Standing Alone

Men who form an opinion of others by the opinion of others... are men of no substance, character and have no honor. In other words, if I base my opinion of you by talking to your neighbor to get his opinion of you...I am that man of no substance, character and no honor.

People do this all the time. They are weak individuals who can't stand on their own two feet. They blindly follow along with the masses, the "in" group. They are content to stand with the group, to blend in. They won't, nor can, they stand on their own. They are afraid of the spotlight focusing on them. They are so easily swayed. They are like a ship lost out at sea, with no sails or motor. They go where the wind and waves tell them to go. I have no use, nor respect, for such individuals.

What has this to do with dog training, you ask? Everything. There has always been a right way to do things, and a wrong way to do things. So many people in "dogdom land" just read the opinions of men, but never prove it or test it out on the field or streets. They just accept it as gospel because "so and so" said it, and "what's his name" agrees. For some reason, they are afraid to form an opinion, because they just might have to stand alone. What if they don't agree with "so and so"? What if "what's his name" makes fun of him or speaks bad of him? What if they are ridiculed or talked badly about? They are far more concerned with what others think of themselves, than to actually knowing the truth.

I know of dog trainers who are not that way. They have learned things by, get this...actually doing things. Imagine that! They have listened to what others have said, tried what others have said. They have kept what has worked and discarded the rest. They are not afraid to stand alone if they believe they are right. Being ridiculed, talked badly about, and made fun of doesn't bother them. They are not swayed by the opinions and commentaries of those who do not know. The actions of their dogs speak loud enough to quiet those who speak ignorantly of things they have not done, nor even attempted to do.

Nowadays, these men are few and far between. Years ago, they were commonplace. But as society has grown weaker, the percentage of weak men has grown also.

Listen to me, take some "New Year's" advice. Listen to others, but prove it on the field and in the streets of your neighborhood. Don't be afraid to stand alone. In time, you will develop a good intuition of who to listen to, and who to walk away from.

And to those of you who form their opinions of others by the opinions of others...it must be miserable being you...SNAP OUT OF IT!!

Close Your Eyes

Years ago, I had something happen to me that was a most unforgettable experience. My eyes were opened by closing them. I wish I had the talent of some writers, who can so easily express their thoughts on paper. You, as the reader, would then clearly understand what I am about to say. Everyone has turning points in their lives. Things that happen where they are never the same again. Let me tell you one of mine. Let me "try" to tell you one of mine.

My dog Clipper and I were up north training at a very special place. We went there for seven days. I was relatively new to this type of work and I only had Clipper for a few months. At the start of our dog/handler bootcamp, both of us were getting used to each other. We were doing all kinds of things that we had never done before. Everyday was something new to learn; new challenges, new discoveries, new talents that I didn't know she or I had.

It wasn't about all of the mistakes I was making, which were many. It wasn't about the poor handling skills I had. It was about all of the great stuff that mentally, physically and spiritually that I was learning. It truly was one of the best weeks, ever, of my life. Of all the great things that happened that week, there was one moment that stood out. To this day, I can go back in my mind and it is so fresh, so clear, like it happened only yesterday.

It was day five of a seven day course. A sunny, cool afternoon. We had trained all day, so we were somewhat tired. We were out in the field with a few other dog/handler teams. In the middle of all of us was a really big bonfire. I mean this fire was really big! Our trainer said to me, "I want you to shut your eyes and walk towards the fire." He also said, "And don't open your eyes until I say so."

So, I think to myself, "Okay, the purpose of this exercise is that as I get closer to the fire, Clipper will pull back and save me from a fiery death.. She will figure out that I am out of my mind, and take charge of the situation." What normal person walks into a fire?

So, I shut my eyes and we both head toward the fire. Like I said, this was a really big fire, and as I started to get closer I could feel the heat of it more and more. I could hear the crackling and hissing of the flames. I'm still walking , but Clipper has not pulled me back yet...strange?? I knew I had to be getting close. But I was fully confident that she would alert me by pulling back, and as a back up, I knew that Mike would not allow me to walk into the fire. ( I hadn't paid him yet!) So, I was not afraid of the fire, even with my eyes shut. I had two things to keep me from the flames, Clipper and Mike.

Still walking...Boy, I could really feel the heat now.
Still walking...No pulling back by Clipper...strange??
Still walking...No "Stop" command from Mike.
Still walking...No pulling, no stop.

