My name is Ted Hoppe, I am a professional dog trainer of 50 years. I have seen dog training evolve in the USA and the EU, namely Belgium, Holland, Germany, France, Czech and Slovak republics. Each of these countries has unique disciplines of training and are all very challenging. I am a former military police K9 handler and supplier of police K9 dogs, as well as being a service and family companion dog trainer. I am known as the founder and creator of a training system known as American Street Ring, which is a hybrid of many different training disciplines. In addition to this, I have owned dog training centers in Florida and was a specialist in behavior modification. I feel all dogs are individual, and do not fit in one mold. Like a lock on a door, one key does not fit all. There is no ultimate expert in dog training. While there are acknowledged masters in dog training disciplines, they still don’t know everything. The training techniques used for police dogs vs AKC show obedience are not the same. It is important as dog trainers we understand that there is no true religion when it comes to dog training. What works for a Pomeranian does not necessarily work for a high-drive Belgian Malinois. Regarding e-collars, many misconceive that an e-collar is a cruel torture device, when it is nothing more than a tool, and must be used properly. I remember before the time of e-collars, and when they were new and introduced in North America and Europe. Over time people saw the value in them, and many young trainers made the mistake of using the e-collar on a dog that didn’t understand what was required. They did not lay the foundation properly. Dog training is known in Germany as dog building, and, like a house, it must have a strong foundation. The top competitors in IGP or Schutzhund, the ring sports, etc. must be very disciplined and have a strong work ethic. AKC show trainers are the same. The difference is the breeds they are working with. I remember Barbara Woodhouse, and it was fun to watch her television show, but she did not, to my knowledge, work with police K9 or military dogs. Some techniques are right for some dogs, and use of the e-collar is not for everyone. There are many excellent videos for teaching e-collars and people need to educate themselves thoroughly before putting an e-collar on a dog. I am not taking sides pro or anti e-collar, I am just stating my opinions. Banning Mr. Balabanov from the UK for a seminar, in my opinion, is wrong for this reason: he is considered a master of the IGP system and has a wealth of knowledge in that discipline. He has a very structured approach and is very methodical in his training. Please, as with any other trainer, before considering banning him, look deeply into what he teaches before forming an opinion. This should not be a witch hunt to burn his reputation; it is wrong to tear down a man who has worked so hard in his discipline.
