Belgium Malinois Training
30 July 2014
Andreas Mueller
ZZB K-9 Team
Zauberberg Kennel
Tucson, Arizona
Andreas you and Zauberberg have done it again.
A few years ago and after training dogs on my own, or in miscellaneous classes, I
started training with Zauberberg. Gone were the days of confusing my dogs with
conflicting information and inappropriate reinforcement.
The Zauberberg method is solidly rooted in good behavioral and scientific principles of
how dogs learn and act. It’s positive, consistent, built on precise communication.
Perhaps even more valuable to the method are Andreas’ years of experience working
with and training thousands of dogs and handlers.
(Andreas started his career in Germany and along the way became the youngest
person ever to head up the West Berlin Police Canine Training Program.)
Working with Andreas and Zauberberg has raised both my own training skills and my
requirements for a well trained dog to a whole new level. I want performance,
consistency, accuracy––and precision. And I want happy “high-tailed” dogs who love to
work and love to work with me.
So, when suddenly faced with unexpected family demands this summer AND a new pup
in the household, I needed help. Tony needed his “basic” training before he got any
older (approaching one year) and I didn’t have the time to do the training and Tony
justice.
I turned again to Andreas. But this time I asked him if he had time to train Tony for me. I
had several requirements:
• I wanted Tony to have a foundation that would prepare him for multiple activities:
companion, service, performance, and dog sports.
• I wanted to be able to pick up where Andreas would leave off, and still working
with Andreas, to take over the ongoing and advanced training myself.
• Then, although I would be taking over Tony’s training, Tony would primarily be my
husband’s dog: companion, buddy, and most probably a mobility-service dog. So
Tony needed to be well-behaved in public and around all kinds of people and
situations.
• Finally, I wanted Tony back the way he was when I got him: happy, drivey,
bouncy, well-balanced, and centered.
Bravo, Andreas!
What a dog we have in Tony. A happy, ACTIVE, high energy dog that is full of drive. A
dog that is also learning what to do with that drive. He is well behaved and mannerly in
public, and civilized around the house.
We have excellent voice control with great sits, snappy downs, controlled stays.
And Tony has learned how to learn: training, work, fun, and play are synonymous. All
that energy is just channeled appropriately and he is quick to master his tasks!!
Love my newest member of the ZZB K-9 team! And looking forward to his work on the
field.
Polly