When people see what our trained dogs can do, they are shocked.

The looks are priceless when our Dutch Shepherd jumps up onto the railing of a dock and walks across it. You see people’s face look at the dog and then down at the water which is a nice 10-15 foot drop in places.

“Oh my gosh, how do you get your dogs to do that?!?!?!”

The truth is, it’s pretty simple.

Simple, doesn’t mean easy.

So how do the dogs do it? They know we don’t ask anything of them we aren’t willing to do ourselves.

We have built a bond with our canine companions through training and spending time with them. We don’t bribe them with treats or trick them into the behavior we want.

If I want to teach my dog to jump onto an elevated surface, I start on the elevated surface and call the dog to me. I show the dog I can stand or sit on the elevated surface and that he can too.

Initially, they may have some reservations and stress but they overcome that to be with their handler.

Now imagine the difference between the above method versus standing next to your dog and encouraging them to jump on to the elevated surface while you stand on the ground.

Flip roles for a second. If your dog told you to jump up on top of the dock railing and attempt to balance on it, would you? Would you be more inclined to do it if they were already up there? So may say maybe not for a dog, but I bet you most people would if it was a human friend who had climbed up on the railing first and was asking you to follow them.

Transfer this idea to a workplace setting. You have a boss tell you to do something you know they aren’t willing to do themselves. How do you feel about having to complete that task?

How would the situation be different if you knew the person asking you to do it is willing and able to do it themselves, but they can’t because they are tasked with another mission that is critical to success?

Leading from the front isn’t just for humans. Try it with your dog and you will surprised by the results. It appears our 3.5 year has it figured out with leading the young pup across the ramp.