I think to myself, "Man, I have to be almost in the fire!" Still walking...no pulling back. Then..."STOP!! OPEN YOUR EYES!!" I open my eyes and indeed "I am" almost in the fire! My face was hot from the flames. I look at Mike and he points his finger at me and he says those words that changed my life forever. "You see, that dog would have walked through that fire with you!"

BAMM!! Like a ton of bricks, the realization of what just happened, hit me. Clipper "would have" walked through that fire with me! For a split second, I thought that there was something very wrong with my dog. Why didn't she pull back? Then he says, "Because you were going through that fire, she was going through that fire."

Then it all became crystal clear to me. Then I understood. I actually was speechless for about a half an hour. All I could do was shake my head, grin and cough out a laugh or two. The glean from Mike's eyes told me he knew exactly what I was feeling. You see, not only was I physically walking towards and through that fire, but I was one hundred percent mentally and inwardly walking towards and through that fire. I was that way from the confidence I had in Clipper and Mike to warn me.

Here is the really cool part. Had my eyes been open, Clipper would have pulled me back. Had my eyes been open, my body language would have changed as I got closer and closer to that fire. Had my eyes been open...I would have never had my eyes opened.

It was such a lesson for me concerning how we communicate with our dogs in ways other than vocally or through the use of equipment. It comes from the inside of you. What's inside eventually comes outside. My mind and body were walking through that fire - one hundred percent. Had my eyes been open, my mind would have told my body, "Hey! Look at that big ol' fire!" My body would have answered by saying, "I see it!" and would have reacted by slightly changing the way that I was walking toward the fire. My movements would have been hesitant, cautious and somewhat afraid. Clipper, as dogs do so well, would have easily picked up on this and clearly noticed the difference in my body movements. Then, she would have thought to herself, "Hey! Why is he so hesitant, cautious and afraid? Probably because of that big ol' fire in front of us!" Then she would have thought, "I'm not going closer to that thing if he is afraid of it." Then, she would have pulled back.

We do this with our dogs much too often. We tell them one thing, but send completely opposite signals via our emotions, body language, equipment...etc... Then, when the dog does not respond how we wish him to, we "unfairly" and "ignorantly" correct the dog. We get all aggravated, which worsens the situation. That would be like me telling you to go left "or" right at the corner. Then, when you turned left, I would yell at you and hit you because I wanted you to turn right. What kind of idiot would you think I was? How does your dog think of you?

All this was made clear to me when he said, "That dog would have walked through that fire with you!" That's why I couldn't talk, but only savour what I had just learned. I'll always remember Mike smiling at me because he knew what I had just learned and experienced. Ever since that moment, I've been hooked on this type of training. It has given me similar moments like this one and taught me much. But that one was special, as it opened up a new world to me, so to speak. It introduced me to a way of training that is so much more than just dog training. So much more than to just give a dog a treat. So much more that shocking a dog. So much more...

So remember this story and apply the philosophy of it in your training. I believe a dog can see the true "inside of you" by your outward actions. Sometimes we think that we can hide them from them. Just like a little child trying to hide something behind his back. But you can't, so just be genuine and honest. Be aware that you just might be giving your dog opposite directions to choose from. You just might be telling him to go left "or" right. Are you?

Sometimes you have to close your eyes to have them opened.

Thanks Mike.

SPORKS

Sporks! What's a Spork? You know what it is, you've seen them before. It is that eating utensil that really is not a fork, nor is it really a spoon. So, it cannot be used fully as a fork, nor fully as a spoon. Now, you are probably thinking to yourself, "What the heck does a Spork have to do with dogs?" Let me explain.

In the past few years, as technology has increased, I've come across many similar devices. Things changed so as to be better. For example, someone redesigned my favorite chainsaw a while ago. They made it so that a person could easily and quickly adjust the chain tension. A good idea on paper, but... I no longer use my favorite chainsaw because of this "improvement."
New toilets are designed to save water. Someone explain to me how we are saving water when we have to flush two, or sometimes three times, to get things down. Look around you, you will find many Sporks. Our education system has given us new Math, new Reading and new Writing. Again, someone explain to me why our children's test scores are far worse than what they used to be. Where is the improvement? I am all for improving something, but if it does not work, go back to what did work.

So, what does a Spork have to do with dogs? Everything. First off, let me say this. Dogs have not changed. Dogs have always been dogs and dogs will always be dogs. People have changed. There are alot of human Sporks walking around town right now.

