It’s learning based on confirming to the dog that he did something right — without giving him verbal hints. To make things easier, we divided the behavior into small parts and rewarded every correct step.

Dog training week with our ACD: nosework, shaping, mantrailing. Expert-led, practical, and surprisingly insightful. One dog, three paths — and a better bond.

The couch example would work better like this: I calmly think: “Get off the couch.” I say: “Get off the couch.” (because that’s what I want) I turn away from the couch, showing with my body the direction Mrok can go. When all of that lines up, Mrok gets off the couch - every time.

and then came Agnieszka’s calm voice: “It’s okay. They’re just discussing the stick.”

For many dog owners, a leash is a symbol of control. And yes — in some cases, it does work that way. But in a good relationship with your dog, a leash can become something very different: