What is the Smith Method of Dog Training?
The Smith Method of Dog Training is a bird dog training system designed to work with each individual bird dog’s mindset and instincts. It was first developed in the 1950s by Ronnie Smith, Sr. and Delmar Smith. Rick Smith, Tom Smith, Ronnie Smith, and Susanna Love Smith have continued in Delmar’s and Ronnie Sr’s footsteps, training dogs and teaching people how to use the system.The system has evolved as members of the Smith family have strived to share their best insights and improve the system based on accumulated experiences. As it has evolved, it has been referred to by many names “The Delmar Smith Method,” “Huntsmith,” and “Silent Command System.”
The general tenets are simply helping dogs be better bird dogs by communicating in simple ways they understand, using the languages the dog is most comfortable with. It relies on touch and body language to communicate with dogs and shape behavior in a way that is natural for the dog. The training focuses on building a partnership with the dog that helps the dog, not only hunt and be steady on game, but to be capable of thinking through challenging situations and responding appropriately. The system has a baseline structure or curriculum, yet is fluid enough to make adaptations for different mindsets and personalities. It also recognizes that the individual handlers personality, touch, and energy has an immense impact on the dog. Relationships shape much of how animals behave.
The method is crafted so as to shape the behaviors and mindsets that benefit bird dogs the most. Those are the:
Core Behaviors
Go With You: This Core Behavior begins with a good loose lead heel, progressing to an off lead heel, checkcording, and then to going with you at a distance in the hunting field. The mindset of Going With You is best described as a joined up mindset when your hunting partner is choosing to look to you for direction, even while he is in the field hunting at some distance away.
Come To You: Every dog needs a solid recall, which is also the foundation for a good natural retrieve. We want our dogs happily and enthusiastically to come to us when beckoned.
Stand Still: The ultimate challenge for bird dogs is the Core Behavior of standing still, particularly in moments of excitement. This includes standing still on point, during a back, when standing beside his owner, at a gate/door, on the vet table, and a multitude of other situations.
Core Mindsets
Confidence: We ask a lot of our dogs from hunting in new environments to living with our family. It is up to us, as owners and trainers, to help that dog be confident in any situation they may find themselves in. Confident dogs respond to training and cues more efficiently. They are less reactive and less likely to turn aggressive. Confident dogs are happier and less stressed in life. We recommend taking a lifetime approach to helping your dog be confident.
Composure: Dogs that are composed have a better understanding of things taking place around them. They are able to process things more accurately and respond appropriately. Composure in bird dogs is particularly critical as we ask them to run in search of game and then stand stock still on point or during a back.
Compliance: A compliant dog is one that is paying attention to the handler and readily responding to cues. This dog has a joined up, “teammate” type of mindset. A dog in a generally compliant mindset is more likely to listen and respond appropriately to cues when things are exciting, distracting, or over-stimulating.
The Smith Method of Training is broken down in to three training levels. Each of these levels builds upon the previous lessons.
Foundation Level of Training: This first stage of training focuses on building points of contact for cues and establishing behavior. As concepts are introduced to dogs distractions are minimized and the training is simplified. This is when the Command Lead is introduced for heeling, the Whoa Post for teaching a dog to stand still on cue, and the checkcord for direction changes and shaping bird work.
Intermediate Level of Training: This second stage of training begins when dogs have developed conditioned responses to mechanics cues of the ropes/leads and are proficient at basic obedience and behaviors on birds. This stage introduces the e-collar cue and begins to steady dogs on birds. At this level the amount of distractions begin to increase as dogs are unleashed in the field and the steadying and handling training happens at a farther distance.
Advanced Level of Training: This third stage of training brings all of the training elements together with dogs heeling off lead, recalling, turning, and standing still on cue in multiple environments. The dogs are steady on game and able to be in a mock hunt scenario.