I've been mulling over the best way to get results with Amichien Bonding lately. I believe things happen for a reason, so today was no exception.

This morning I re-visited a client close to my home after a few weeks of implementing the Dog Listener techniques (Amichien Bonding). Her dog used to pull her over regularly whenever it saw another dog or person, and she lives in a very popular tourist spot.

We went out for a brief walk (due to the heat) and I noticed the huge improvement in both dog and owner. She knew what to do when her dog reacted in a certain way, and we even met another dog and the whole incident (a few woofs) lasted 20 seconds maximum. I was very pleased with her progress.

She did mention to me that she felt that sometimes she was taking backward steps in the whole procedure, and I reassured her that this was to be expected.

On returning home and checking my emails, I found one from a guy in America who I believe is a great authority in his field, and has helped me in a completely different area in my life. I opened the email and this is what I found (I must say here that I have altered some details in order to make it relevant to this site!). It says it all.

One of the biggest lies ever told is that you make real progress in life in a straight line, with bit by bit measurable results, step by step, according to a calendar or schedule.

This "do your schoolwork and get your grade" approach is one of the single biggest pieces of brainwashing conditioning driving society, and is, outside of the academic world… A Huge Load Of C**p That Can Keep You Stuck  When It Comes To Progress And Success In The Real World.. In Real Life.. Including Working With Your Dog!

Listen: in the real world, progress does not occur in a straight line, linear fashion.

Your progress with Amichien Bonding will probably NOT come in a straight line either.

Progress happens in spurts: after a period of steady practice you experience a sudden grasping of principles, sudden proper execution meeting the right opportunity.

Translation: you did it right, with the dog in the right, receptive mind and… Suddenly You Are Getting Massive Success!

How's that for a scientific analysis?

Listen: In the real world, progress happens not only somewhat unpredictably it also goes hand in hand with the occasional set-backs, slide-backs and down right… Tripping Over Yourself And Sometimes Your Dog Too!

Now, what in the world does this have to do with getting a really good relationship with your dog?

Simply this:
While progress may not be linear, or predictable, PRACTICE SHOULD BE. I'll say that again: Your PRACTICE; what you actually immerse your self in studying and DOING, day by day, absolutely should be constant and steady.

But don't expect your daily PRACTICE to always lead to daily measurable PROGRESS for one simple reason: Sometimes, even the best executed methods and moves just don't pan out.

This happens to my best students. It happens to me sometimes.

You can do everything - and I mean EVERYTHING - right with a dog. Do all the 4 elements correctly.  But sometimes things just happen.
Someone gets sick. Someone dies. Something you could never have imagined happens, and the dog reacts to it, maybe even in a panic.

What I am basically saying here is: don't let the events (or your mood) of the day determine whether you are going to do your daily PRACTICE. Always practice. Even if it is just a few minutes that you can put it, do it.

Keep focused on the vision of where you want to go and let THAT take charge of your feelings of the moment or the events of the day and NOT the other way around.

Do that, and I promise that the progress will come.

Does that reflect your experience of dog training?  We'd like to know.  Click on the Add New Message below and tell me what you think.  Tony Knight.