Learn how to be your dog’s natural leader
DOES your family pooch have a training problem or a relationship problem?
I work with lots of dogs who will simply not sit, stay or walk to heel for their owners, particularly outside the home.
“He needs training,” is the common explanation.
Often I take the lead and the dog immediately walks to heel sitting and staying on command.
Obviously this is not a training problem, but a relationship issue.
The dog knows perfectly well what these commands mean, he just doesn’t feel he has to obey his owner.
Imagine a pack of wild dogs. There is a leader and a clear hierarchy.
You wouldn’t really expect a dog at the top of the pack to take much notice of one at the bottom. It just wouldn’t happen.
Pack animals take their orders from above not below.
If your dog understands the commands but only obeys when it suits him, clearly he believes himself superior to you.
You cannot change his behaviour until you address this issue.
You may think you can live with your dog’s disobedience, but what are you going to do when he chases a cat across a busy road?
How are you going to stop him if refuses to listen?
I’ve seen too many dogs killed in this way to be blasé.
If you are not your dog’s leader you are a follower and no pack animal worthy of the name listens to a follower.
If you doubt the pack mentality of pet dogs, just look what happens in a disaster area.
Domestic dogs form packs very quickly.
They don’t think about it. It’s in their DNA, it’s what gives them security.
When the leader moves they all move together.
It’s not negotiable. Those instructions come down from above.
If you want to learn how to be your dog’s natural leader, enrol in my weekend master class on October 11 and 12 for help and advice.
Full details of the session are available at vicbarlow.com/ outdoor-masterclass or alternatively you can text me on 07590 560012.