Obedience

One subject that we have to consider is how to balance obedience training.

The 'ideal' is that Faro returns with NO obedience training whatsoever. Our job is simply socialisation.

However, we have to live with Faro for a period of time so there are some things we can justify teaching him to makes our lives together easier.

So here is the compromise we have made so far:

I walk Faro on a slack leash - but Jay and anybody else allows him to retain the behaviour of pulling away and sniffing around at will. This way we get the best of both worlds and depending on who is handling him, we can have him walk nicely.. or not!
It also means when I am out of the equation he will still be a blank canvass for his new handler.

For safety, the same applies to walking in or out of a doorway or gate.
I claim the space non verbally and do not allow him to pass uninvited. I go first.
I also non verbally stop at roadsides before crossing.

So far, these are the only non verbal communications that I have done repetitively with Faro and I have made sure not to use any voice commands.

This means that when he goes to a new handler, they can teach him their voice commands and I won't be there with my non verbal cues.

Sounds good in theory! Here's hoping this approach works well to build a solid foundation for Faro and he passes his formal training with flying colours.