Frieda was a handful, a mix of two intense working dogs – German Shepherd and Rottweiler. Plus she had been in the wild for awhile, and I suspect before that, was a guard dog of some kind. She is fiercely protective of doors, fences and other boundaries. She had no formal training of other gun, and was wary of men.

It was nearly a year before I could touch her or put a leash on her. I used food and positive reinforcement – voice and smiles – but asked nothing of her. Once we had bonded a bit, I asked her to lie and stay, which she did with enthusiasm. I saw she loved to work so we started going out together – take photos, walk in the woods, chase sticks. I don’t allow any playing in the house. It’s a residence and workplace, and the dogs get enough exercise. Too much play – people love it when dogs play but it isn’t always good for the dogs, as it cranks them up and brings up prey drive, something you don’t want to do with Frieda – can make dogs crazy, and can turn dogs like Labs into obnoxious pests.

I don’t give dogs any food inside the house that doesn’t come from a bowl. Ever. No wrestling, being noisy, running around inside. Whenever we walk, even the four of us, we do “no street” training, and some lie downs, stays and sits. For a dog like Frieda, “lie down” is essential. Not only is it a position that is the least aggressive for dominant dogs, but it is a submissive position which eventually teaches her to relax – she isn’t in charge, I am, something a dog like Frieda really needs to learn in a positive way. Getting her to “lie down” with some beef jerky as a reward was effective in getting her to calm down, submit and ease her vigilance around the other dogs.

But I have learned to  be careful about play. It is – like so many other things – something that makes humans feel good but can bring out the worst instincts in some dogs of overdone. I do not go to dog play groups, for all kinds of reasons. Just me.

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P.S. The seats may all be gone, but Frieda and I (and Maria, who had much to do with Frieda then and now) will be at the Red Fox Bookstore at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, August 18 to talk about Frieda, dog training, and dog training books. Training books will be sold and questions are welcome. If you are interested, call Red Fox: 518 793-5352. Not sure if there are any spots left. I’m writing these columns because people were curious about the topic, especially those who can’t come.