Episode Title: A Day in the Life of a Dog Trainer

• Introduction
  • I (Marc) discuss the daily challenges and rewards of being a dog trainer.
  • My son, Michael Windgassen, joins me to share insights from our experiences with high-drive dogs.
• Ninja, the German Shepherd
  • Ninja could sense when we were waking up by our heartbeat and would be ready to work before we were even fully conscious.
  • His drive was constant—always ready to work, no matter the time of day or how tired we were.
  • Living with Ninja was intense, as he was always focused on his "job," which sometimes made day-to-day living exhausting.
  • He had an incredible balance—able to switch between relaxation and immediate action when needed.
  • Ninja excelled at obedience, protection, and narcotics detection, and could be switched on and off like a remote.
• Elena, the Rottweiler
  • Elena is described as a Malinois in a Rottweiler’s body, with an extreme drive that is unmatched.
  • She works relentlessly, to the point of exhaustion, often needing to be crated to calm down.
  • Elena’s drive makes her the embodiment of a working dog, always needing mental and physical stimulation.
• Managing High-Drive Dogs
  • High-drive dogs require constant engagement, and their energy levels are difficult to manage for average dog owners.
  • These dogs will demand attention, often interrupting attempts to relax or rest.
  • Owning a working dog requires full dedication, as these dogs won’t allow downtime without work or play.
• Force, the Rottweiler
  • Force has a distinct off-switch, which allows him to calm down when needed, unlike Elena.
  • He’s still incredibly driven during work sessions but is more manageable at home.
• Challenges of Owning a Working Dog
  • Many clients get overwhelmed after adopting a working-line breed without understanding their needs.
  • These dogs will create their own tasks if not given proper mental and physical outlets, often leading to destructive behaviors.
  • Owning a working dog is not for everyone—it requires a strong commitment to constantly work with the dog to avoid issues.
• The Bond with High-Drive Dogs
  • The bond between a trainer and a high-drive dog is incomparable to that with a pet dog.
  • Working with these dogs creates a deeper, more rewarding connection because of the constant interaction and shared purpose.
  • Once you experience the drive and bond of a working dog, it’s hard to go back to owning low-drive dogs.
• Final Thoughts
  • Working dogs, while extremely rewarding, are not suited for every household.
  • They require someone who understands their needs and is prepared to manage their high-energy, driven nature.
  • The joy of seeing a high-drive dog perform and excel at their tasks is unmatched, but it comes with significant challenges.