First Day Jitters

Three weeks ago I went to Better Dog Behavior Center to have Bruce assessed for an education module. I decided long ago, even before I got Bruce, that if I'm getting a huge dog I would have to hire professional trainers in order to achieve a certain level of control. We learned a lot from Bingo, our huge dalmatian who is already in heaven. He was so big and unruly that we had no choice but to cage him all the time. For a dog his size, we didn't know what to do or what to expect. We don't want that to happen to Bruce. We don't want that to happen to any dogs.

But Bruce, unlike Harvey and Chivas, will grow up to be a 130 pound dog. He will be heavy, massive and destructive. His size is perfect for human and property protection, but if no sufficient training is set, we could emulate inappropriate behavior and give him an impression that he could do whatever he wants and that just means chaos and destruction for us. For his size and built, we have to have a certain level of control over him so that both parties won't be disappointed. Harvey and Chivas are manageable because of their size, and they do spend a lot of time indoors. But from the start Bruce is geared up to be a formidable guard dog. We have to equip him with the tools of managing situations with a level of discipline with minimal supervision.

I did some research and ended up trusting Better Dog to take care of the training part. They have accredited trainers, a safe and modern facility and their location is a 15 minute drive from my house, which is perfect. Also, I cannot discount the fact that they have an informative website, which is another plus in the decision making process. 

But I tell you, training demands a lot of effort and we're not even talking about the financial demands. Financially, yes it's an additional, shallow expense, something you could do away. Training dogs are not exactly a must. It's usually a case to case basis. It depends on the dog if it's too difficult to manage. It also depends on the owner if he has the time, knowledge and patience to train his own dog. Another factor depends on some people who need to have their dogs trained and do not have the time to do it. Training is not a must, but a good to have especially if you are really involved in your dog's welfare and development. I have two agenda, a shallow one and a serious one.

• SIZE and TEMPERAMENT
• Bruce is of a bullmastiff breed which is known to be huge, heavy dog and has the innate makings of a formidable protector. With this size, we cannot afford to NOT have a certain control over him. We need to be able to be in control before he does anything that may be too destructive because of his built. We want his size to be an asset and not a liability.
• We also want to enhance his personality well. He may be a guard dog, so if he gets pissed, he might also retaliate hard. We want to bring out the best in him the most efficient and accurate way possible. Basically, we need to consider how to read and prevent unruly behavior and we need a professional to guide us.
• FOR SHOW and convenience
• I would want one day to be able to walk with him in High street in his size and features without a leash. I know this is so far off at this point, but if some dogs could do it, definitely Bruce can. We saw this black labrador retriever once, waiting outside Nuvo bar for his master, who had been in the restaurant having cocktails. With so many distractions, the dog didn't budge from his space. I want Bruce to have that certain level of "behavioral talent."
• Who wouldn't want to showcase your dog's intelligence with basic commands? 
• As a mode of protection, the dog has to listen to me. I'd know what's best for him so he has to acknowledge my commands

Before the dogs could actually enroll in the module, the owner has to bring the dog for an assessment weeks before. From that meeting, the trainer would assess the dog's capabilities and immediate response to know the dog's temperament and cooperation to gauge the complexity level. The trainer, based from the initial assessment, would also decide if the dog could be trained in a group or in private. I initially thought it was just one of those visual inspections and facility tours but the assessment was kind of serious. Certain interviews and tests were done and we stayed 1.5 hours in the facility. 

The academy trains a minimum of 4 dogs and maximum of 6 dogs per class. Sometimes, you'd have to reserve a slot in advance as the start of the class depends on the number of participants. If you missed the current batch, you would have to wait until they round up participants or if not, just do the private sessions. 

Private sessions are more effective, but more expensive. If a group class would cost you 6 thousand pesos for 6 sessions, the private ones will cost you 10 thousand for the same number of sessions. It's more expensive, but what's good about private sessions though is that the trainer is focused on only one dog for a full hour. The chance of absorption and speed of learning will be more enhanced. Also for private sessions, you could dictate and modify your schedule for certain cases. 

The trainer had to test Bruce on his response factor, his temperament, his fears and inhibitions. 

Bruce is definitely a food driven dog, which is perfect for the Academy's teaching method. He doesn't attack other dogs and he eats in foreign territories. He is a cuddly and an amiable dog, but was tagged as shy and fearful. If there's a new dog in the room, he would not do anything but sit beside me and observe. Unlike Harvey who gets excited with new companions and territory to explore, Bruce doesn't want anything to do anything with new people, dogs and new things. He would just sit beside me. The trainer wanted to change that, which also made him decide that a private session is the way to go. He might not be aggressive, but the trainer figured out that putting the fearful puppy in a sea of new dogs, might only lead to frustrations for me and stress on the dog. As a continuous assignment, socialization in public would have to take place everyday. And so far so good. I started to walk Bruce in the village park with minimum issues.

The trainer gave me a schedule and asked me to be at the training facility on November 10. I hope our first day will be good and then he graduates to grade 2, eventually grade 3 and have him enroll in some K9 guard classes. 

This is it! I've prepared a notebook, his leash, his stuff and asked Karla to drive us to the facility and document the whole thing. My brother wanted to go if not for his training. My parents and aunt are interested on the possible outcome. Tomorrow is Bruce's big day and I think we are more excited!