05/15/2017
What is a demo dog?
A demo dog, or demonstration dog, is used by the dog trainer as a tool. My favorite trainer, Cesar Milan, often uses one of his many dogs as a demo dog for many high stress situations.
The trainer uses their own dog who is
1. Predictable and who's behavior is not unknown.
2. Kind and friendly and remaining in the calm/submissive mind state. Dogs holding the alert/aggressive mind state can set off dogs the trainer is trying to train
3. Finally, the demo dog needs to be trained to not only help the trainer but also the dog.
Shirley, my demo dog, comes with me and helps socialize the other dog. She shows the other dog a positive play mate, she is not aggressive and therefor if the other dog is too rough or aggressive, I know that Shirley will not fight back and be violent. While Lady, I might use as a demo dog in a situation with a puppy where they're being too silly and they need an adult dog figure to correct that behavior.
I personally prefer to correct the behavior myself, but by using an older dog (females are usually best), you're able to replicate the puppy getting corrected by the mother dog.
In situations like with our dear friend Scout (pictured), Scout was not corrected as a puppy so his dog manners are very rude. I use Shirley as a demo dog in this situation because I can show the owners the proper behavior as well as showing Scout the proper behavior.
Shirley knows sit, down, and stay and I'm able to have her perform this behavior as a demonstration. I allow her and Scout to play until it's time to do drill plays.
When Scout doesn't listen and can't regain focus because he wants Shirley, Shirley knows to back up and allow me to work with the other dog. I show her that I'm the pack leader and can handle the situation. Many dogs can sense my authority as soon as I come near them.
In situations like this, Scout needs extra work in knowing who the dominant alpha is and he is still working on focusing skills. If you have any questions please feel free to pm or call me!
Thank you for reading💖💖💖
