A good relationship with your dog means that he will look to you for guidance. This, rather than using physical force to dominate him, is the better way to become your dog’s leader. A good relationship is the foundation of a great future for your dog. The more energy you focus on building this foundation, the less time you will spend resolving behavior issues. A teacher who fosters a safe and nurturing relationship with her students is most likely to help those students fulfill their potential as quickly as possible. A child would not be expected to thrive in a class with a teacher whom she fears and mistrusts, and neither can a pet dog.
A trusting and cooperative relationship is a requirement for dog-friendly dog training. By now, you should be convinced that dog-friendly dog training is the easiest, most efficient, and most enjoyable way to go. As a dog-friendly trainer, you are on your way to achieving your training goals, the most important of which is building a trusting bond between you and your dog. Actually, now that you have chosen to be a dog-friendly dog trainer, you have already all but done so. You have ensured that you and your dog will be good buddies because you will be using fun and friendly techniques to teach him.
Bonding with your dog couldn’t be easier. Simply choose dog-friendly training methods (you’ve done that) and manage your dog’s life so that you give him the best chance to be right.
Training opens up communication channels between you and your dog. Yes! It is pos- sible to talk to the animals.
Jump-Starting the Relationship
The best way to jump-start the relationship with your dog is to hand-feed him. Get your dog’s bowl off the floor, sit down, and chat with him. Just as studies have shown the importance of families eating at least one meal together a day, the same is true with respect to your relationship with your dog.
So, for at least one week, set aside five to ten minutes to hand-feed your dog his meal. Use each piece of food to ask him to sit, lie down, stand, roll over, or come. Also practice gentling and handling exercises. Offer him a piece of kibble each time you reach out to touch a part of his body. (See Chapter 6.)
With each piece of food your dog takes from your hand, you are cementing his trust and bond with you. Consider each piece like a deposit in the bank that will earn you an enormous amount of “interest” over your dog’s life.