Chapter 170: Chapter 141: To Train Beasts, First Train Oneself

"It would be my honor."

Yang Qi suppressed his racing heart and began by expressing his sincere gratitude.

He hadn’t been swept away by the immense potential benefits. ’In times like these, it’s more important than ever to keep a clear head and hold the initiative.’

"However, before I formally accept the position, there are a few things I’d like to discuss with Vice Director Zhao. This is to avoid any unnecessary misunderstandings down the line."

"Please, speak freely, Advisor Yang," Vice Director Zhao said with a serious expression.

"First," Yang Qi began, "all of my guidance and recommendations must be built on the foundation of absolutely guaranteeing the dogs’ physical and mental well-being, without going against their nature or exceeding their limits. I will not approve any training method that could cause potential harm or excessive stress to the dogs."

"Of course!"

Vice Director Zhao nodded without hesitation. "Our police dogs are our comrades-in-arms. Protecting them is our number one priority."

"Second, my methods can be rather... personalized. At times, they might not seem very ’conventional’."

Yang Qi continued, "I hope the base’s trainers can be as understanding and cooperative as possible. At the very least, when implementing the specific plans I propose, they shouldn’t feign compliance or make changes behind my back. If they have questions about my methods, we can discuss them at any time. But once a decision is made to proceed, it must be seen through to the end."

"That’s completely understandable. Professional matters should be left to the professionals. We will strictly require our team of trainers to follow the advisor’s guidance!"

Vice Director Zhao affirmed this again, adding, "We can write these fundamental requirements explicitly into the consultant agreement as the basis of our cooperation."

"Third, regarding my consulting hours, I hope to have a great deal of autonomy."

Yang Qi said, "After all, I still have my regular job at the Zoo, as well as my studies. I will come by periodically or as needed, based on the base’s requirements and my own schedule. We can also communicate and decide on the specific work content and duration of each visit in advance."

"No problem." 𝓯𝙧𝙚𝒆𝙬𝙚𝒃𝙣𝙤𝒗𝓮𝓵.𝙘𝙤𝙢

Vice Director Zhao agreed readily. "A flexible work schedule is completely acceptable to us. As long as we can have an expert like you, Advisor Yang, the schedule is negotiable!"

Seeing this, Yang Qi nodded. "In that case, I am willing to accept this offer and do my small part for the Police Dog Base."

"Excellent! Welcome to the team, Advisor Yang!"

Vice Director Zhao’s delight was written all over his face. He immediately had someone bring over the consultant employment agreement that had already been prepared.

The two parties, in a friendly atmosphere colored by their own private calculations, quickly signed the agreement.

Signatures were penned, seals were stamped.

Vice Director Zhao enthusiastically suggested, "Advisor Yang, since you’re here, why don’t we head to the training grounds now? It’ll be a good chance for our trainers and police dogs to meet their new advisor."

Yang Qi readily agreed.

They left the office, collected Hu Zi and Leopard who had just finished their physical exams, and went to the spacious training grounds.

Vice Director Zhao had someone blow the assembly whistle.

Soon, more than twenty police dogs, either on a break or preparing for training, quickly fell into formation in the center of the training grounds, each led by their trainer.

The dogs were of various breeds, primarily German Shepherds, Malinois, and Labradors. Every one of them was spirited, their eyes gleaming with intelligence.

Vice Director Zhao walked to the front of the formation, cleared his throat, and announced loudly.

"Everyone, I’d like to make an introduction. This is Yang Qi, Advisor Yang."

"As of today, he is officially hired as the special training advisor for our Police Dog Base!"

"Let’s give him a warm welcome."

The trainers below were surprised at first, but they quickly recovered and broke into applause to welcome him. There wasn’t much shock on their faces, however.

Yang Qi’s reputation in Donghua City’s "animal training circle" had already spread far and wide. His successive feats—assisting the police in solving cases, subduing wild beasts, and finding lost children—made his abilities plain for all to see.

Being hired as a consultant for the Police Dog Base was, in many people’s eyes, only a matter of time. Some even felt the base had been a bit slow to act.

Yang Qi stepped forward. Facing the police dogs and the trainers, whose gazes held both curiosity and scrutiny, he gave a brief self-introduction.

"Hello, everyone. I’m Yang Qi."

"I’m very happy to have this opportunity to work with all of you excellent trainers, and with our loyal and fearless police dog comrades."

"I have some of my own insights into animal behavior communication and potential activation. I hope that in our future collaboration, we can learn from each other, grow together, and help our police dog partners realize their full potential and value."

His words were concise and pragmatic, free of any boasting, and they won him the initial goodwill of many trainers.

Vice Director Zhao added a few more words of encouragement and stressed the importance of cooperation, then turned to Yang Qi and gestured for him to interact with the police dogs up close.

Yang Qi nodded and slowly walked toward the line of police dogs.

He activated his Basic Spirit Communication Technique and moved down the line, starting with the first police dog.

With each dog, he would stop, crouch down to their eye level, shake their paw, pat their head, and stroke their back, memorizing their name and scent.

"Hei Feng, hello. I’m Yang Qi."

"Zhui Ying, hello..."

...

The police dogs he approached, whether they were calm and steady German Shepherds or lively and clever Malinois, quickly showed affinity and acceptance after their initial brief scrutiny or curiosity.

Some gently nuzzled Yang Qi’s hand, while others wagged their tails, their gazes softening and becoming more focused.

Hu Zi and Leopard stayed by Yang Qi’s side. Their familiar scents and relaxed demeanor further soothed the other police dogs.

The entire process was as smooth as flowing water, so harmonious it didn’t seem like a first meeting.