The Koehler Method of Dog Training

by William R. Koehler

Strictly following the model set out in the “Koehler Method of Dog Training”, some 50 years later, the Koehler method continues to be taught in both class and private training formats. The method is based in the philosophy that a dog acts on its right to choose its actions. Koehler explained that a dog’s learned behavior is an act of choice based on its own learning experience. When those choices are influenced by the expectation of reward, the behavior will most likely be repeated, and when those choices are influenced by the anticipation of punishment, they will most likely cease. Once the dog has learned that its choices result in comfort or discomfort it can be taught to make the correct decisions. Action→Memory→Desire encapsulates the learning pattern used by the method; the dog acts, remembers the consequences, and forms the desire to repeat or avoid those consequences. Adherents believe that once the behavior has been correctly taught, it should be performed, thus making any correction, fair, reasonable, and expected.

Genres: Dogs, Nonfiction, Reference, History

283 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 1, 1974

Reviews

[Kirsten (lush.lit.life)]

This is the book recommended by our dog trainer and I’m a novice AND it was written by the person who allegedly trained Asta from the Thin Man movies, so yay! But wow, the language is archaic and the philosophies are outdated and his tone is unbearably condescending. I am in absolute hysterics - cry-laughing, ha. If you’ve ever seen a black and white instructional film/filmstrip from the 30’s-40’s that’s pretty much the tone. Bottom line is that the dog yearns to be dominated by you, but imagine it said with many more words in a smug, scolding way. If my dog yearns to be dominated, it is absolute aces at hiding it. This will always be a comedy classic to me. Maybe I’ll shelve it in humor?

[Felicity · Rating 1 out of 5]

Read this just because so much of this training advice is still hanging around, and I thought it best to know exactly what this method recommends. These methods are outdated and overly heavy-handed. There are far less relationship-damaging methods that produce the same (or even better) results.

[Sharmilla · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think this method of dog training has fallen out of favour with the general public because it’s seen as too harsh. While I agree that many dogs can be successfully trained using clickers and treats, there are still plenty of dogs - mine included - with dominant personalities, high drives and a dependency on strict leadership that highly benefit from this method. My relationship with my pup took a complete turn when I began using this method (under the supervision of a professional trainer) and though my dog is not 100% perfect, I can definitely attest to the positive changes in behaviour that result from following this method consistently. Balanced training in general gets a bad rep these days, but I’m a firm convert as relying solely on positive reinforcement did no favours to me or my dog, especially once he hit adolescence. Of course each dog is different and what works for one may not be effective in another, but in my personal experience with a large, active, highly intelligent and oftentimes stubborn breed, this method of training works wonders.

[Mike Johnson · Rating 1 out of 5]

The Bill Koehler methods were good for their time, but training methods have advanced exponentially since then. These techniques are extremely outdated, and by today's standards, counter productive.
It's important to give Mr Koehler recognition for laying the groundwork for what was to come, but it's even more important to understand that these methods are far from the best we have today, and much of the information in this book should be avoided for the good of your dog.

[Allison · Rating 1 out of 5]

It's a bit of a horror story. I wouldn't advocate it as a book for the beginner. And anyone else of experience would have moved beyond the method.

Still. From a historical perspective you can begin to understand where a lot of 'wives tales' come from.

I won't be taping anything to my dogs mouth anytime soon.

[Ant · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic book on the philosophy of dog training. The methods have changed with the improvements in technology since the book was written. However, the fundamentals are still completely relevant to training dogs today. On top of that, the book is so wonderfully written that every page contains quotable wisdom.

[Fredrick Danysh · Rating 3 out of 5]

The author lays out his methods of training dogs for guard duty and home pets. It does not use any brutal methods. A good read for anyone interested in training their pet as long as they remember that no one method is suitable for all dogs.

[KM · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book explains so many great tactics. I use Herm Sprenger Prong Collars and my dogs are attached to me or crated for the first 2 years of their lives. I have made some modifications such as not drowning my dog in a hole they dug (simply because my dog will only dig holes if I allow it. And I do not allow it. They would have received a correction as they are attached to me or crated for the first two years making that a non issue)

Being a responsible dog owner/handler will remove most undesired behaviors (like digging, barking without stimulation, jumping, begging, chewing, and impregnating or being impregnated) all of these behaviors could be corrected the first time they occur. Teaching your dog what is acceptable and unacceptable behavior is the only fair way for both of you to live happy fulfilled lives. The dog wants to make you happy. This training teaches them exactly how to do that.

