NEUTRAL MASTERY: The Calm and Centered Mind

Neutral Mastery: The Calm and Centered Mind

When it comes to one's approach in management, handling and teaching good manners to the dog, I like the term “Neutral Mastery.” I coined this term, the "Neutral Master" or "Neutral Mastery" for two reasons. First, the word “Dominance” triggers knee-jerk reactions, and is, therefore, a word to avoid, no matter what it’s implications in dog management. Second, in dealing with animals, we must approach with compassion, understanding and a calm and centered Mind. 

Neutral Mastery means, first, that WE OWN EVERYTHING, and this must be made clear to the pup or dog from the outset. Secondly, we LEAD everywhere and in all situations, unless a specific release cue is given. Our release cue becomes a reward or Premack for the dog and is an essential tool in relieving the dog of pressure and boredom, as well as simply permitting him the freedom to express his true, joyous nature.

Where discipline is concerned, it is like the old joke:
A guy walks into a class of young dog-training students with their dogs. He passes out a newspaper to each student and tells them, "Ok, I am going to teach you how to make your dog behave. Roll up your newspaper." Some of the students are horrified, others are, like, "yea, that's how my Dad did it." Now the trainer tells them, "if you see your pup going into the middle of the living room rug and taking a squat, I want you to take that rolled up newspaper...

and HIT YOURSELF OVER THE TOP OF THE HEAD with it. Because YOU are responsible for what your dog does. Every time."

So, for me, where discipline is concerned, it is we - the handlers - who must remember all the management our dog requires, and then apply it. We must also observe the Individual Dog, the actual dog standing right in front of us, and use the techniques proper to management and training of that dog.

In other words, a 9-week old Corgi is going to have different needs than a 2 year old neutered bulldog. It is what it is, and we must forget the dogs we had, and the Perfect Dog we hope for. Rather, we must always deal with the dog that is standing right in front of us. 

So these then are the first two disciplines: 1) manage your dog correctly (exercise, boundaries, adequate nutrition and clean available water, proper vet care, outdoor activities, mental work, and socialization); 2) manage the dog that is IN FRONT OF YOU - deal with that individual dog's way of being.