Service Dog Training: BASIC COMMANDS // Re-Training Service Dog after COVID

[@MommingwithMigraine]

1) IMPORTANT FACT. My socks are llamas in pajamas. 2) Here's the link to the original list, so you're not scrambling to take notes! humanimalbond.org/service-dog-goals-basic-commands/

[@AvidusReader]

point number one is the most important point

[@KylaFallenAngel124]

I MUST know where you got those socks!

[@angeladormish7026]

I’ve never felt so validated as when I saw you explain your chronic migraines. Mine are just.like.that! The stutters… the searching for words, blindness, vomiting, etc. I have numbness in my feet face and hands, and lots of other crazy things. Thank you for sharing your story!

[@ArtbyKimmer]

Thank you so much for this video. I am self training a 9 month old 91 lb great dane to be hearing and mobility dog. This is so helpful for us.

[@krisvanallen]

We use “leave it” for leave and walk away, ick-ah” for that's garbage, and I do also use “uh-uh” for when they leave a command before I release

[@erinaltman2450]

A “drink” command is really useful for dogs that get too focused on their work or are in stressful situations and won’t stop to drink on their own. Several of my sport dog friends use it.

[@lnsuvasquez2466]

I taught my dog a drink command just because sometimes the waiting around we do doesn't make it easy to always have a drink around.

[@wildlifesymphony]

Mine just opens her mouth and gets my attention. Then I ask if she's thirsty and she paws if so and I pull out her water bottle thing. But she learned the mouth thing from my last service dog, who just started doing it.

[@jadeswrapsandbraids]

The list starts at 8:35 1)watch 2) watch me/ look 3)sit 4)down 5)stand 6)come 7)here 8)stay 9)wait 10)release 11)no 12)don't/or ah ah sound 13)off 14)let's go 15)heel (leftside) 16)side(heel on right side) 17)leave it 18)hurry up/potty 19)settle 20)go through 21)back 22)follow 23)go around 24)move 25)closer 26)go to 27)under 28)that's ll/thats it/all done 29)carefull/easy 30)get a drink 31) quiet/enough ( what we use for ours)

[@Laceymops_Kennel_and_Stud]

❤

[@LUCY.PARK.06]

My dog isn't a service dog whatsoever but he does know lots of the commands on this list. Even though he is only a pet I keep his training at really high standards for the safety of him and others and because I find dog training really fun 😊 great video can't wait to see the rest of buddy's retraining

[@MommingwithMigraine]

That's very impressive, I don't know many pet dogs who know the intermediate obedience commands (I think people tend to go for "fun" tricks instead!). Does your pup also know some silly tricks?

[@LUCY.PARK.06]

@@MommingwithMigraine thank you 😊 he always knows paw,spin and roll over

[@chrisvandoros1805]

@@LUCY.PARK.06 what obedience training do you do

[@LUCY.PARK.06]

- I have allways used balanced training methods with my dogs - I use mainly positive reinforcement with some light corrections on a prong collar or e collar. I do some competitive obedience my German shepherd mainly heeling to music. I also train personal protection and police dogs as a side job. But mainly my GSD loves learning new tricks so that's why he knows so many 😅😅

[@chrisvandoros1805]

@@LUCY.PARK.06 do you do heeling on walk do you videos?

[@sippintea4570]

I have severe anxiety so sometimes I can’t go out in public since I’m so paranoid, I plan on getting a dog to do tasks like bridge and block, but will definitely be starting with this video. My goal isn’t to have a fake service dog, but a companion that can help me feel safe in certain environments

[@Kaythought]

The little bonk on the forehead after the leave it was so funny! I’m starting an internship to train service dogs in May, thanks for the list!

[@MommingwithMigraine]

You're so welcome! That internship sounds like a dream; I hope you have a ton of fun and learn a lot. Dog training is one of the most rewarding things. It's totally a riddle sometimes, but the breakthroughs make it all worth it 💜

[@taragulati220]

honestly, things to you I was officially diagnosed with chronic complex migraines and pots and I also have a medical alert dog and I really wanted to say thank you!❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@zxcmd]

i also have chronic migraines and POTS, but waiting on testing for the rest of the trifecta. it's cool to see another person with such similar experiences and a service dog team for the same thing as us🫶🏼 i hope you're doing well

[@kristensaenz6421]

I loved seeing Buddy demo the commands. I can tell he loves working! Sending well wishes for a good labor and delivery whenever baby B decides to come. 😊

