May/June 2008

The Whoa-Post Redux

ne thing we’ve always said about the Silent Command System of training is that it’s always evolving. We’re always looking for a way to build a better mousetrap, and we keep an open mind to any changes that may make it easier for both dogs and their owners. To that end, it’s been a few years since we touched on the whoa-post process, so we’re due to give you the updated version. Since our original article (January/February 2003), the process has been refined to a level that makes it easier to understand and is more efficient. And we’re delighted to say that has happened due to the talent and insight of Rick’s cousin Ronnie Smith, who will be joining us for the next two columns.

First, we need to talk about whoa. At this point, it has nothing to do with birds and everything to do with yard work and basic obedience. It’s simply a method of obtaining a conditioned response to a particular stimulus, in this case the dog’s flank, and that stimulus means, “Stop immediately and stand perfectly still until ordered to do otherwise.” While that’s fairly easy to do when the dog is next to you, being able to do it at a distance later on is the reason we use the whoa-post and stimulation on the flank. The post is useful because it is a controlled environment. We can keep the dog from moving back, forward, or laterally, which means complete immobility.

You’ll need a few things to begin: your regular checkcord, which will attach to the collar; a length of softer rope similar in diameter and approximately 25 feet long with a brass bolt snap at one end, a larger loop tied on the other, and a non-slip knot (this will allow the rope to move freely around the post); and a post (a steel T-post works well) pounded in securely. Plan on setting up at least three posts.

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