Many people at Operation Kindness (the shelter I work at; workers, volunteers and clients) have all mentioned how many of our dogs focus on me when I walk by.
One of the reasons is because I’m one of the people that feed them. Another reason is I randomly treat them.
The most important one tho, is I take the time to walk a lot of them. Especially on their first day, and next couple if they’re still real nervous.
This allows them to be a dog who just happens to be in a stressful environment, instead of stressed out dog in a stressful environment. They hold on to that. A few minutes of leadership goes a long way for them.
I’m sure sometimes clients feel it’s not as necessary as it is when i tell them to START their day with at least a 30 min walk, make the pup sit for the leash, and exit the door after the human. This bit of leadership goes a long way in continued obedience the rest of the day, and normally it’s pretty easy to accomplish.
They want to please us, and they want to be led. Take a few moments to give them what they need & they will spend their life giving you what you want!
