ROCK’S POSITIVE K-9 TRAINING LLC

W224 S8416 Industrial Avenue

Big Bend, WI  53103

262-662-4160

Frank M. Allison III

THE THREE CORRECTION RULE

When training with most obedience trainers they will emphasize that you give your dog a command only once.  Here’s another example of where my training differs.  Remember, I’m not training for the show ring,…I train practical obedience for everyday living.  I developed what I call the three correction rule in the Allison Method of Dog Training.  When I give a command and the dog does not respond I very calmly go into the three correction rule by indicating the poor action through “no-no-no” followed by the command three times using a steady cadence and a pop in the leash at the sound of the command word each time.  Sound confusing?...not really.  Remember, anytime you make an individual do something against his natural will, intimidation is present to a degree.  The process of correction I call the three correction rule is meant to lower this to its’ lowest level while maintaining the alpha position.

Let me give you an example;  say for instance I’m walking my dog and I stop and want him to sit (this is assuming you are still in the training phase with your pet).  I will give the “sit” signal and if my dog does not respond I will give the command “no-no-no” followed by (simultaneous command and physical stimulation)…”sit” (pop) – “sit” (pop) – “sit” (pop) until he responds.  As soon as the dog sits you immediately praise with “good.”  If you have been following my articles your dog will know the word “good” by now.

The three correction rule gives both you and your dog enough time to calmly position yourself correctly and understand what is being said and what is being asked for and still lowers the intimidation level without giving any ground to your leadership position.   As we go into the actual movements of training a specific foundation command you will see more clearly how helpful this three correction rule can be. 

When your dog is mature and has been trained properly it will be a way of life for him to follow your command when given once.  The three correction rule will eventually become unnecessary unless training something new or possibly when facing new experiences.

“the three correction rule is meant to lower intimidation levels while maintaining the alpha position”

….Frank M. Allison III