Train the Dog in Front of You

I see how some breeders label puppies far too early.

“Pet.”

“High-level sport.”

“Not for a beginner.”

Xtris Ensane 7weeks old

As if a few weeks of observation can predict an entire career.

Yes, not every dog is suitable for sport-never mind high-level sport. Even if bred by selective breeding programs. Even where parents are worked, titled, health-tested, and proven.

Genetics matter, but genetics are also complex. They define a range of potential, not a guaranteed outcome. But far more dogs are written off not because they lack genetics, but because of mismatched handlers, wrong expectations, poor timing, or ego-driven pressure.

Everyone says they want a dog for high-level competition. However, the uncomfortable truth is: not everyone can handle such a dog.

I’ve seen a future World Champion sold because the breeder and first owner “didn’t click” with the dog. With a different handler, two years later, that same dog stood on the top podium in the world. I’ve also seen top picks sold to “wannabe high-level” homes, only for the journey to stop at a BH.

Over and over again, dogs are bought, sold, passed along and when things don’t work, the dog gets blamed.

Not the handling.

Not the environment.

Not the lack of skill, patience, or honesty about one’s own limits.

What works for me as a handler may be completely wrong for you, and vice versa. That doesn’t make the dog bad. It makes the match wrong.

We need to stop the entitled behavior of thinking a dog owes us success simply because we paid for it. Dogs don’t fail handlers - handlers fail to listen, adapt, and take responsibility.

The real question isn’t, “Is this a dog for high-level sport?” It’s, “Am I the right handler for this dog right now?”

That question would save a lot of dogs and a lot of excuses.