Many people who read this book will be what Mr. Koehler calls “wincers” and this training is NOT for them. Dogs are dogs. When you treat them as humans, it is not fair to the dog. You are unable to give them what they need as a different species. Dogs understand being nipped at the neck, because their mothers or pack leaders would do the same in the wild. I disagree with choke chains, as they can truly kill a dog with someone who does not understand how to use them properly. I do not agree with most people using prong collars; unless trained first on how to use correctly; But I will say this book was made before people started ruining breeds, over breeding / inbreeding, so these measures (though they are proven to work over and over again) should be modified per dog. The 9lb Malti-poo with 3 legs requires a different correction than a Czech Shepherd who weighs 80lbs and is overly aggressive. Just as aggressive dogs need harsher faster corrections than a lazy calm dog who just needs to be taught to listen when commanded the first time.

I suggest the read, the application of most tactics but if you disagree with corrections or feel that your dog needs a treat (most of which cause health issues and stinky hands or pockets and yield a dog that can perform tricks - when and only when they are given a treat) if you want a stable, off lead capable dog without silly things like treats or toys - this book is for you.

#WorkYourDog #Corrections=Freedom #Training #Love

[Alex Kass · Rating 3 out of 5]

So, I have reread kmdt and wheeeew boy I can understand why I never reread it after the first time a decade ago.

The information on Training is good but the delivery is atrocious. He comes across as a complete a**. Even advocating for trainers to pick out one client from a group class to belittle and talk down to.

This book is toxic masculinity in hard copy. We no longer live in a world where it's enough to have good information. You need a solid delivery and people skills.

Do I use these methods to train dogs 100%

Do I understand why +R trainers hate this book? 100%

He talks down to the handlers and trainers as much as he disrespects the dogs. How does he disrespect dogs? He may not have but the tone of his book reads as if dogs are stubborn idiots who will learn Koehler's way or else. He doesn't express compassion or an understanding that there is a communication barrier between people and dogs that must be bridged.

In this book he taunts those who use treats in training even though marker training had been in use and showing its potential for decades.


The attitude presented by Kohler may be indicative of his era but it's 2022. Someone rewrite this book with modern sensibilities, please.

Some may call this book an unapologetic outline of his training methods. I would say its closer to compilation of his favorite stories of how he talks down to people. His first page is dedicated to berating someone who disagrees with him, for dogs sake. 😒

I recognize the success of Koehler and the importance of these methods to the profession of dog training but his delivery and poor treatment of humans who looked to him for advice don't sit well with me to put it lightly.

[Stephanie Pieck · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is definitely an "old school" book. Positive reinforcement has become the dominant method for training dogs these days. However, this book makes an important point. The dog must respect the handler. How one goes about earning that respect may vary, but it must be there for any meaningful interactions to take place.
I'll most likely use this as a troubleshooting guide, as many of the techniques are best suited to "problem" dogs or "problem" behaviors in otherwise fine ones. The author also makes the important point that not all dogs want to please their master/handler/owner. Even two dogs of the same breed may have vastly different temperaments and triggers. Having worked with six guide dogs that were all Labrador retrievers, I couldn't agree more with that. Dog No. 5 didn't want to please me; she wanted to be the boss, and I don't think she ever respected me, although she did develop a bond that was quite strong. Dog No. 5 wanted to please me, except when it was more fun or interesting to please himself. My current partner definitely is a people pleaser, but if I used any of the methods from this book with her, she wouldn't continue to have that spark inside her that allows for intelligent disobedience. Since this is crucial for the proper functioning of a guide dog, it's not something anyone should stifle.
I'd recommend this book as an addition to any complete training library, but it wouldn't be my first choice unless I had a real hard-case dog that I was training from scratch.

[Miss Cecile · Rating 1 out of 5]

I was not prepared for this book. I knew some of the suggestions would be harsh but this goes beyond just harsh. I hope that new owners would not be tempted to follow and would train in a kinder more humane way.

This book advocates chocking your dog until they throw, waterboarding your dog, taping things and shoving it down their mouth which was a great way for them to need surgery. I understand corrections should be meaningful but they should not be traumatizing.

[Kathy]

social comliance

[Kenny · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent dog training method. The problem solving methods are a little harsh but overall the method works.

[Thinmint29]

The book is fine, the methods are destructive.

[Debra · Rating 3 out of 5]

the gospel