'Release the Hounds' programme last night (Mon)

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stormox

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I think this programme was totally stupid and irresponsible. People being chased through woods by GSDs and Tervs, and brought down by them!!! Shouldn't the TV companies be trying to show the public how to behave responsibly with dogs? Not make out that its some form of a game? The programme makers, and the people who provided (and presumably got paid for) the dogs should be totally ashamed of themselves.
 
I did consider this when I watched it. One the one hand you'll have people who become more frightened of these dogs and idiots who may want to get them to impress their mates, which caused a lot of trouble for GSDs in the 80s. As the owner of two GSDs, I wouldn't want to go back to that.

On the other hand it's only like police training. To those dogs it was a game, they were obviously trained to go for the rucksack rather than the man. After they did that, I saw them disappear further down the track so presumably they are easily called away.

It must be totally terrifying to be the guy who's running, I wouldn't sign up for that at all. But it looks like the dogs are very well trained in schutzhund style work, and it's always a joy to watch a well trained dog.

I'd be interested to hear dry rot's view on this as his dogs do this kind of thing.
 
stormox said:
I think this programme was totally stupid and irresponsible. People being chased through woods by GSDs and Tervs, and brought down by them!!! Shouldn't the TV companies be trying to show the public how to behave responsibly with dogs? Not make out that its some form of a game? The programme makers, and the people who provided (and presumably got paid for) the dogs should be totally ashamed of themselves.
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I agree, stupid and irresponsible.
 
Elliesmemory1 said:
I agree, stupid and irresponsible.
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Yes, it was just that, irresponsible. I didn't watch the programme, so whilst I can't comment on the content, I can imagine!!

Dogs which are used for attack work are firstly disciplined and they have a structured training programme which is in place, and BEFORE they are allowed to use their talents, or at least they should be. Those who allow dogs with strong and focused guarding instincts to display their abilities, before they are under complete control are putting the cart before the horse, and will most probably end up with an out of control and a dangerous dog.

The second point which the average wannabe may overlook is that of dog-selection from the point of view of temperament, and the ability to make such assessments, generally calls for s great deal of experience, experience which the average tyro may lack. Not every dog which barks, or shows its teeth is an acceptable candidate. All those dogs which are used for attack work, and from a sporting standpoint need thorough groundwork in place, and I only hope that those who watched the programme, with no experience, won't be 'Trying this at home'!!

Alec.
 
I'm just watching it now. Gonna get my OH a red rucksack and make him run down the horse field later. He can have 50m head start on our dogs 😝 not sure how the terriers will bring him down though!
 
stormox said:
I think this programme was totally stupid and irresponsible. People being chased through woods by GSDs and Tervs, and brought down by them!!! Shouldn't the TV companies be trying to show the public how to behave responsibly with dogs? Not make out that its some form of a game? The programme makers, and the people who provided (and presumably got paid for) the dogs should be totally ashamed of themselves.
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Not watched it but seen trailer and agree it is so irresponsible. Again animals being used for human entertainment
 
I didn't see it, but have heard quite a bit about it. The KC have written and complained - http://dogcharityblog.org.uk/2014/09/22/open-letter-regarding-tv-show-release-the-hounds/

From what I have read it is not too different to the protection phase in SchH/IPO, but the problem is that this might give the numpties idea to start training bitework. Anyone can buy a sleeve and try and teach their dog to bite and I have seen people starting young dogs when they really don't know what they are doing. The most important part of this sort of training is to have an experienced helper, i.e. the person holding/wearing the sleeve. This programme could lead to some problems I fear.
 
Alec Swan said:
The second point which the average wannabe may overlook is that of dog-selection from the point of view of temperament, and the ability to make such assessments, generally calls for s great deal of experience, experience which the average tyro may lack. Not every dog which barks, or shows its teeth is an acceptable candidate.

Alec.
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I was going to say that it's many years since I had any involvement in Schutzhund .....actually, it's many decades since I dabbled and I am sure there are others more current and proficient on here. However, in times of yore, the first test was a 'Begleitungshund prufung' .
This was basically the temperament test and the literal translation of the German is the 'accompanying dog test'....so, it should be a dog that you can take any place, any where.....a 'martini' dog (for those old enough to remember the ad!) without reacting.

Didn't see the programme however.
 
You are right gunnergundog, all dogs have to complete and pass the BH test before they can progress to IPO . Apart from the obedience part there is a strong emphasis on socialisation and behaviour around other people, dogs, meeting traffic etc. CC is the one to ask about IPO training .
 
The traffic-safe companion dog test (BH) is still a requirement before progressing to IPO.
This involves heel work on and off lead, being asked to walk through a group, past a bike, jogger, car and a neutral dog and then tied up with handler out of sight while bike, jogger, car and neutral dog and handler walk past.
Some judges wish a crowd to stand in a circle and close in on the dog with the handler present and then without the handler.
A judge will also always ask 'may I touch your dog?'
There is also now a written test for the handler.


In IPO, the dog is under trial from the moment the score card is handed in until the time it is signed and handed back and can be dismissed at any time for showing poor temperament, including the ID check and the prizegiving.
If the dog is disqualified for lack of control in the obedience phase of a trial then the exercise is terminated and it may not progress to the protection phase.
Any loss of control in the obedience or protection phase means an automatic DQ.

No IPO club which runs to international rules will accept a dog without assessment and no club will allow anyone to train if the dog is perperceived to be disobedient or out of control by the trainer/helper.

So basically, no control, no nothing!!

Didn't see the show, I don't know why the KC is worried about the welfare of the dogs (they are, from what I perceive, trained to target a rucksack..prob with a ball or food) and if they wanted to bite people, they'd be biting them. Which I am sure the production company wouldn't risk, for insurance reasons.

Hide and seek type work is excellent for fitness and the dog's brain, but I would worry about people 'trying it at home'
 
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