Make sure you are on top of your game in magic circle
WHETHER your dog is to become a guide dog, gundog, sheepdog, sniffer dog or just a wellbehaved pet, everything starts with that onemetre circle around your feet.
This is what I call the Magic Circle, where your relationship is formed and the platform for all the training your dog will need to fulfil his role in life.
Owners quite often complain to me that their dog does not have a good recall and will not come back when called.
When I ask them to have him sit, lay down, stay on command it becomes a real struggle.
Clearly, if your dog is not totally obedient at your feet he’s unlikely to be so when he is sniffing in the long grass 100 metres away.
There is no point turning your dog loose in the park and expecting him to listen to you if he doesn’t listen when he is by your side.
Basic obedience training may be boring but it is the foundation stone for everything you and your dog will do together.
The smarter he performs at your feet the better he will listen at a distance.
The easiest way to teach your dog a good recall is to make sure every game he plays starts and ends with you. He needs to see you as the best game in town.
When you call your dog to return to you the question he is going to ask is…why? The answer to this has to be something he really loves.
My dog Cobra loves hunting and retrieving for tennis balls. When I call him he flies back in case he misses the game.
Some dogs will hunt for hotdog sausages hidden in the grass and as you have the sausages you are the key to his game.
We teach all this at our open air and indoor classes. If you want to join us you can do so on line at vicbarlow.com or text me on 07590 560012.