As a dog-trainer, I’ve been able to work with numerous dog-breeds using positive-reinforcement techniques, finalized to a correct dog’s fitting in the family-pack.  In my experience, I can assert that regarding trainability, learning capacity, memorization of an exercise, and tendency to repeat it after verbal or gestual stimulus, much is given by the subject’s character.

Character is a sufficiently indefinite term that summarizes some fundamental components:  first docility, which is also the malleability of a dog; after that attention, how much and how long a dog can concentrate; and temper, dog’s resistance to outdo a determined stress, and then how much the subject is willing to cooperate with the master, a factor quite difficult to quantify.  The character also has a genetic base, which is due to breeding, so that a particular breed is inclined to a determined task (e.g., Retriever-retrieving, Border-Collie, flock shepherding, etc.).

Of course the dog will be able to show his complete potential only if his human “leader” is able, with sensibility and experience, to “read” inside the dog itself, so to work “with” it, and not “against” it.

The work sessions must always be done with enthusiasm and happiness, the dog must be glad to work for his master.  Some subjects get boring very soon.  If they have understood what their master wants, and don’t like to repeat the exercise in eternity, so the work sessions should be short and interesting.  The most important thing is to show enthusiasm to the dog every time the exercise is done correctly.  And some dogs like applause too!  For example, when kids come to my farm-house to learn how to work with animals, Devil wants a real standing ovation for his agility exercises!

So I think that the REL, is a great dog that keeps us, modern humans, in touch with our hunting past.  And, due to his non specialization, is able to carry out different jobs.
First: great hunting auxiliary.  This is his most natural function, and his most suitable prey is the wild-boar, a species in great expansion here in Italy.  Second:  monitoring and study of different species of mammals. Third:  dispersal research.

We have the duty to preserve this outstanding breed, that has been given to us by the Russian wind from the taiga region, as strong as the survival means it has been forged by.