Training man’s best friend pays off

THERE is probably no better animal companion than a well-trained dog – and there is seldom more of a nuisance than one that is rowdy, boisterous and lacks discipline.

Our first dog was a cairn terrier, and being a Scotsman, he was given a Scottish name, Mungo. He arrived two days before our first child was born, so he had to adapt fast, and he did. As he grew older, he got bolder, and would try all sorts of tricks to get his way.

He’d roll in smelly things and bring the smell into the house – and be told “outside!” He yapped at the postman and loved chasing cats and dassies which was his “sport”.

But he also knew when he was in disgrace, came when he was called by me, but not always with Mrs Chiel and the children, would sit when told to, begged when offered his supper, and wouldn’t touch it until told he could. He’d go to his basket when ordered to, and understood the words down and wait.

Walkies, car and boat were his favourite commands. “Look” would set his ears erect and his face and eyes alert to the subject of attention. He was also happy to walk on a lead.

Mungo was loved by the entire family despite his fleas – it was a constant battle to control them in those days – and a few bad habits. To my mind he was trained, perhaps not be trained. Trained, they will be valuable assets; untrained they are dangerous to themselves and their owners.

A dog, being a pack animal, requires a leader and should its owner abdicate discipline, which dogs respect, then it becomes the pack leader, and pack leaders are unpleasant companions.

The writer of the article suggested dog owners join a club where the owner would be taught to not pull on its lead, and it would learn how to sit on command, to lie down and told to stand still until allowed to move.

Such discipline is invaluable; sitting at the kerb means vehicle drivers know the dog will not leap in front of them. A vet also needs a dog to stand for examination, and trained dogs do not fuss when treated. And every dog should lie down quietly when the family is eating, occupied, or has visitors. No begging at the table please!

The dog should be the lowest pack member in every household, and shown his position with even the baby able to command him to behave. All children, even visiting children, should be taught how to live with a dog, and never allowed to tease it or to play rough which could lead to trouble.

A dog can be taught to do its “business” on command, and in an approved place (NOT on the beach) which means it can then be taken out safely in public. It should be taught to sit and be petted without jumping up; to greet people and other dogs sensibly, and to come every time when called, not just when the mood suits it.

Basic training should be done correctly, about half an hour every day as memories are short and they learn in stages, and it must be done kindly. A dog that is constantly told it is stupid, will be stupid; and when praised does its best to earn more praise.

Some people give up, as all this takes time. It needs skill and a considerable amount of patience, but it’s worth every minute. Those who have neither time nor patience should opt for a cat, not a dog.

The end result of the training is a partnership that is envied by other dog owners. It is far happier as a working partner, not a nuisance to be tolerated and the owner’s life benefits enormously, the writer says. To which the Chiel agrees heartily although I do feel that smaller dogs can be trained quite adequately at home with the help of a book and common sense.

What is more, a well-trained dog would make many neighbourhoods more pleasant to live in should all this advice be heeded. —