That's super! It's really bc they are so smart. And they love to please people. Training gives them a job to do and when they do it, they feel good about themselves, and they get a positive interaction with their person. Being left to be their own boss, they will make their own rules, lol.
There's a ton of other dynamics going on too. When a dog is misbehaving alot, the owner will be constantly trying to discipline the dog, bc he is unhappy with the dog's actions. When the dog is good, the owner is very happy and rewards the dog. If one is miserable bc one's dog won't behave, it changes who they are.
I went through a very miserable time with Peek A Boo. He did nothing right. I realized this was not who I wanted to be so at night I held him on my lap, and told him he was a 'Good Boy' today. He looked at me like he had never heard those words, ever. That broke my heart. I went along with the theory that if I am saying positive things, mentally I would be more positive. Even if he was a monster that day, at night I would tell him he was a good boy. Then I realized he really was a Good Boy! It was just some of his behaviors I was unhappy with. And I can't maintain a bad mood when I'm saying positive, happy words, and smiling. He can sense my moods, so it is important for me to really feel happy around him, or he'll go hide somewhere. So even doing something like a simple 'Sit' would give me the opportunity to be positive and really happy with him, and he knew that. I think that's the important part of any training, moreso than if they actually can do anything or not, lol. If one sets them up to succeed, they will!
Sorry for the book! Lol.
At least with Joel and the kids, you get many opportunities to work with him each day. It sounds like you both have really come a long way in a very short time! Keep up the fantastic work!
