3 Things I Learned About People From My German Shepherd Dog

Last night, Rocky, our pet German Shepherd, who happens to be both a beauty and a beast, graduated an obedience training course. I have to say that not only am I impressed with what and how much information Rocky got to learn and actually put to use, but also how much I learned from training him myself, hands-on.

1. People will say anything to make you do something. Come for a cookie. Stay for a cookie. Down for a cookie. Next thing you know the dog learned both the trick and the fact that you're not always honest.
   Point: Even if you know the prize might not be there, do well. It might teach you a lesson that would eventually earn you a better prize somewhere else.
2. Not only does a dog know a liar, they also know how to deal with them. Intimidation is a great part of a dog's meeting. That, of course, happens to be the main reason why dogs can be effective guards. A dog will take you as you are, with no judgement. Make the wrong move, and you'll automatically start spilling the rest of the things you were trying to hide.
   Point: Walk in and do what you were supposed to do in any meeting. If it's a job interview, walk in to get the job, not to observe the interviewer. If the one you meet plays games, respectfully pull yourself out of there. If you walk in believing you're not fit for the job, you won't fit the job.
3. Always practice.
   Point: No one is perfect, but constant practice sure does put you near being perfect at anything.