Brandon McMillan: Training Rescues, Unleashing New Rewards

We asked the veteran trainer and producer for the show “Lucky Dog” what keeps him going after so many dog years, and about his tips for potential owners considering adoption.

What is the biggest benefit to rescuing a shelter dog?

I can attest from rescuing hundreds of dogs over the years that they know when they’ve been saved. When a dog is suddenly thrown into a small concrete block cell with jail bars as a front door, it affects them big-time. The longer they spend in that cell, the more it affects them, eventually altering their personality. When you rescue them from a situation like this now you’re starting the healing process of what they just went through. Time will heal them, and it all starts with a new home. It’s a win-win for both.

What is the most challenging part of training dogs?

No two are alike. Dogs are like a thumbprint, so the method that might work on this dog doesn’t necessarily work on the next dog. It’s almost like solving a riddle every time. I usually have a game plan when I work with a dog, but that game plan is only good if the dog goes along with the entire plan. Most likely, there will be some pushback on their end and I’ll need to instantly change the game plan without pausing for even a second. I need to have a plan B, C and D already lined up, knowing that there’s a good chance this animal won’t learn off plan A. That’s what I love about it: the challenge. I like that it’s often not easy, because if it were easy, everyone would do it.

What advice would you give our readers who are thinking of adopting a dog?

Be sure the dog is adequate for your lifestyle. Don’t just adopt off aesthetics alone. Sure, we all have an idea of the look we’re going for. But make sure that dog is the right size for your home. Make sure their personality complements your lifestyle. Make sure their energy level is right for yours and most importantly make sure you have time for a dog.

I always tell people to take your time, don’t make any impulse decisions you might regret a week later because you didn’t think all of this through. That’s the number one reason dogs are returned to the shelters—because people adopted them on an impulse decision, not thinking everything through.