Close work is so vital to keep you in control
AFEW weeks ago I attended the sheep dog trials in Macclesfield.
It’s a big annual event with dogs competing from all over Europe.
It was just amazing to see these dogs run out 300 yards then drop like a stone on a whistle command from their handler.
Remember these are Border Collies with a strong predatorial instinct all pumped up ready to chase the sheep but on a single whistle from their shepherd they stopped dead in their tracks then slowly moved the sheep along carefully through the required gates.
I never cease to be impressed so I went to hang around the car park to see how the dogs behaved with their owners.
The first thing I noticed was how quiet the handlers were.
A hand signal and single command was enough to get the dogs back in their truck and they appeared to walk to heel without any signal at all.
Their basic obedience work was immaculate and it made me think about pet dogs who are often expected to come straight back to their owners immediately even though their basic obedience is far from complete.
If your dog needs to be told several times to sit or lie down when he’s next to you he’s not going to come sprinting back when his head is in the bushes 100 yards away.
Boring as it may appear, close obedience work is the foundation stone for everything that follows.
Get that right and you have a good chance of being in control of your dog. Neglect it and your dog could be in control of you.
There is nothing more infuriating than trying to get your dog back when he’s totally ignoring you.
If you are exercising him before you leave for work and are limited for time it can drive you crazy.
Fortunately, all these things are curable if you have the commitment and knowledge to correct them.
You can join any of my training classes on line at vicbarlow.com or by texting Vic on 07590 560012.