? what if Rosco got scared?). NONE of those were realized and I had nobody watching me to direct me. But you know what it's NOWHERE as hard as you think or I thought. For one the dog is on a leash when you start and you don't get more than 4 feet away at any time...and after one or two it's REALLY hard to catch the dog because he pays SUCH close attention and is so responsive. And here's the thing...a trainer/expert can't help YOU aim better, but you don't need much skill...as long as you follow instructions you can't mess up. You need NOT be (nor should you be) a professional pitcher...LOL...you're not trying to hurt the dog, only startle and get him to WANT to pay attention. So it's actually FAR FAR easier and less nerve wracking than you thought. The HARDEST part for me was wrapping my little hand around the throw chain so it wasn't showing...that and FINDING the thing later...I lost many in the grass!

[Ali]

Okay, so I have been looking at so many obedience classes for Lola lately, but realized I am not on a consistent schedule to sign up for one. So this sounds great. Are there certain training tools I would have to purchase or a special collar? I am traveling more on weekends for weddings and graduate school interviews, so.... would it be a bad thing to start doing this type of training then leave her in the hands with my friend? Would I have to teach my friend what to do or no? Just wondering if it is that kind of commitment that I can't leave her with my friends.

[Ali]

Is it only available on VHS?

[Ali]

Are there any dog training systems on dvd that are similar to this one or as good as this one?

[Adina P]

This particular method can only be done the way it's done. It's my preferred training method and I think it is excellent. So I would say NO there is nothing else LIKE this that would be as good. But that doesn't mean other methods may not work for training your dog.

Try this site: http://www.dogwise.com/search.cfm -- it does have some videos. Otherwise I have no good recommendations. Perhaps a good book on training and YouTube for helpful demos.