Sibling Shepherds
This is the second time working with them together for various reasons to do with their history, particularly being never separated as puppies and the resultant lack of meaningful bonding with their human owners.
This is the second time working with them together for various reasons to do with their history, particularly being never separated as puppies and the resultant lack of meaningful bonding with their human owners.
Each dog had to learn to look to a human for guidance and permissions.
One of the things I have used as a signal of progress is eye contact. This eye contact is not solicited with a command; it is offered when the dog wants to communicate something ... like asking to go out, for food, for water, etc. The trick is to be patient and persistent - nothing moves forward without it. It is the critical moment of connection that needs to occur before we venture out into the world together with me as the leader.
Notice the eye contact Oakley offers at the door. It is genuine and communicative 'checking in' … and it is awesome.
The first 45 seconds or so are of me with Oakley alone. Then we are joined by Kojak.
Who you are to your dog is everything …