Status Updates From Advanced Schutzhund

You hear rescue people try to rehabilitate dogs in a matter of days, weeks, sometimes. Ivan didn't reveal all he did (the details) to help Tina, but that it took him an entire year, and this is one of the most talented dog trainers, is telling for how long it takes to make true progress

Back to dogs, Ivan released an update on Tina (a rescue Malinois he took in an *entire year ago*)

When he first got her: https://youtu.be/9B-gt0aEtYw?si=5SY_c...

A year later: https://youtu.be/diUWKJTuZD8?si=7dDeL...

It reminds me of a previous mentor I had, who though wealthy, was looking for people with drive, work ethic, and was willing to bring them up - give them a reference, as long as they demonstrated that drive, work ethic.

For me, I'm not going to be around motivational billionaires, but I want to be around people who have that kind of positive mindset

The thing with Leedor, is, he's surrounding himself around inspiring, positive billionaires

What I liked about him though is that he didn't so much focus on wealth (his goal is wealth and he works hard, so I'm not judging) and some of his best employees have been from the bottom who demonstrated to him they had the work ethic.

People partying in their 20s, every weekend?

There is someone else grinding, trying to achieve a goal.

I am grateful I got that experience as a young child competing, then in high school. Early experience of what it takes to achieve a goal.

I did watch all of Leedor's interview, and found it inspiring,

Especially his point about how important it is to surround oneself around positive people. You are who you surround yourself with, and you need to take responsibility for that.

Also his emphasis on passion/obsession. The word 'obsession' gets a bad wrap, but I know this from competition in sports. You want to win? It involves daily dedication.

I haven't watched all of Michael & Ivan's podcast. One commentator said the questions were stupid, and I agree. It's always best when people just let Michael talk.

Then I want to watch this later:

https://youtu.be/E4b9Kc6GOxE?si=o-zMe...

Leedor is different than Ivan & Michael in that he's advertising himself and doesn't give training advice. I still find him brilliant though, business-wise.

Anyway, one reason I thought about this was that Ivan just released a podcast episode with Michael Ellis I can't wait to listen to it:

https://youtu.be/rPsoFGc6KVk?si=uHbHO...

So I'm thinking on long road trips that will be something I do. When we go to restaurants get fries as a side. Don't eat them, they'll be a high value treat for the dog to reinforce good behavior (which is needed when they have distractions on a vacation)

It's like almost getting free dog treats for the dog (though you're paying for it as part of the meal)

Also one thing I did, and I'd like to do on future vacations: At the restaurant I ordered fries as a side.

I didn't eat them (sweet potatoes fries actually. We later went to a place for the dog to run and the sweet potato fries ended up being a really good treat for the dog (not the healthiest I know, but this isn't an everyday thing)

Really great small town, great small town restaurant, don't get me wrong.

But that feeling of safety. Of stopping at a gas station at 11 pm in a questionable area of town you're not familiar with, but you have a 90 lb doberman with you in the car? That feeling of safety, that no one is going to mess with you, is priceless.

In the right hands, with the right training, dobermans are great. It's taken so much time and investment though. It's like these dogs have potential, but they have to be in the right hands with the right training or they'd be a nightmare.

Then last night we traveled to a small town (questionable crime rate) for dinner. ...

This dog is turning into an amazing, well-trained dog. Still a lot of work to do.

Sure, he gets hyper. We let him on the bed, but he knows the command 'off' --> because he's gotten positive reinforcement for getting off, if you tell him 'off' he'll literally jump off the bed happily.

That kind of 'jumping to obedience' is great in high drive dogs. I'm really liking it.

I'm in several doberman groups and one person talked about rescuing one from an highly abusive home. They gave great treatment to the dog for 3 months, very little progress. They were concerned.

One person said that's normal.

I agree. If it's taken me 10 months for this dog with no previous training (benefit no obvious past abuse) to get him fully adjusted. I can't imagine the time needed for an abused dog.

It taking 10 months really shows the patience needed for dealing with rescued dogs with a past of abuse.

Takes time and patience.