Building a solid foundation is one of the most important items when training a working dog or sport dog. Every success and advancement builds from a good foundation. When a dog faces a new challenge under duress, they will naturally revert to what they know subconsciously, their foundation. A strong and confident foundation is a win, win for the dog, the handler, and the trainer. Building your dog’s foundation is a process but is not something that should be hurried.
Poor trainers and inexperienced handlers often want to rush through the basics to get to “fun” stuff or the finished product. A good trainer will read your dog and train to his strengths and weaknesses.
Cozmo’s foundation work is hard on my back (I have to hold the big lug on a long-line) but otherwise is progressing slow and steady, as it should be. Cozmo’s foundation work is about teaching confidence, balancing his drives, and teaching him what a threat is and how to protect himself, and protect me.
*Originally posted November 10, 2013*