Down through the ages, those who have actually worked dogs have developed ways to train, communicate with and breed these working dogs. The field was the test and the dog was the proof. If something worked, they used it. If not, they didn't. If they tried something new and it did not give them the intended results... they would not hesitate to stop the "new" thing. Pride was not the issue. The work was. The dog was.

Today we have multitudes of educated, smart people that have come up with new ways to train man's best friend. They have gone to school and studied for years, learning all of the new scientific ways to better train your dog. They have written book after book, study after study. They have come up with many new "Sporks" in order to better train our dogs. They are really proud of themselves. Everybody tells them so.

Someone tell me why then, do we have so many poorly trained dogs all over the place? Why are there so many accidental bites? Where are the true working dogs? Why are so many police K9's put down? Why are dogs getting physically injured while doing simple work?

I'll tell you why...People are idiots! They are like sheep, they blindly follow the crowd. If the majority of people are doing something, right or wrong, they follow along. They spend much more time in front of a computer or reading a book about dogs, than actually working their dogs. They are not out in the field or street where the true learning takes place.

I've met many dog trainers in my days, and in my opinion, the best, true "dogmen" were always
mavericks. They never went with the crowd, unless the crowd was right. They were only concerned with what actually worked. They were not afraid for one moment of being ridiculed, talked about or labeled. They were always out there doing, instead of talking about doing. They were not afraid to make mistakes because they knew that they would learn from those mistakes. They listened more to those with worn B.D.U.'s and calloused hands, than those in suits with soft hands. It was simple to them; Spend time with your dog to learn about your dog.

It is not what we say that matters...It's what "Truly is" that matters. Listen to everyone, but prove it on the field, in the street, in the smoke of battle and in your dog. Do what works.

Inner Attitude

This a subject, that in my opinion, is essential to understand about dog training, effective dog training, that is. It is most assuredly the cornerstone in you, as a dog handler. How you think about dogs and the way that you interact with them is your greatest asset in training; or it can be your greatest hindrance. This "inner-attitude" is how you truly view the human/dog bond.

To keep things simple, let's divide up the handlers into three seperate groups. First, you have those who attach many human emotions and feelings to their dogs. They refer to them as their "babies" and really mean it. They dress them up in sweaters and various outfits and throw them lavish doggie birthday parties. They will spend hundreds of dollars on their dogs and you need a crow bar to pry a penny from them for a hugnry child.

The next group are those on the opposite end of the scale. They have a dog, but hardly acknowledge it's existence. They won't spend one minute in training, yet will expect a perfectly well trained dog. They will constantly beat and hit that dog when he does not live up to their expectations. Their hands are cruel and their hearts are cold. They don't even care about or give the basic necessities of food, water, shelter and love.

The middle group is where I believe the good dog handlers to be - the only place where any real, lasting, effective training takes place. These people view dogs as God intended dogs to be viewed... as dogs. They are not cruel to their dogs, nor do they baby them. They love their dogs, but love their children more. They are not afraid to physically correct their dogs when justified. They have their dog's best interests at heart. Because of that they have well-trained, obedient dogs that will gladly work for them all day long.

Now each of these groups of people have different "inner-attitudes" toward their dogs, resulting in greatly varied interactions between dog and handler. Which group are you in? Do you bribe your dog and make excuses when they bite the neighbors child? Do you kick and hit your dog for simply being a dog? Or do you spend time with your dog daily and seek out others with knowledge in how to properly train dogs? Are you afraid to change your attitude when you realize your methods or way of thinking were incorrect? Do you enjoy those moments when you and your dog advance together in training? Are you getting the most out of your dog by having a healthy "inner-attitude" regarding your dog?

Remember: It is not what you appear to be...
nor is it what you say you are...
You are...what you truly are.

Treat your dog as a dog, allow him to be a dog and both you and your dog can progress together in your training.

But, of course, this is only my opinion...

On Liberty

Liberty: as defined in the 1828 Webster's Dictionary reads as follows: freedom from restraint, in a general sense, and applicable to the body, or the will or mind. The body is at Liberty, when not confined; The will or mind is at Liberty, when not checked or controlled. A man enjoys Liberty, when no physical force operates to restrain his actions or volitions.

