By Vic Barlow If you want calm, stable pet then give them a job
DURING the dreaded lockdown people bought puppies for company.
Thousands of puppies were acquired by new owners driving up the cost of most litters by 500 per cent.
The demand was so great people were happy to accept whatever was available with little knowledge of the breed.
Sadly, that is now beginning to show in behaviour that is normally alien to the breed. I have dealt with two young aggressive Labradors this week.
Prior to lockdown aggression was extremely rare behaviour in Labs.
Both of the above were well bred working Labs bored out of their minds by a daily routine that involved very little of the activity that working Labs have in their DNA.
Without some serious retrieving on land and water you are not going to satisfy the needs of a Labrador who’s every fibre demands that kind of activity.
Working spaniels also need hunting and retrieving work without which you can expect a lot of inappropriate behaviour.
Buy a Husky and anything less than four hours walking/running/cycling a day is not enough.
Border Collies are intelligent, high-energy dogs with a work ethic second to none.
Unless you intend to compete in some serious activity utilising their skills these dogs will invent their own ‘games’ and you won’t like them.
To have a calm, stable dog there has to be a balance in the dog’s life between what you want and what your dog wants. All dogs need a job and that job must reflect the needs of the breed.
Don’t expect a greyhound to be a great retriever or a border collie to love swimming. Find activities that suit the breed and as your dog becomes good at these exercises make them more demanding.
When he’s tiring switch to basic obedience exercises involving sit, down, stay, heel etc.
That way both your expectations will be met and there will be far less conflict in the relationship.
Above all remember that all dogs need a strong leader to help them live a full life.
You can join one of my training classes on line at vicbarlow.com or text me on 07590 560012.