I once read that if you want to communicate something to your dog, you don't need any special command words or tricks, you just need to say it. The author was right! My dogs were trained by a personal trainer, but they also understand me when I have said something for the very first time. They have taught me that each dog has his or her own personality. I do not believe in the alpha theory of establishing dominance. I can guide without dominating. I believe in responding with compassion to the individual dog's needs. Dogs expend much of their energy tuning into their human's needs. I feel we owe it to them to do the same.