Now, go back and read that all over again, slowly, and fully take in what it means. Then, let's go back to the fall of 1774 in early America when the First Continental Congress met. Tensions were very high between the Colonists and Britain. Britain was continually imposing taxes and laws to supress and enslave the early Americans. The Boston Tea Party had already taken place. The Colonists had tried talking to, petitioning, resisting and even begging Great Britain to see things their way. All their efforts were in vain. When the first Congress met, they declared their opposition to the repressive Acts of Parliament, saying that they "ought not to be obeyed." They desired Liberty and freedom; Britain was saying, "No way." Alot of the early Americans were being pushed passed their limits. Some did not know what to do, some were afraid to do anything, and some, like Patrick Henry, knew what needed to be done. So, in March of 1775, resolutions were presented by Patrick Henry putting the colony of Virginia "into a posture of defense...embodying, arming and disciplining such a number of men as may be sufficient for that purpose..."

But before they voted on this, people were allowed to give their opinions on what should or needed to be done. After some gave their opinion that they should continue with the present course, and continue to try and reason with Great Britain, Patrick Henry got up and gave this speech at St. John's Church in Virginia. He spoke with no notes, from his heart and spoke louder as his words continued.

Try and picture yourself in that church back then. Everyone wanting to be free of the constraints that burdened them. But what could you do? Britain was so big and powerful. Alot of people felt hopeless and too scared to do anything. These are the words that Mr. Henry spoke that day:

Give Me Liberty Or Give Me Death
Patrick Henry, March 23, 1775

"No man thinks more highly than I do of the patriotism, as well as abilities, of the very worthy gentlemen who have just addressed the House. But different men often see the same subject in different lights; and, therefore, I hope it will not be thought disrespectful to those gentlemen if, entertaining as I do opinions of a character very opposite to theirs, I shall speak forth my sentiments freely and without reserve. This is no time for ceremony. The questing before the House is one of awful moment to this country. For my own part, I consider it as nothing less than a question of freedom or slavery; and in proportion to the magnitude of the subject ought to be the freedom of the debate. It is only in this way that we can hope to arrive at truth, and fulfill the great responsibility which we hold to God and our country. Should I keep back my opinions at such a time, through fear of giving offense, I should consider myself as guilty of treason towards my country, and of an act of disloyalty toward the Majesty of Heaven, which I revere above all earthly kings.

Mr. President, it is natural to man to indulge in the illusions of hope. We are apt to shut our eyes against a painful truth, and listen to the song of that siren till she transforms us into beasts. Is this the part of wise men, engaged in a great and arduous struggle for liberty? Are we disposed to be of the number of those who, having eyes, see not, and, having ears, hear not, the things which so nearly concern their temporal salvation? For my part, whatever anguish of spirit it may cost, I am willing to know the whole truth; to know the worst, and to provide for it.

I have but one lamp by which my feet are guided, and that is the lamp of experience. I know of no way of judging of the future but by the past. And judging by the past, I wish to know what there has been in the conduct of the British ministry for the last ten years to justify those hopes with which gentlemen have been pleased to solace themselves and the House. Is it that insidious smile with which our petition has been lately received? Trust it not, sir; it will prove a snare to your feet. Suffer not yourselves to be betrayed with a kiss. Ask yourselves how this gracious reception of our petition comports with those warlike preparations which cover our waters and darken our land. Are fleets and armies necessary to a work of love and reconciliation? Have we shown ourselves so unwilling to be reconciled that force must be called in to win back our love? Let us not deceive ourselves, sir. These are the implements of war and subjugation; the last arguments to which kings resort. I ask gentlemen, sir, what means this martial array, if its purpose be not to force us to submission? Can gentlemen assign any other possible motive for it? Has Great Britain any enemy, in this quarter of the world, to call for all this accumulation of navies and armies? No, sir, she has none. They are meant for us: they can be meant for no other. They are sent over to bind and rivet upon us those chains which the British ministry have been so long forging. And what have we to oppose to them? Shall we try argument? Sir, we have been trying that for the last ten years. Have we anything new to offer upon the subject? Nothing. We have held the subject up in every light of which it is capable; but it has been all in vain. Shall we resort to entreaty and humble supplication? What terms shall we find which have not been already exhausted? Let us not, I beseech you, sir, deceive ourselves. Sir, we have done everything that could be done to avert the storm which is now coming on. We have petitioned; we have remonstrated; we have supplicated; we have prostrated ourselves before the throne, and have implored its interposition to arrest the tyrannical hands of the ministry and Parliament. Our petitions have been slighted; our remonstrances have produced additional violence and insult; our supplications have been disregarded; and we have been spurned, with contempt, from the foot of the throne! In vain, after these things, may we indulge the fond hope of peace and reconciliation. There is no longer any room for hope. If we wish to be free-- if we mean to preserve inviolate those inestimable privileges for which we have been so long contending--if we mean not basely to abandon the noble struggle in which we have been so long engaged, and which we have pledged ourselves never to abandon until the glorious object of our contest shall be obtained--we must fight! I repeat it, sir, we must fight! An appeal to arms and to the God of hosts is all that is left us!