[@leejennifercorlewayres9193]

Thanks for making this video. I'm fully disabled with migraines and anxiety. Now assessing a puppy for service dog training. My disability literally made me homeless before I got help, so training my own puppy as I'm not rich and spent all my savings trying to survive before getting on assistance. So, your video is crucial to someone like me. Thank you! 🥰

[@lisacook1074]

Some basic training helps reestablish the bond. I am now training my 3rd SD. There are times when my dog is not getting whatever task training, I am working on. This requires taking a step back to where he is successful. Jen and Buddy are going back to the very basic that is quick and easy and low stress that Jen needs.🐈‍⬛🐾👍Keep in mind that the team develops their own language for commands. Many of the commands with my dogs I don't even realize but they get it.

[@MommingwithMigraine]

Agree completely about developing a language with your dog... I say some ODD commands like "Buddy, your butt" and he gets it 😆 Stress-free and fun... looking forward to it. Will definitely be a big help for us. Give Gunner some pets for me 💜

[@lisacook1074]

You got it. Slobby kisses from my mastiff.😘🤤

[@wildlifesymphony]

Around the property my main command is literally "Hey". Just noticed how few separate commands I have to use cuz she corrects whatever I'm calling for automatically at the "Hey".

[@lisacook1074]

@@wildlifesymphony just to show how personalized sd team relationships are.

[@wildlifesymphony]

@@lisacook1074 your comment just got my attention Because she's my third SD too XD

[@AnnikaOakinnA]

I have a 5yo chihuahua mix who isn't terribly clever, but she's so sweet and tries so hard. We've only attempted a handful of commands -- sit as a proof of concept, stay + release to keep her from jumping us when we get her dinner, wait + ok go to stop her from dragging us down the stairs when we walk her -- but it's so rewarding to see her slowly learning, and how much she wants to please, and how proud she is of her successes.

[@ieltjee]

Training my first dog now. She still has a lot to learn (20weeks old). After the basics we will train the migraine, low bloodpresure and i hope she can pick up that smell. (Since migraine isnt a strong smell)

[@neoandlykkecat]

I'm so happy that you are able to retrain Buddy. I know lots of handlers who can't retrain their dogs because they are geting too old. At least they can't do as much as before Covid. Some of the dogs have even become pets during these two years. So there are a lot of handlers that need a new dog now. So it's so good to see you and Buddy working together. I love your list. It should be on every dog training school's training list. Hugs from Norway.

[@MommingwithMigraine]

This is so true! I have been watching along on Molly Burke's journey to get a new guide dog because Gallop got older & rusty during COVID 🙁 I'm so glad you like the list. Hugs

[@mylovablepets2018]

I'm not raising a service dog however my next puppy I want to be well trained so this is awesome to hear, I'm totally making a list of commands I want to train :)

[@justlivingwithit]

Retraining after CCL surgery, thank you so much. I didn't want to pay for more classes but I was getting stressed.

[@jimmyb.6272]

I’m getting ready to train my own service dog and just came across your video and so glad I did! I think you’re amazing and your Buddy is amazing. I’m going to go back and watch more and get to know you. Best wishes to you and your family.

[@erikaymac]

This list is helpful. I'm picking up on training again after getting frustrated and quiting. My health has changed, and now I need my girl more than ever. Turns out I was more successful than I thought. I put my girl in her vest to see if she's still comfortable in it, and her demeanor and behavior changed completely. This list will help us to keep going!

[@shawnahaddan3674]

We use front and back up for narrow doorways etc. Easier with the wheelchair and Rocky backs up while I move forward.

[@pattihanson7921]

Thank you for this. I am having to train my own dog and we were doing great. As a puppy he was great at going to the hospital for hours until the point wear nurses forgot he was there until he wagged his tail. Then my mother died and I went into a deep depression. Spent weeks in a fog. His training stopped. He is months from his expected progress through no fault of his own. Gotta work on the basics again to start with a strong foundation.

[@safeera8239]

Hey Jen I'm currently inpatient for an eeg. We are trying to trigger or catch one of my supposed focal sezuires. So KZbin videos are keeping me sane. Hence watching your vids

[@elles2825]

One that my friend uses is "speak", so the dog barks at the person who is making them uncomfortable or is invading personal space (both for the dog and for her)

[@theshadowofgod1]

This might have been two years ago, but thank you very much. I am in the process of gathering all information for the options around me. I am the one receiving a service dog and I am also the one who drives. Seeing as we lost our pretty pittie about a month now, I will be waiting until my partner is ready to have a canine presence in the house.

