Techniques

The "Motivational" System, Hans' unique technique calls for 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 stay close to his 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. Although some behavior problems may require correction, the dog is immediately brought back into drive through motivation following the correction. Releasing the dog swiftly from the corrective state through motivation, avoids the dog settling into a submissive state of mind. Therefore, the dog learns the techniques without adopting behavior problems and enjoys the correct act required from 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.
New, or potential K-9 handlers can benefit greatly from a training program with the Swiss K-9 Academy, Hans Schlegel's K-9 services are designed to fit the person's needs and can provide any Police Department with the best trained police service dogs.

When a department purchases a dog, it is crucial for the department to understand the importance of the bonding between the handler and his dog.
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. In 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.
Other legendary Wolfsprung K-9's are Icare and Hero. Both owned by U.S PD officers. These two Malinois, bred and trained by Hans, are the ultimate example of what Hans Schlegel believes to be the modern future pride of K-9 at work.

Through the International Police K-9 Academy's top quality Belgian Shepherds breeds, the K-9 puppies and/or adult canines are minutely chosen for future Police. The dogs used by the IPA are all bred on the same level. The high drive of a Malinois can be used early. Movement tests start as early as two weeks of age.

Hans created unprecedented problem solving techniques in the fields of:

» Narcotics
» Bomb Detection
» Patrol Work
» Rescue Operation
» High Risk Traffic Stops
» Antiterrorist K-9 Tactical Systems
» Canine Protection Work

Hans introduced the "Hank's Boudin" or "the U.S.A Hank Sausage" system into dog training in order to protect the handler from getting hurt from the canine's strong play drive. This system is also used in puppy training as one of the main gadgets. This "toy" gradually becomes a retrieval tool for search and rescue, where the Canine goes from playing with the toy to learning how to track and find missing persons (Bringsel work). Every work expected from a canine, Hans believes, should be introduced through drive. It is essential that the puppy or canine learn that the gadget used belongs to the handler and that it can be shared or borrowed from the handler. The aim is that as soon as the puppy sees the toy it thinks: "Oh, let's go play".
Hans Schlegel's International Police K-9 Academy can provide Police Departments throughout the world with the best techniques and/or ready trained Police Service canines in the world.