They tell us, sir, that we are weak; unable to cope with so formidable an adversary. But when shall we be stronger? Will it be the next week, or the next year? Will it be when we are totally disarmed, and when a British guard shall be stationed in every house? Shall we gather strength by irresolution and inaction? Shall we acquire the means of effectual resistance by lying supinely on our backs and hugging the delusive phantom of hope, until our enemies shall have bound us hand and foot? Sir, we are not weak if we make a proper use of those means which the God of nature hath placed in our power. The millions of people, armed in the holy cause of liberty, and in such a country as that which we possess, are invincible by any force which our enemy can send against us. Besides, sir, we shall not fight our battles alone. There is a just God who presides over the destinies of nations, and who will raise up friends to fight our battles for us. The battle, sir, is not to the strong alone; it is to the vigilant, the active, the brave. Besides, sir, we have no election. If we were base enough to desire it, it is now too late to retire from the contest. There is no retreat but in submission and slavery! Our chains are forged! Their clanking may be heard on the plains of Boston! The war is inevitable--and let it come! I repeat it, sir, let it come.

It is in vain, sir, to extenuate the matter. Gentlemen may cry, Peace, Peace-- but there is no peace. The war is actually begun! The next gale that sweeps from the north will bring to our ears the clash of resounding arms! Our brethren are already in the field! Why stand we here idle? What is it that gentlemen wish? What would they have? Is life so dear, or peace so sweet, as to be purchased at the price of chains and slavery? Forbid it, Almighty God! I know not what course others may take; but as for me, give me liberty or give me death!"

That, my friends, was a man full of passion; on fire and knew what needed to be done, no matter how unpleasant and distasteful it was. Most of you know what happened next; The American Revolutionary War! Of course, we won our independence...our Liberty. Many, many men and women fought for that Liberty with their lives, so theirs and others could live free. And no matter what anyone says, Almighty God, the Christian God of the Holy Bible, was in the forefront of the minds and on the lips of those brave early American warriors. They did not separate.

It is for this reason and reasons like it that I have named my training facility "Liberty K9." In honor of those men and women like Patrick Henry who stood for a righteous cause. Who were not swayed at the odds of winning or losing, but only knew what was right. Trusting in the God of Heaven to lead them down the right path. This, my friends, is the foundation of the United States of America.

Sadly, 232 years later, that foundation has weakened and is being tested from within and without. Right now history is being made as Americans are given choices and being tested. Where do you stand? What do you believe? This I do know, without God, without Liberty...the United States of America will not be able to stand. God is here...Liberty will have to be cherished and defended at all times.

To all of the present American warriors who fight courageously for that Liberty...Thank you and may God Bless you and protect you. To all of the politicians, judges and those in authority; Do what's right for the country and give honor to the memory and all the Americans that have shed their blood and given their lives so that you, me and all of us may live in freedom...in Liberty. And to each and every American - get your head out of the sand, wake up and look around. Look at your freedoms that have been taken away and are still being taken away. Remember what it took to give you those freedoms and the sacrifices made to purchase them.

Be strong, stand up for what is right, remember the courage of Patrick Henry. This is your country, a country like no other ---- only ---- if you are willing to defend and protect her. God is the cornerstone... Liberty is right here next to Him - be of good courage. Always fight the good fight.

