How I Train My Boerboel in Public Spaces

This is what real-world neutrality training looks like for a guardian breed.

Before we ever walk through the doors, I set Gronk up for success with the right gear, clear communication, high-value rewards, a potty break and most importantly: calm before entry. No whining, no dragging me inside, no rehearsing bad habits.

Inside the store, the goal isn’t obedience for show, it’s awareness without reaction.

He’s allowed to notice the environment:
inflatable decorations, animatronics, loud carts, tight aisles, automatic doors, people loading heavy materials, unfamiliar surfaces, moving platforms.

What he’s not allowed to do is over react.

We work through engagement, structured movement, food reinforcement and small confidence-building exercises, like stepping onto new surfaces or riding a flatbed cart, only when he’s already showing me he’s mentally in a good place. No flooding. No forcing. No “just push through it.”

This kind of training isn’t something you do once and check off a list. It’s something you maintain for the life of the dog.

And when you take a dog like this out in public, people will notice. Today, six strangers stopped to ask about his breed or compliment him. That’s not the goal… but it’s a nice side effect of consistent work.

I also make a point to always purchase something before we leave. These stores allow us to use their space and I believe in showing appreciation for that.

Neutral dogs don’t happen by accident.
They’re built through intention, repetition, and respect for the dog and the people around them.