[miccmill]

Wonderful thread!

Thank goodnes we ran into a trainer that believed this when our fearful dog was very young. At least she learned that trying to follow instructions resulted in a good experience instead of a confusing or negative experience.

I firmly believe that's why she will try to do what we ask to this day, even if it causes a little fear or insecurity.

20+ years ago, we had a Doberman in training with a private trainer who insisted we use NO food rewards at all. This dog took forever to perform things like "heel" "come" etc. Looking back, I wish I'd just had a treat in my hand. He was a smart, good dog who would've done anything for us had he understood what we wanted.