The way to a working dog’s heart truly is through WORK! Most folks try to ‘make friends’ with a dog by through pets, food bribes, baby talk/high pitches voices, etc. And while this may tickle the interest of some lower key pups, it certainly isn’t a good approach for others. What a working style dog respects and wants to follow… what he LOVES… is to be worked and directed by a firm and consistent handler. When folks take the cutesy approach by trying to be his ‘friend’ instead of his ‘boss’, that softness and lack of leadership can create the dangerous opportunity for him to behave very poorly by growling at and threatening them. Staying firmly in control by giving a working dog the structure of being in command and also correcting all moments of mental arousal, not trying to befriend him through pets, food bribes and undeserved praise, but rather giving clear and consistent leadership is what he needs. Telling him what to do, correcting him when he makes a poor choice, and guiding him into good choices makes it easy for the dog to behave politely and calmly. This style of proactive leadership creates clear and consistent expectations that allows the dog to be the best version of himself.
