Cultivate A Willing Partner

I am often asked what is the most challenging aspect of training an Alaskan Klee Kai or Siberian Husky.  Both breeds are a personal specialty, and I have relished every minute of training with them.  My answer?  Always using positive reinforcement to bring out the most willing and trusting partner that I can cultivate - and, to ensure that my dogs are open to giving back to me.

When working with Northern breeds, I find that it's crucial to operate in positive modalities.  These breeds are not traditionally motivated by a love of pleasing you; rather, they work best when working in a state that is self-reinforcing, and one that is constructed with their personal interests in mind. 

Having said that, inspiring a mutually beneficial relationship will go a long way with these dogs.  Nothing makes me more proud and happy than having my dogs work with me, of their own volition, in the happiest manner possible. 

Positive reinforcement is the way to go with the Northern breeds.  They are bred to think independently, act accordingly, and to question their handler.  It's this act of questioning that can often be the most frustrating for those who haven't worked extensively with these dogs.  Your Northern breed will always ask "What's in it for me?" or "Why should we do this?".  And you need to show them.  These breeds don't ask for your experience and trust - they demand it.  I find this exhilarating.  The Northern dogs can push their people to be better handlers, better trainers.  It's incredibly rewarding to have my personal dogs and Northern breed clients work happily with me.  These are truly partnership breeds.  My best advice is to never tire of showing them the reward.  Give them all that they have earned when they are giving you their focus and diligence.

While your Northern breeds are quite the teachers when it comes to handlers/trainers and partnership, that doesn't mean that we should neglect our other breeds that openly enjoy partaking for the sake of enjoyable inclusion.  In rescuing Aria, I have a unique opportunity to develop my skills with an innately more willing breed - a lovely Aussie that relishes training with me just for the enjoyment of building that partnership and working as a team.  Even though Aria has a much wider scope of enthusiasm and tolerance with her handler, this doesn't mean that I should neglect to show her the happiness and rewards that comes with training and with being a team.  It is so valuable to take the time to appreciate and maximize Aria's willingness to work and please; and, to show her just how appreciative I am in return.  

So, yes - the Northern breeds are what I call partnership breeds. But? Every dog deserves your partnership.  Training in a positive manner to cultivate your dog's best decisions and actions is the way to develop a wonderful partner for life.