Working Service Training

WORKING SERVICE TRAINING

We as individuals must realize that the dogs we share our lives with are also individuals. They, the same as we are, are bound by definite genetic and social structures and boundaries. They, however, are not motivated by greed nor peer pressures nor are they effected by economic policies. We on the other hand move on a course of thought and emotion. It is here we must learn to truly communicate with our canine counterpart and we must do so from the heart. The dog is simply that, no hidden sides of character no corners of hidden self. They are capable of knowing our real selves, I believe, within seconds. He looks into us, viewing past our pretences deep within our being.

In my life, I have known many dogs. Each one having a totally different personality from the other and each one willing to accept me without judgement or reservation. What ever life presented to us, we were always were pals.

Long ago, I stopped asking what I could teach my dog. I now wonder what I could gain from them.

To many perhaps I may seem somewhat strange in my thoughts. To those who have discovered the inner worlds of the dog, a quieter, gentler world has become apparent. It is only man in his foolishness that desired to create his dog in his own image. The dog must be a dog to survive, to excel he must walk on his paths in his own way. He can run faster over longer distances across dangerous terrain, follow unseen tracks with confidence jump over, crawl under, break through obstacles man would quickly shun. The dog can uncannily sense, fear, anger, sickness, death and danger. Man still has a difficult time understanding his own heart.

Such a creature, one would think, would be eagerly received as a friend treasured in a troubled world. Yet we struggle to make him do stupid tricks for our enjoyment, then we become frustrated and discouraged when he becomes less than we expect. All because we expect him to be less than he is. For to be more human is to rob him of his natural and supernatural abilities. It is to confine that which knows no boundaries. Only together in total acceptance does man and dog excel as a team. Both using their natural abilities fully to compliment each other.

Man must be the leader, but he must learn to lead. When we are ignorant in this task we hinder the dog through pressure and broken signals. The dog will then retreat from his natural sense. Yet as we can negatively effect him we can also positively be an asset to him.

It is almost laughable that in a time when the social structure is degenerating that the dog is being permitted to show his true self and value. To the dog what is good is good. That which is bad is bad. He does not try to foolishly cover up the world's darkness with promises all too empty or excuses. Instead he holds at bay or confronts the evil doer with all his heart and all his might. Man could indeed learn from this. A good shepherd he keeps his flock free from wolves. It is only man who fools himself in to believing the wolves of this world can run with the sheep. The wolf only knows how to prey on the sheep, therefore he must be removed. In our world we reason that treated gently and with trust the wolf will change. We wait, making excuses as the sheep one after one is slaughtered by the wolves. Refusing again and again to remove the problem.

With my dog I can go anywhere. He is an ambassador, a protector a companion, a friend, a confidante and an alarm against unseen danger.

Using all I have said as a foundation, one must also have a great desire to give and receive complete trust, love and purpose to his or her canine companion, and accepting this relationship and purpose one must give life to it through service.

The dogs goal is, I believe, set by the human heart. Having no ambition to himself the canine is lost or excels at mans true desire. By this I do not mean to imply if I desire to destroy my dog or build him it is my choice. I do not believe this is true. As a man I realize the complexity of the human mind. We even try to deceive ourselves at times. The dog would never be led nor mislead by such a fickle source of emotion. It is deep within our heart and soul. In a place often hidden from ourselves that dictates to our dog. By this we find we have to be sincere even beyond our own knowledge.

Working Service is the natural walk through life of man or woman and their dog. This type of program gives us a purpose in our daily lives.
A reason to take that one more step and a true friend to take it with.

E-mail Mike with questions or comments.