Dogs and Friendship

Previously I've mentioned how training results are closely tied to respect. Today I'd like to differentiate the concepts of friendship and respect.

To most people, the terms friendship and respect tend to go hand in hand. From a human perspective, we often respect our friends and become (or wish to become) friends with those we respect. For dogs, however, these concepts are two entirely independent components of a relationship.

Is there really teaching through friendship alone? IMO training methods based primarily on friendship do provide learning, but do not provide teaching - to me there is a big difference. With purely positive methods a dog will learn certain rewards are available for performance, but the dog is not taught commands are non-negotiable. Progress and performance are essentially left up to the dog rather than the owner, and this can set a dog up for failure! When dogs see commands as optional, they invariable have little (if any) respect for their owners and problem behaviors frequently begin.

Training a dog with leadership rather than friendship not only provides far more reliable training results, it provides true teaching which develops respect. The teacher, of course, must reciprocate with fair but progressive expectations and appreciation for the dog's efforts. When this mutual respect is present, most problem behaviors fall away, dogs become reliable, and owners bond with their pets on a much deeper level. Far greater rewards than when a dog is only offered learning on its own terms.

I challenge owners to consider how well your your dog respects you. If you feel there's room for improvement, help is a phone call away. The sooner you improve your relationship with your dog, the sooner you'll enjoy a happier life together.