[@erictaylor5462]

Good luck with the next baby. A bit of dark humor to cheer you up if you need it. A man gets home from a long trip. His wife greets him with, "Did you miss me?" He responds, "Well yes. You wouldn't stand still."

[@myjourneytosanity]

I know this is an old video, but I still wanted to comment and thank you for putting it out. My Service Dog needs retraining as he was certified just before lockdown in Ontario, Canada. I've since moved back to my home province of Nova Scotia and since then he's regressed more and has become very anxious, especially in the car. He's still great when were in public, he behaves and listens, but like you said, it's good to get them retrained. I'm hoping by doing some of this, he'll get some much needed confidence back, and his anxiety will leave.

[@MissPeyton8]

I’m going to get a puppy from my uncles service dog and she passed public access really quickly and she trains well so this video will definitely help me out

[@nadinabbott3991]

We had to retrain our beloved Dexter as well. He passed last week. We are looking forwards to training a new dog, after we find a pup. So watching. Because I will need to train a new pup

[@Aka_Vanii]

I am always excited for Buddy ☺️

[@MommingwithMigraine]

Makes me smile so big, I love how much you guys love him! Shout-out to my husband for making all those shots happen... he was off-screen reading the list to me so I wouldn't need to stand up as long 😊😋

[@cloest-jean6956]

@@MommingwithMigraine good hubby! Hehehe

[@MandieZangora]

Thank you so much for this video, it’s gonna help Flynn and I sooo much. And I still believe that Flynn and Buddy are brothers! They’re SO ALIKE! Flynn does the between the legs thing, their vocal excitement and just their love of work and how they look at us and also just their body mannerisms and everything. I just wish you lived closer so we could meet up because they are llke 2 halves of the same coin!!! It’s crazy!!! Good luck having the baby, fingers crossed it she comes soon!!!!

[@renbaker5124]

Thank you for these tips. I am self-training a service dog for medical alert, mobility, and psychiatric stuff. She is only a puppy right now 💙.

[@elleford8725]

How's it going?

[@zxcmd]

i'm doing the same thing, for all of the same tasks as well, mines 7m/o right now. hows yours doing?🫶🏼

[@nospoonfulofmayonnaiseforme]

I'm getting a japanese spitz puppy as a service dog. I've never had a dog but I love training them, so I've been doing months of research on owner training.

[@Fae_nnec]

I took a border collie puppy two weeks ago and I wish to train him to become a service dog for my autism and anxiety. Service dogs are not a thing in my country other than for blind people, so I can't call for help from an official trainer.

[@mrspokitstheriot477]

I need this video. I have 2 kids needing medical alert service animals.

[@MommingwithMigraine]

That's a tough thing to watch your children go through 💜 Best of luck on your training journey if you do end up going the Service Dog route.

[@sabyna2]

Tasia was the same with shopping carts she hated heeling behind the cart, she's try to heel with the back tire of the cart, making it hard to turn left when I needed to. Also my no and "uh-uh" are very different so interesting, my favorite I came up with is nose off, as in I see you're about to do something (those shepherd instincts kicking in) don't.

[@TravelingDogQira]

This is perfect I also need autopilot and weather makes it hard to take my service dog out 100+Degrees

[@courtneybentley7109]

I love Buddy content! ❤ My dog isn't a service dog, but he knows a lot of these cues even though I want to get better around distractions and with heel (he's just over a year old so still a puppy). And other fun tricks of course! And I've heard the going through the legs is a golden retriever thing...my pup is half retriever and does that all the time to people! 😂

[@MommingwithMigraine]

That is awesome, thanks for sharing!! I had no idea it's (maybe) a golden thing. Both of Buddy's parents don't do it!

[@Kijahlovex]

So many of these are informal for my team too! 😁 They just naturally happen because I talk to him like he’s a human 🤷🏻‍♀️🦮💕

[@ry_eq]

I’m going to try this with my dog for my epilepsy thanks!

[@MommingwithMigraine]

Best of luck!

[@Aweird_therian]

13:16 THE NALA STOMPS!!!!!😂😂😂😂😂

[@DaniAlexandria]

Could you also do a video a video about transporting your SD in a car with your husband and 2 car seats safely?

