In my industry, you'll hear a lot of people refer to training as "working the dog". While possibly offensive to those not in the field, the terms "train" and "work" are commonly used interchangeably.
Sometimes, though, people will ask if dogs actually see personal protection training as "work". Here is what they really are asking: do dogs enjoy being trained?
The answer is an unequivocal YES!
It takes a special dog to do personal protection and service work. Only the top 1% of dogs actually qualifies for our rigorous program. Being so selective serves two purposes. First, it is important that a dog possesses all of the genetics, natural talents, abilities and drives necessary to finish the program. It is nearly impossible to train a dog to completion without the proper attributes. In fact, trying to force a dog into something it isn't ready or willing to do is like pushing a rock uphill. Secondly, training is a time and labor-intensive endeavor; our dogs all have years and years of training behind them. We are extremely selective when choosing puppies because we really want the dog to complete the program.
Every dog is born with a purpose. Most dogs will become family pets and companions. However, there are a few that are simply born with everything that it takes to do protection work. Just like humans enjoy developing their talents, dogs born with the drive and intelligence to protect enjoy the challenges of fine tuning their given abilities. These simply aren't the type of dogs who would prefer to lie in the sun all day. They would rather be practicing their bite work or learning commands, tracking or testing their agility on the course. They need stimulus. I would not allow a dog to continue in our program if he or she seemed reluctant, uncomfortable, or disagreeable. It is not good for the dog or for our clients or for us either.
My motto is "do what you love". This is why I am a protection dog trainer. Our dogs express the same sentiment, not in words but when they complete their agility training for the day and are still ready for more or when they execute a command without the expectation of anything more than verbal praise.
I have a job to do but it doesn't feel like work because I enjoy it and it is my purpose in life. My dogs, they feel exactly the same way.
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Perry Ahlgrimm, CEO Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Perry_Ahlgrimm Find More |
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