Whats really Important?

So what is really important training for these young dogs? I think, and remember this is only
my opinion, that one of the first things we need to work on with our dogs is handling.
Can I touch the head, ears, mouth, feet, nails, tails, legs, back and so forth. All of this with no
teeth either!
If we were all given that pony we wanted for Christmas, than talking about handling would be a
moot point. We would well understand why we must do handling. You can't have an animal living in your house that you can't handle.
Cowboy and Yip went through a period where it was like "Nope don't think I am gonna let
you touch my feet or roll me on my back"! Cowboy would have little temper tantrums and Yip
would just be wild.
When this would happen, then all I would do was handling. I used lots of treats, meal times, rest
times, and so on to work on this. It would become an natural part of our relationship together.
If I reach for a collar, on the dog, and they pull away or shy away then that is my job for that week. Make collar touches, light grabs, connecting the leash, the greatest game going.
Lots of food for this.
I am still a bit surprised that people see using food as a cheapening of their relationship with their dogs. I don't think their wrong, I just don't understand that stance.
Maybe it has to do with the thought that is is a "reward" instead of a training tool. If we think
in terms of teaching our dogs a second language (remember they have their own language that
works quite well) and we are using food as a way of emphasis, then it might be better understood.
Thoughts blogger world?
Anyone reading this today, please keep Mac in your prayers. He is going to be okay it seems but he needs our thoughts.
Noel