[July 3, 2023] As a young man, I trained dogs, earning my way after High School. My job was to pick the best dog for the grueling task of personal bodyguard to “special dignitaries.” Doing so implies, of course, that the best dogs exist. Some trainers claim all dogs are capable and worthy. A practical way to think is that some dogs possess traits that accommodate to the rigors of discipline needed for being a bodyguard. Some don’t.
So, how did I pick the best dog for bodyguard training? Dogs have traits not that dissimilar to the best person you may know. But, more primitive traits naturally. What were those traits? How did I identify and pick the best dog?
All dogs selected had to have several mandatory features. Large dog (not too huge or too small), young adult (1 to 4 years old), mentally attentive, socialized around people and other dogs, strong mentally, and an eagerness to learn. Generally, male dogs were better, but no dogs were cut from the training program unless they failed our mental stress tests.
The dog had to complete a strenuous physical exercise program, basic on-leash obedience training, strict adherence to verbal and hand signal commands, and pass a thorough medical examination. And they had to quickly develop a strong bond between the handler and dog. The dog must protect the handler under noisy, all-weather, life-threatening, and unexpected circumstances.
Only about 1 in 100 large dogs could make the first step. We took out life insurance and bonded the dog when they proved themselves.
This was when the final training and selection process began. Each dog underwent four hours of training daily. Plus, one day was spent with the dog walking among groups of people (preferably with other dogs around) to teach them the details of discipline in crowded environments. This weekly schedule was rigorous. It involved running obstacles, personal defense training, off-leash training, and, most importantly, recognizing threats, taking down a man, and withstanding a beating without quitting the attack.
Only a dozen dogs ever made it this far in my years of training dogs. They were relentlessly loyal, mentally strong, physically powerful (including their bite), and would do anything the handler commanded. Anything!
What is the point? My description of dog selection and training is not the point here. The takeaway is that people, like dogs, are not equal. Some have the right traits and are born that way; some learn essential capabilities. This is a physical and psychological development to meet particular circumstances. Humans are like that too. Biology plays a part (intelligence, size, and strength). And work ethic plays a part, plus discipline, self-motivation, honesty, and loyalty.
If you pick your friends and partner in life with this in mind, you will not go wrong. Rarely does this happen. But imagine if you did, how much better off you would be in your life.
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Ha Ha, always get the best dog!!!!!!!
Well said. Dogs aren’t people but they are similar.
Welcome Erik.
HAPPY 4TH OF JULY for tomorrow. Happy fourth to us all. 🎇🎇🎇🎇🎇🎇🎇 (fireworks)
Only a few dogs were good enough to make the cut. Like in life, only a few people are good enough to make the cut to be with us. Otherwise, you get the dregs of society and you will fall with them. Sad to say, but that is life. For example, don’t hang out with alcoholics, drug addicts, criminals, or narcissists. You will regret it.
… or lawyers, ha ha ha 🤣
….. or magazine models …..
You guys are tough!
This is clearly the best site to learn about yourself and others. You can learn how to be a great leader and how to be a better person. I suggest reading “55 Rules for a Good Life” which is a book that Gen. Satterfield published last year. Get your copy now and leave a like on Amazon with a comment. He will appreciate you did so and so will I. You will learn more about how to act properly by following his advice than you can imagine.
https://www.amazon.com/55-Rules-Good-Life-Responsibility/dp/1737915529/
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Janna, I agree and got my copy last year after the book came out. I’ve read it now twice and each time I gain a little more. Concur with your thinking.
This book helps you! If not, then you are beyond help.
Right, be kind, be respectful, don’t be stupid.
Youse guys telling it right.
Yes, Janna and maybe that is why we are here in the leadership forums for that reason. I too am a fan, and for a long time now, as you are. Says a lot about Gen. S’s website and our persistence too.
Only thru discipline can we become free. – Gen. Satterfield
Psst, Gen. Satterfield is telling us something important. Pay attention, folks, “If you pick your friends and partner in life with this in mind, you will not go wrong. Rarely does this happen. But imagine if you did, how much better off you would be in your life.”
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Peace!
Got it right, Ron, and good to see our friends in Canada here with us “heathens” (ha ha) from the States. 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸
Gen. Satterfield hits another home run with his article today and did so very unexpectedly by drawing a parallel between the “best” dog and the “best” people to mix up your life with. That is what matters, find the best people to be around. That is why we always say that you can be measured as a person by the friends you keep.
Pick the best dog.
Pick the best friend.
Pick the best partner in life.