Ivan Balabanovs - Training Without Conflict. Test case.

I was lucky enough to train with Ivan Balabanov when he was here in Australia. His system is different. Very different. It focuses on the dogs needs. Not just ours. Ivan teaches you to work with the dog. To really wonder, what is he thinking? What does he want? How can I help him feel better. So I enrolled on his TWC course. Our approach changed.

Since the course we have been using these concepts to good effect. We have approached fearful behaviours differently. Counter conditioning has been replaced with premack. Play has become a focus not just a way to reward the dog but a way to improve confidence. Affection has become an antidote not just something you did when you'd finished training.

As a result we got better.

In this video, taken over just three days, we use the TWC concepts to help Scout feel better about himself. To boost his confidence. We worked out what was wrong and showed him lashing out doesn't work, he doesn't need to do that anyway, and in actual fact he can enjoy time with us.

We approach it through the use of play and his pack instinct. We use other dogs to show him we are, as Ivan would say, "cool". Samantha uses affection and some social grooming to earn his trust. To earn his trust she gives him hers. She works with him.

This wasn't about creating behaviours. This is about helping a struggling young malinois to understand he is safe. People can be cool, even ones you don't know that well. And how to play.

The change is dramatic. The dog was able to be rehabilitated. The people involved made some good decisions so the dog could be turned around. Through the use of Ivans concepts Samantha demonstrated the champion little dog inside this guy. She gave herself and as a result he came out.

If you get the opportunity do yourself a favour and get on his course. You won't regret it.