The Powerful Link Between Dog Training and Leading People

The Powerful Link Between Dog Training and Leading People

Are you tired of asking your children to repeatedly clean their room, an employee to perform a task over and over, or your partner to perform some other household chore that seems to fall between death ears?  The solution may be as simple as varying your technique and adapting the motivator to the person’s behavior you are trying to modify.

The military has been perfecting the science of training Military Working Dogs (MWD) since the 1940’s to safeguard military bases and to detect bombs and other explosives before they inflict harm.  The principles of training the MWD teaches basic obedience as well as advanced skills using positive rewards.  Expert MA 2 MWD handler Irvin Monet shared that a single reinforcement is not effective. In training MWD three types of reinforcements are primarily used to generate results.  The most common motivators used are physical touch, food and toys.  Studies have shown that food only works so long because what the dog really wants to do is play with the food, so a ball or rubber toy is often better than food.  Leaders and parents are you using the right reinforcement to evoke a positive action?

 A leader desiring to thrive and grow their people may be wise to study and understand further the qualities of a MWD handler.  In Monet’s experience in order for a MWD handler to advance their dog, consistency is the number one attribute of success. Without consistency the dog will never learn to associate the positive reinforcement with the behavior.  Child psychologist also reveals that consistency is one of the number one qualities for a child to be emotionally healthy.  It is the nature of the living to be able to determine what to expect, making consistency a critical element of stability.  Monet observed that a MWD has the potential to become burned out, just like a human the trainer must make keen observations and understand motivators for restoring will and the desire to perform.

 Monet also stated “will power, determination, patience and motivation are essential qualities of a competent MWD handler”.   The MWD are breed to perform and dogs that don’t advance are failed performance and a reflection of their trainer stated Monet.  Subordinates are also a reflection of their leader and require a leader who is inspired to develop their followers.   A MWD handler who simply expected to achieve results because he is the master would be doomed for failure and so is a leader who neglects the importance of individualized reinforcement, building strong relationships and dedication to the cause.