I don't experience this bond with all dogs, but a fair share of the ones I work with have had some sort of resemblance to this bond. I KNOW which ones have this certain quality about them, and I'm drawn to them. The only way I can explain it is, it's something in their eyes that tells me we have the bond. More often than not, it happens almost immediately. Usually by our second class I know which have the bond.
It is said that the eyes are a window to the heart - and it is true in both humans and in dogs. It's not cuteness that draws us together. I don't care how cute the dog is. I care what tale their eyes tell. With this instant bond comes a instant reaction. They know what I'm asking, and they are willing to give it all.
It's not about the treats with these dogs. My approval matters more than anything to these few. As an example...
I have been working with a little Aussie named Annie. She's about 4 months old. She adores her owners, and she is their world. It's amazing the love between the three. But she doesn't know how to listen to them. They are doing everything right. They listen to each word I say, they practice at home and pay attention in class. But when they hand me the leash that little dog changes.
In week two we start loose leash training. They were doing everything I had advised, and I was even coaching them as they were working with her. I took the dog, looked her in the eye and knew in that instant she would do whatever I asked. I preceded to heel her all the way down the isle, and she pranced in perfect position as though a well trained freestyling dog. I did not lure her, I only talked to her and gave her a treat every little bit. when I got to the end of the isle, I wrapped her up in my arms and told her how each step was fabulous and thanked her for working with me. On the way back to her owners, she pranced with even more precision. This dog had never been introduced to loose leash walking and here was heeling. We hadn't worked together hardly at all at this point either. The connection was that instant that her will and mine met, and we both knew it.
Another dog I work with is a German shepherd - again a four month old, named Hansie.
Hansie is a hipper little girl. She's out of control, nibbles on everyone, but has this intense desire to be loved and has a need to be shown that love. I knew when she first came into the training room that she had this bonding quality about her. Out in the store she always behaves rather badly for her owner, and I've been working with him on rewarding her in more rewarding ways. People want to just hand the dog a small treat and call it good.
When I take this little girl, her eyes light up and she listens with both huge ears. Just like Annie, Hansie will do anything for me. She heels for me, she listens and focuses. And I do the same for her - I love on her, and I tell her in a rich, strong, loving voice how amazing she is. And she's content.
What is it in these dogs that causes this bond? And what is it with me that they know how to bend their wills to fit with mine? Or perhaps it's a coming together of both our wills? A working together instead of against. And their eyes? Perhaps it's complete trust I'm seeing.
I want all my students to experience this bond. If I can have it with a given dog in just a few seconds time, can't they have it with their life time partner? It's a strange, and extremely satisfying feeling. I don't feel I've done it justice in my description, but as I learn more about this bond, I'll be sure to share.
Here I know that this is the job I was made for. I was made to share this bond with others. And in that realization, I feel joy and peace.
