Training

Hans Schlegel, founder of a new K-9 system trains dogs through "motivational" methods, positive reinforcement or rewards, not compulsion. Hans' methods excel in enhancing, instead of depreciating, the relationship between the handler and the dog. With this method in use, the dog will stick around the handler and want to work with him as a partner. If the dog gets taught under a "compulsion" method the dog will go into avoidance, flee or fight the handler.

Hans Schlegel's International Police K-9 Academy in Switzerland provides for the best K-9 training in Europe and one of the best in the world. Hans also breeds and trains his own dogs for future police work. The future police Malinois and German Shepherd puppies are thoroughly checked for hip dysplasia or back problems. The movement tests start as early as two weeks of age. The dogs are tested through fourteen different steps. If the puppy moves slow and comfortable, the dog could be suited for future high level police training.
Hans Schlegel's school operates in a number of countries around the world.

The International Police K-9 Academy was created in the early 1980s in the United States. 1986 the first two dogs where sold to the Oakland Police Department. These dogs, Asco and Gitan, have become legendary in Oakland and the western United States. New, or potential K-9 programs should consider the training with the Swiss K-9 Academy which, depending on their respective needs, can provide their department with the best trained police service dogs. When a department purchases a dog, in order for a good working relationship to exist, they must understand the importance of the handler and dog's bonding.

Welcome to Hans Schlegel's K9 World

For the past 15 years, Hans Schlegel has been providing Police, sport, and various other K-9 training to Law enforcement agencies as well as private individuals. In that period, Hans has shared his training techniques an philosophies with each student that has attended his seminars.

What makes Hans techniques so special?

Although there are countless dog trainers in the U.S., and many are excellent ones, what lacks in many is the "touch". The "touch" being the ability to get inside a dogs head and understand the dogs thinking. Hans has the natural ability to evaluate a dog on sight and give an understandable explanation on how to fix a problem, or make a very good dog better. After explaining the necessary technique required to solve the problem, Hans will show the student how to accomplish it.

In Police terms, the handler is taught that a highly controlled animal is taught and maintained through motivational techniques, not compulsive techniques. Although some behavior problems may require corrections, the dog is immediately brought back into drive through motivation following the correction. This "releasing" the dog from the corrective state, immediately with motivation, does not let the dog have the opportunity to settle into a submissive mind set. Therefore, the dog learns to avoid the behavior problem and enjoy the correct act required from the handler in the beginning.

Hans techniques are built around developing a better working relationship between handler and K9. A K9 trained through the proper motivation techniques will be more inclined to want to work with it's handler. The dog that has been trained strictly through compulsion, or force, probably will never perform to it's fullest potential.

-- Lori McGrath, Reno, Nevada

Master Trainer courses for Law Enforcement

Hans Schlegel gives his Master Trainer Instructor courses every year in the United States from the beginning of January until the middle of March.
For information and reservation, please use the contact information in the right column.