Volhard Dog Training Camp

What is the Volhard Motivational Method?

Welcome to the Motivational Method, an approach to training for people who like their dogs and who have them first and foremost as pets and companions. At the heart of the Motivational Method is the conviction that positive reinforcement is the most effective teaching tool. We believe that when a dog is consistently rewarded for the correct response to a given command, rather than constantly checked for a negative action, he is motivated to learn and training is made pleasant and effective for both handler and dog.

It is an evolving method. As we have gained experience through training, teaching and the continued study of canine behavior, we have been more and more successful in eliminating the need for negative reinforcement and compulsive training. The Motivational Method dates back to 1970 and we gave our first training seminar in 1974. The seminars were followed by the first Instructor School in 1977. Next we introduced the Instructor Schools and Training Camps, which have been attended by individuals at every level of experience, from rank beginners to accomplished trainers and instructors. Participants have come from across the United States, Australia, Bermuda, Canada, England, Germany, Italy, Japan, New Zealand, Norway, Puerto Rico, the Republic of Singapore, Turkey and the West Indies.

"Success Breeds Success" is an old saying and one that well applies to this method.

The Motivational Method is a proven approach to teaching beginners how to train their dogs. The techniques are simple and can be successfully used by inexperienced trainers, as well as by those with more experience. And, although it was intended as a technique for training puppies, it proved itself equally effective with adolescent, adult and even problem dogs, many of which were given a second chance at life.

The relationship between man and dog is complex and often suffers from poor communication. The Motivational Method bridges the gap between the species, blending human and canine psychology into a carefully structured program, whose ultimate goal is a happy, reliable dog. As complex chains of behaviors are mastered, learning becomes easy and enjoyable. Training begins with exercises of basic control and progresses step-by-step to advanced level exercises. The Motivational Method systematically moves through three phases: teaching, practicing, and testing. The result is a dog that believes it can succeed, a belief that is crucial to the dog’s confidence. Without it, the dog may experience difficulty learning and responding in a reliable, motivated fashion.

The Motivational Method trains handlers to communicate with their dogs in a clear, compelling, and positive manner. Research into the psychology of how people learn is incorporated into every step of the training process. Body posture, leash handling, tone of voice and an understanding of dog behavior are skills taught to each owner and handler, enabling anyone who has the desire the opportunity to achieve their training goals.