do you bring your "a" game...

Are you going through the motions in training your dog? Or are you dialled in and focused? Whatever you bring to the table will be reflected in your dog.

If you are constantly flat in your approach to training and don't take the time to understand your dogs needs and wants, unfortunately for you, that's the likely response you will receive from your dog. Our dogs are masters of body language and reading our energy. They feed off of the energy that we bring into every moment. It's how they've existed and survived without human connection.

“ Let's be real, if you were rewarded exactly as your desired for a job well done, how much more effort would you put in?!?!.”

When you look at your dog ask this question, what motivates them? Is it as simple as a toy or a treat or is it more. Do they enjoy being engaged with physically, sniffing the environment when you're out for a walk or do you have to be even more engaging with their play? A trained professional with learn this about your dog in time however it's you, the owner, that really needs to understand this to clearly communicate to them and reward them for the behaviour you're seeking.

You will be glad that you leaned into this exercise for your relationship with your dog will vastly improve. Let's be real, if you were rewarded exactly as your desired for a job well done, how much more effort would you put in?!?!

Next time you're out with your dog, bring it. Bring some earnest attention to your dog and show them that you are their leader, leading by example.

You it to them to be worthy of their devotion.

- Derrick Fox