4
Content
Foreword ...................................................................................... 9
Acknowledgements ..................................................................... 11
Fundamentals of Working Dog Training ................................. 13
The Character Traits of a (Working-) Dog ........................ 13
Drive and Instinct Disposition ............................................. 17
Emotions, Drives, and Behavior .......................................... 18
Motivation & Reward ........................................................... 24
Play as a Learning and Motivation Tool for Working K9
Dogs ........................................................................................ 29
Leveraging Play for Enhanced Training and Bonding in
Working Dogs ........................................................................ 32
Psychology Foundations and Training Techniques ................. 33
The Pavlovian Dog Story ...................................................... 33
Principles of Learning Theory for Working K9 Dogs ....... 35
Repeated Practice and Training .......................................... 39
Cognitive Abilities: Learning and Memory of Working K9
Dogs ........................................................................................ 40
Learning Process & Memory Performance of Working K9
Dogs ........................................................................................ 46
Neural Mechanisms: Overview of Long-term Potentiation
and Long-term Depression in Working K9 Dogs ............... 49
When the Working K9 Dog's Brain Goes on the Hunt ..... 51
Hunting Behavior and Its Influence on Professional Duties
................................................................................................. 52
Practical Example: Agonistic Behavior in a Dog ............... 60
Psychological Aspects and Their Importance in Working
K9 Dog Training ................................................................... 69
History and Evolution Protection Dogs .................................... 71
Origins of Protection Dog Training ..................................... 71
Emergence of Formal Protection Dog Training ................. 74
Historical Use of Guard Dogs in the Military and Police
Services ................................................................................... 75
Significant Milestones in Guard Dog Training .................. 76
Modern Applications and Evolution of the Guard Dog .... 78
Development of Guard Dog Breeds ..................................... 81