A Lifetime of Training

If you are a dog person and are reading this, and if you have ever witnessed a good dog/handler team do "anything", you can appreciate what they have. They have communication. They have an understanding. This team does not have to be a seasoned Police K9 Unit, nor an elite military team. This team can be as simple as a child and his dog. An elderly shut in and her little lapdog. A service dog and his handler. Any combination where a human and canine have connected through communication forging a deep bond - kept alive through love and trust and respect. Dogs are so great at this. They will go as far as you want to go. What other creature will so enthusiastically try to please you? A true Dogman, whom I've had the honor of being on his field, once told me that God had placed the dog here to be of service to mankind. To watch over him, protect him, comfort him. So, when you look at that young pup so full of energy - stop and really tell yourself that this dog wants to please you. He wants to do what you want him to do. Only if you, as the handler, can communicate that to him. Simple...right? If you totally desire something from a dog - you can have it. You have to truly believe that. You cannot fake it. It's a lifetime of communication. Left alone on a deserted island, just you and your dog and the elements. You most assuredly would develop a deep bond through communication and love. Why? Because it would be real; you would have real needs, real work. In being with your dog in day to day living - remember all this is real to him. You are always training - good or bad - you're always training.

Dogs see us as we are. So just relax and just be you. Develop that special bond between you and your dog. Enjoy your walk together in this world.

Agility - Why Agility?

When a handler takes his dog onto an agility field, what should be his goal? Should it be to impress someone who might be watching? To run the course as quickly as possible? What should be the mindset of the handler when doing agility work? His main goal is to develop and enhance the communication between his dog and himself while under various levels of stress, both him and his dog. That should be the paramount reason to attempt any type of agility work. Having fun with your dog is also important. But, while you are having fun, you're communicating.

As life itself offers many obstacles, it's how you deal with them that matters most. Agility promotes confidence in the dog and the acceptance of stress. It builds a trust and bond between the handler and his dog. It teaches the dog to take direction from the handler while he is under stress. It is a progressive, building-block type of training.

It's good to start a pup of 6 to 8 weeks in agility. Bearing in mind his age and capabilities. This is the beginning of you and your dog's life together. You both need to learn how to communicate with each other. Your dog will speak to you - you must learn how to listen.

Agility teaches the dog to take direction from the handler while on all different types of surfaces. Moveable objects, high objects - or subterranean obstacles; there are so many natural and man man obstacles all around you. The more you look for them the more you will see.

Always give your dog your full, undivided attention while doing this agility work. You'll see the difference as time goes by. Your dog will be better at tracking, protection work, more stable. Always remember why you are doing agility work and always have that positive attitude. Remember, communicate with your dog. Listen to your dog. Even when not speaking to him - you're speaking to him! Enjoy your walk.

Liberty K9 Training Philosophy

There are many different opinions on dog training and twice as many dog trainers. How then does the novice dog handler know what to do, what to believe and what to expect? I, in no way, am going to say that I have all the answers or the best way to train all dogs. What I do believe I have is a simple, time-tested philosophy to apply in training all dogs. This is also a way of training that I have only scratched the surface on. It is so much more than teaching a dog a command to do something. It is a journey on trying to communicate with our faithful companions. It's a way of thinking that applies to every aspect of dog training - and our lives.


Picture this: You and your dog somehow get stranded out in the wilderness. Small hope that you could ever get out, and even smaller hope of anyone finding you. It is just you and your dog. You and your dog are trying to survive in the wilds. The first thing that would happen is that it would be very real to you. Everything you did would have a purpose. Not only would you be speaking from your voice, you would be speaking from your heart. Your dog would know this without a doubt. If some kind of animal attacked you - both of you would fight to protect the other. If you were just walking somewhere - both of you would be tuned into each other. Walking as a team. The pain in your stomach would make hunting for food real. You would not have to give your dog a treat to be like this. Nor would you have to throw his favorite toy/ball to get him to protect you. Doing so would seem utterly foolish to you. Everything would have purpose.

So much of dog training today is done completely opposite of this. Dogs are bribed through their stomach or forced through their skin. The dog knows no real sense of purpose, it feels none from you. During training, your mind is on other things not related to the task at hand. Instead of a team - you are seperate.

The handler must give his full attention to his dog when doing any type of training. Your dog will know if you are or aren't.

You must have a seriousness of purpose. Each exercise must be a progressive step towards better, complete communication. You cannot force it nor ignore it. You must have patience - quick tempers and anger never go hand-in-hand in dog training. Always be quick to look for faults in yourself - for they are there. Your dog knows them and he still loves you. You must first acknowledge them, then correct them. This is what's so great about this type of training. It is a wonderful walk of self-discovery - all along your loyal friend by your side. Enjoy your walk.