[@justaskmike4602]

another question I am thinking about before getting my dog has separation anxiety not just for him but for me and there will be times when we will need to be apart. How does the dog deal with that and how do you prepare the dog to deal with that?

[@MommingwithMigraine]

Buddy hasn't had issues with separation anxiety, so that's not something I feel like I can help with. I hope someone swoops in to answer your question!

[@PawsitivePawsome]

Hello! It's explained in detail in this video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/eaLQnJx8grV_bck

[@rawritsataco]

My dane mix: scooby snack/ would you do it for oneee scooby snack? would you do it for twoooooo scooby snacks? (favorite command, just a trick) my husky corso mix: f*** off (kennel/crate) necessary command for a rambunctious but mischievous cow. Neither are currently public access ready, but I will utilize many of these commands to get the basics/expand their skills. I hope buddy enjoys these new training videos & exercises! baby definitely coming before the next video. likely on edit day/ when it;s most inconvenient for you.

[@MommingwithMigraine]

Rolling 🤣

[@asecretcourtofcrowsandcloc4084]

These are some really interesting tips. Thanks for sharing your thoughts and perspective Jen. Your daughter is so cute. . Do you bring buddy with you to story time?

[@Angeluly725]

What do you mean by “task trained service dog”?. I thought dogs could be service dogs based on specific disabilities. Im interested in getting my dog certified as service dog for various reasons. One could be anger intervention but if there’s a general one even better

[@MissPeyton8]

Certifications are fake they are scams they are ILLEGAL

[@PawsitivePawsome]

Hi Angela, it's explained in detail in this video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/eaLQnJx8grV_bck

[@parentsof2familyforever747]

Im going to a school where there's special training for my service dog. 2 weeks training, just because you training a dog doesn't mean thdy a service dog. Service dogs need special training. It cost thousands of dollars to train a service dog. Its legal if you go through ada.

[@DieselDollarBudgets]

I love this video! I am owner-training my first assistance dog (in Australia we say assistance because service dogs are police/sniffer dogs) and this has given me a great list to work on the basics! My Golden Retriever has only just turned 6 months and this gives us a list of tasks to focus on while we are on break from training classes until February. It means that we will have a head start on joining the assistance dog program later in the year🐾🐶🦮💙💜

[@asecretcourtofcrowsandcloc4084]

Could you say again where you got this list of commands from? It’s very comprehensive.

[@MommingwithMigraine]

humanimalbond.org/service-dog-goals-basic-commands/

[@cavlizzy]

Can't wait for your video: "Baby names we loved but didn't use" 😊💖 I am guessing baby B will come before next Friday!

[@rhineelledavis]

How did you train your “Close” command to get Buddy to make contact with your leg? My SD’s heel is good speed-wise but I’d prefer to tighten it up and bring him closer for moving through tight spaces easier since he’s so big (he’s 105lbs).

[@chrisvandoros1805]

What training are you doing

[@wildlifesymphony]

I do a "follow" or a "lead" command for super tight spaces, depending on if my service dog is helping me walk or not. She adjusts to tight spaces on her own, but I do have a hand signal that is my hand about mid way up and just drops straight down to touch my leg. Or "step" when I'm about to step in to her space between her front and back paws to squeeze in tight.

[@buildernamedpumkin6867]

Thank you for this video, me and my sdit will really benefit from this!

[@servicedoggy2436]

How did you train buddy for your migraines? I am 14 and have migraines about a everyday. PLS HELP ME!!!!!

[@DaniAlexandria]

Do you have any advice for working from home? We are back to virtual learnings and I start online school on Monday. My SDiT is a completely different dog at home vs in public but now most things that would be in public like going to work and school are at home again as Ontario has gone back into lockdown. My SDiT is having a hard time understanding that I’m working or in school vs just ignoring her requests to play. She is still talking when needed but seems very frustrated, refuses to play on her own an just resorts to napping which results in her being extra annoying the second I’m done. Currently I try and take her on a walk beforehand and play a bit in the morning.

[@caseyslifewithcp3727]

Do you still have daily migraines my headaches and migraines I've been more then usual this week so I was wondering if you still had them so maybe he's still alerting to you

[@nataliechristensen420]

I’ve discovered because of Covid and not being able to go to the doctors appointments in person that I really need to work on Willows down stays when I’m not near her. It’s refreshing I guess you can say when you are able to test certain things and then see what needs to be worked on.

