Iworkdogs Dog Training Co.

So recently, I’ve encountered a few dogs that were extremely over-aroused in the bitework. Is this who they are? Possibly, but I’d bet it was more likely that they were reinforced to be this way.

I can admit that in raising my first malinois and going from a corso to a malinois, I spent an inordinate amount of time of drive building in a dog I did not need to build anymore drive. I in essence made her antsy. Even in her ripe old age, she is still twitchy if someone gets up or moves around the house.

This topic alone of reinforcing/building traits either willingly or unknowingly is a huge thing in and of its own, but it overall got me to thinking about puppy/dog development in bitework. It made me think of the idea of a “strong dog.” Because when people see a puppy or young dog exhibit characteristics of a “strong dog” they tend to give them more fight. Build more intensity in a creature that is plenty intense.

For the dogs who are not so intense we do have to do things to help compensate. For whatever reason, I tend to get a lot of dogs that not that tough and so I spend a good amount of time creating a system that allows them to win. A system that allows them to push through incremental adversity and still win. This predictable cause and response can give the impression of a strong dog, but does not always accurately portray who the dog is both in that moment and genetically.

So this got me to thinking… at some point the dog will compete or end up on a decoy that does not deliver the predictable response to their counter. They could be met with more violence and indifference to their efforts. Or they can be met with just awkward moment from the decoy that defies their previous experiences. .

My question for you all is, at what point and how often then is it important betray their expectations in training?

I’m curious to hear you alls thoughts.

Gamba biting pic for tax
📸 Emily Nikzat

Still have a couple slots open for Fernando Dosta Decoy School. It’s completely immersive experience spread over the course of 5 days. (7/10-7/14) Great opportunity for new and seasoned decoys alike.

Now, he’s not only an extremely accomplished decoy, but has also podiumed as competitor in The French Ring Championship back to back 2022 & 2023

Personally, I always learn even just watching him, but this is an opportunity to learn from one of the best if not THE best to ever do it.

DM Karin Chan Wright for more info.

The Ringsport Face Attack With Fernando Dosta Got to spend some time with my friend and decoying mentor, Fernando Dosta, at OJ's mondio trial. He ended up doing a Mondioring decoy seminar the next day. D...

I am OBSESSED with clogs , every year I hyper-fixate on a set style of shoes . Two years go : crocs, last year: platform shoes, this year: clogs of all kinds.

If I wasn’t running around training dogs all day I’d literally live in heeled clogs , I love them sm.

We’ve known Duke for a few years, he came to us with some reactivity and being his size he was definitely large in charge.

Once we helped him learn some manners and what is expected of a house pet (prior he lived outdoors) he became a wonderful companion for his little girl and his mom.

These days Duke has limited mobility due to a slipped disc , when his mom is away he comes and stays at our house to relax on our couch and keep up with his PT.

We love watching our dogs come back for boarding and this guy definitely holds an extra special spot in our hearts and our home.

Efrafra does the stickiest down when he’s excited because his puppy body wants to defy his smart mind and get up 😂

Starting our morning with this guy and coffee is always fun , what is your morning routine on Saturday?