Training a Working Dog - Methods and Intents

Training a Working Dog - the desired methods and intents.

Let's take a look at training our working dog. In particular, I want to make a focus of my own perspective of training for Quiet, Confident Control of stock. I have found a book, which I will refer to often, by which many of my goals have been inspired - and the focus is simply the above. (This book, Training and Working Dogs for Quiet Confident Control of Stock - by a certain Scott Lithgow, is particularly written for owners of cattle livestock and the training/working of cattle dogs - however the approach is very different to the usual  rough methods used to work cattle, and because of this many of the principles apply very well to my own observations of sheep control using dogs.)

Quiet, Confident Control of stock. Let's look at control.

Firstly, control is essential for any owner that expects their dog to work well. A dog will not work to its full ability, nor will its natural potential be expressed if there is no control in the way it is handled. Control must be established by the master/handler, is absolutely essential, and must not be questioned by dog or owner. If there is doubt or the slightest lack of control between owner and dog, there will naturally be recurring problems.
So what is control which is balanced?
Looking at it, control is the ability for the master to extend his feelings (or his arm, in our case expressed as a dog) as a creature and place expectations on his dog to follow through with those feelings. Sounds confusing, perhaps - but control in this sense is about the bottom line understanding between owner and dog and the expectation of the owner on the dog - and the dog's understanding of that. The dog must know what is expected of him as his master's dog. Control is an expression of that understanding.

This does not have to be a negative thing - this control and the gaining of it is actually about trust. A dog which trusts its master respects and is respected. In return, this develops a mutual desire in the dog to not only be used by its master but to do tasks willingly and as a way of seeking and giving pleasure. At this point our relationship becomes two-wayed - healthily so. The desire to please is born, and the cycle of good behaviour rewarded with a positive experience for the dog begins.
At this point, our dog trusts, and is willing to be controlled in any manner the owner sees fit - because the dog confidently believes and understands the relationship between itself and master.

As I mentioned, this control can only be established by trust. Uncntrollable, defiant dogs are caused by bad treatment - it is very simple. Disrespect a dog in your attitude and he will despise you. Allow your authority to be challenged and he will always get around you mentally. Spoil a dog and he will disrespect and disregard you for life - even if he does obey sometimes.

Show the dog trust, respect, and do not waver - and you will have not only a willing worker but may discover something far better - an eager to please, willing dog whose desire is to be with you and do all things for you. It is entirely about this mindset.
That is, partially, a view of  the control. Now lets look at the quiet.
Quiet is simply an extension of that control. Quiet simply means the owner has the power and ability to ask something fron his dog, and be answered, unquestioned, in return. By quiet, I do not mean non-barking. I mean the method of being able to work in an environment that is free from, stressful noisy, and tense situations. Yes they will happen. But these situations are made worse by the owner's control - or lack of it.

So, lets attend to some fundmentals of our control. As I have stressed before many times, the only way to have a good dog is by establishing a relationship. It is essential to any dog, anywhere, and certainly essential to the sanity of owner as well!

Dogs are social creatures. In their wild state, living as packs, canine wolves are seldom alone and spend the majority of their time simly in companionship with one another - as well as particpating in a variety of activities. Dogs thrive on being together. They need companionship. A dog without a companion is a very misplaced dog, likely to have many problems in various forms throughout its life - behaviiourally and otherwise.

Now let's look at how we go aout building our relationship. This is pretty foundational - for any dog owner of any breed or personality type, or purpose. In the case of my own working dog, I deliberately shose Kaelen as a puppy because I wanted to affect as much of his life and beginning life experiences I could - before he formed too many bonds and habits. This is all part of the puppy-rearing process, which I will address in future.

Here are some factors worth considering pertaining to our relationship building and ways to go about doing this.

Relationship Building - Key Points to Remember

Time. Time is important in any relationship. Time establishes trust. I cannot emphasise enough just how important it is to spend time with your dog - even if it is in small doses, do it regularly. You only get out what you put in - and cannot expect too much from something that does not get adequate attention.

Trust.  This is the ability to allow another to be in control. Trust must be earnt, and once broken, is difficult to repair. Building trust in dogs is as simple as the dog being able to receive well meant pat on the head - without the need or history of fear. Build trust by slowly conditioning your dog to you, and to experiences. This will take time, as mentioned above.

Reassurance. Dogs need to know that if you are supposed to be in control, you can handle things and they can relax with you as boss. Inthe wild, insubordiante wolves submit to other, stronger wolves in a natural way - obviously this depends on personality, but only those wolves in the presence of a confident leader relax properly. You need to be this confident leader - and this is up to you and how confident you are in yourself.

Respect. This is huge. A dog will not respect you if you do not respect him. He needs to know you say what you mean, but you need to know that he does too. A respect from you for your dog, his personal space and what he can tolerate is also essential. 

Love. This is so important. You can respect a dog, and he you, and live as good mates. But oh, a dog that loves! I have had the priviledge of owning the most loyal dog on the planet - this dog has taught me so much about true dog owner relationships, and the joy that can be brought by them. I hand reared this dog from 2 weeks of age, which was probably fundamental in her behaviour reinforcemt, but we only bonded when she was over the age of 6 months old. This dog, my Ditzy, puts a whole new perspective on dogs for me. She absolutely worships the ground I walk on. It is this adoration and endless devotion I believe some dogs are actually meamt to have for people - it is tuned into them. A soul mate desire, the need to love and be loved, and in return, please. Loving your dog in return also helps. It goes a lot deeper than respect. Admiration, call it.

Understanding. Like respect, this is a mutual agreement  - a pact, of sorts, between dog and owner. This can only be acheived through the above motions. This understanding goes deeper than respect and could be described as the way some dogs 'read their owner's minds' - or are able to pick up on what will be asked of them before it is required. This only happens because both dog and owner are in tune with one another - and this is simply a natural expression of that in tuneness.

These are simple fundamentals that must be seriously considered before any goals or expectations are placed on a dog, its working ability, the desired outcome, or intents and purposes behind owning a dog. These funadamentals are, essentially important to any dog owner relationship that is desired to work and cannot be missed! They really are what makes a dog, and should be addressed appropriately. It is something to keep in mind when thinking of any dog and its relationship with its owner.

In dog posts here, keep your eyes open for some Kaelen updates (training sessions!) as well as Goals and DesiredAbilities in Your Working Dog - then eventually we will look at The Fundamentals of Puppy Rearing.