[@MommingwithMigraine]

That's all 3 D's of dog training at one time - durations, distance, AND distraction! It's a lot to ask of a puppy! Patience and practice, you will get there

[@nataliechristensen420]

@@MommingwithMigraine oh ya for sure. I think part of it is that she is growing and uncomfortable cause I know she can do it she’s done it before. But I decided to change her command to platz instead of down since I think she’s getting confused. Just a lot of practice. She’ll get there. She’s definitely in a way better place than I thought she would be at almost 9 months

[@pattisplace726]

Nothing wrong with frizz by the way. Your hair is gorgeous. Thanks for all of these great tips

[@kasieream1248]

Question , would it be reasonable to get by without a formal command for leave it? And what about wait?

[@learningservicedogs]

Hi! I have seen more of your older videos do you still live in Utah Arizona area? I would absolutely love to meet up with you and train with my girl Winnie! Also a cardiac alert dog

[@akhe4156]

Great video!! How do you reinforce distance and distractions?

[@kireniavenegas5050]

Makes sense now why my dog acted so weird in public. She totally regressed

[@Behind-the-ears_FF_]

Thank you!

[@agnesyll]

For the command under, how did you teach Buddy to tuck his tail in? I taught my dog under as well, but she likes to leave her tail straight out and be a tripping hazard to all.

[@Sophie-kn3gh]

Wishing you the best 💕

[@titanbuck7]

The first 4 minutes talks about some of the biggest reasons having a service dog could end up being g a huge pain in the butt. Every person should k ow the dark side of having a SD. The dark side of having one isn't always enough to decide not to get one, but I can see now why some ppl may choose to forego the whole thing. As she mentioned, constart training and retraining is a resource draining endeavor. You will have to pay with time, energy, and mental energy/focus and in some cases getting a dog from an agency has its advantages because some agencies will offer retraining for you. Every situation is different and if getting a dog and then keeping a SD doesn't work out for you, try your best to not feel like a failure or bad about it as if there is something wrong with you. Life changes and those with disabilities need to be gentle with themselves re ALL their limitations.

[@MommingwithMigraine]

☝☝☝THIS. YES.

[@bethany8822]

your hair is so pretty :)

[@MommingwithMigraine]

Aww thank you 💜

[@Whateverhasbeenmynameforyears]

14:50 In case this is help. You are normally very detail oriented so not trying to offend just noticed something that you might want to know to clean up training because extra eyes sometimes is help) You close the last little distance with Buddy when you ask for closer. Not a big deal but sometimes those things we do with out even noticing can mean we struggle with why the animal is not quite doing what is asked. I thought I would point it out just in case it is not something you noticed you were doing.

[@MommingwithMigraine]

Yes, definitely aware on that shot, if you're being super picky. Buddy does usually at least wipe his drool on my leg when I ask for Close 😄 But do keep in mind that I use the feeling under my feet for balance, because the vestibular system in my ears does not work. The way I swayed away from him then back toward him to get my balance back and "ground" my feet after a big side-step is normal for me (especially with my top-heavy belly throwing me off now). You can tell that the foot closest to Buddy started to lift off the ground first, and then fell back into standing position, and this problem with tipping is why I work him with a counterbalance handle.

[@Whateverhasbeenmynameforyears]

@@MommingwithMigraine :) good to know.

[@ritahopple6360]

Great video. Thx

[@MommingwithMigraine]

You bet

[@justaskmike4602]

What about if your dog has to use the restroom do they let you know where they just hold it till it’s the next appropriate time and if you they have an accident in a public place I imagine it could be quite the stressor

[@MommingwithMigraine]

The trick is to teach puppy to pee on command, and give plenty of opportunities to go. I give Buddy a chance to potty at home when we are loading into the car, and sometimes again on a tree outside the store before we go in (but not close to the door because who wants pee there, ew). I have a general feel for his patterns by now. Hope that helps!

[@Jen-zz7nv]

Hmm. I'm gonna say, you'll have baby B before the next video. Praying everything goes well for both of you. 😊

[@MommingwithMigraine]

I think so too... just a hunch. Thanks, fingers crossed!

[@non-existent4002]

do you think a 6-month-old puppy would be able to do these? He listens very well but he is a rescue now foster dog.

[@abigailcastilleja8537]

Puppies have a short attention span and get distracted easily but yes it’s best to start the training when they are young. Mine is 7 months and learned so much. They can learn it but it definitely takes time and patience!

