Developing a higher level chemistry with your dogs

I was reading a piece written by a famous fancier discussing the chemistry and relationship one has with a dog. He basically said somethings along the lines that dogs work/perform better when they feel confident and have trust in your ability as their handler to lead them physically and emotionally. He mentioned that a big factor in developing trust with your charge, is how you communicate with them and how confident you are in them and yourself. He alluded to the fact that dogs can pick up on your feelings and body language.

He gave an example of what people sometimes call lazy dogs. He mentioned that some of these dogs in fact are not lazy but rather, they didn't have the proper leadership/training and or their trainers gave up on them too early, therefore reinforcing in the dogs mind the belief that the owner doesn't have confidence in them as individuals.

I would like to hear thoughts on this subject matter and for those that agree if you could give examples of exercises or activities that help to nurture develop this deep level of chemistry between man and dog.

Thanks,

 

I have a dog that's not exactly lazy, she just doesn't always want to put her energy into what I want her to. If it's something she wants she'll go till she drops. When I'm trying to condition her there are times when I know she's getting too hot and I'll give her a break. Other times though, I know she's still got steam in her but in her mind she says she's done. She'll flop down and roll over when I'm trying to take her for a cool down walk. I just talk to her and tell her she's fine and she can do it. Seems to work. It's a fine line though and the handler can easily misread the dog. I have misread my own, I just try to learn from it when I mess up. You have to be really in tune with your dog and vice versa.