[@juanjiggy]

Absolutely! I’ve been training with dog since she was eight weeks old and she been working at 5 1/2 months.

[@PawsitivePawsome]

Hello! It's explained in detail in this video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/eaLQnJx8grV_bck

[@wendylock6949]

Please can you help me, my daughter wants to train her puppy as her service dog …. Please can you help xxxxx

[@angelgrove2753]

I'm training a 6 year old Borador to be a service animal, am I crazy?

[@mr.normansarahdawn5896]

So we do something funny instead of saying place we say lava shark because the floor is lava and there is sharks on the lava so you need to get onto wherever I pointed. Also, instead of close, I say tight heel

[@talayaferguson4791]

What are the legal public access rights that you’re referring to?

[@206stonner]

The only requirement to be a service animal is that the dog be individually trained to benefit the person with a disability. So the legal training is yep he is me service dog. From ca., wa. state laws

[@kasieream1248]

How far along are you in this video if you're pregnant?

[@stephanniedelgado]

You wouldn’t happen to know which type of dog is a good dog to train for a wheelchair and seizures would you ?

[@elleford8725]

Bigger dogs preferably. Labs goldens reach out to programs or charities and ask for recommendations

[@elleford8725]

I also use a wheelchair and have seizures the charities recommended labs and goldens to me

[@stephanniedelgado]

@@elleford8725 oh ok :) thank you

[@stephanniedelgado]

Would you happen to know what charities to look for

[@scottsnyder4310]

I can't find your list of commands

[@cindymobley8926]

May i ask, what does he do for your migraine?

[@MommingwithMigraine]

Alert before the attack, and i have a video explaining the other related tasks!! Search my handle with migraine service dog tasks it should pop right up!

[@cindymobley8926]

@MommingwithMigraine thank you. I will after this migraine...

[@phoeberiker-jg8nf]

I use through as center cuz he’s in the center of me

[@MommingwithMigraine]

I think that's the more common command =)

[@1newwoman07]

You can get a service dog for pregnant women?

[@MommingwithMigraine]

I had a service dog for my disability, then became pregnant. The pregnancy is unrelated 💜

[@fmcrockin]

hehehe

[@adrianamelissaflores7844]

Can you please just talk about the dogs and not your babies or hair? Sorry to sound rude. I struggle with adhd and I struggle to watch the video completely. I got distracted from now writing this comment. I also don't care about your personal life, no offense. Sorry I think this is rude but not sure. I have aspbergers too. sorry

[@MommingwithMigraine]

Hi! I appreciate your honest feedback, and that you shared you have aspergers so I can understand where you're coming from! My channel is about my journey, not about dog training, so I won't be changing my videos. I think if you're looking for something more direct, my channel is not a good match. I hope you find what you're looking for! And if you stick around, welcome!

[@Koda.On.Pawzzz]

@@MommingwithMigrainethis was a very professional way of handling this!

[@MommingwithMigraine]

@@Koda.On.Pawzzz appreciate that thank you!!

[@Koda.On.Pawzzz]

@@MommingwithMigraine of course!

[@rogerniccoli219]

😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@garyjohn2607]

repeat repeat repeat. get to the point of the video

[@EminayDrackoness]

thats actually a big misconception. Working on basic skills like this or what i tend to refer to as "Manners" keeps the foundation that every thing else is built upon strong. It's not enough to even take you dog on a mile or two mile walk every day, they need mental stimulation too. I have known of some handlers that play food games at feeding like like covering 3 different food dishes and the dog will put their paw on the one with the food in it to get it. This practices a few things in a fun way, scent skills (great for medical SD's) , understanding they must task in some form to receive food (increases trust and attention to the handler) and the fun aspect makes the bond stronger. Just last night I was taking my SD on a walk (Which is already a big deal since I am visually impaired and part time wheel chair user) , and my dog uncharacheristically refused to cross a bridge. (normally shell be a little shy to start but once shes on the bridge she trot along happily ) she sat down and refused to continue walking until we turned around and went back. In that moment I did not attempt to force her to continue or even correct her. I trusted that she sensed or saw something that made her feel unsafe and did obedient disobedience to do her biggest job, keeping me safe. I simply told her "Okay, I trust you. " turned around and when I did she immediately went back into guide work. I've seen enough movies to know what happens when you ignore the animals instincts, and it was really dark out after sunset on a hiking trail, so I absolutely trusted her instinct.