Playtime is crucial for a peaceful life
IWAS having lunch in a pub this week with my black Lab Cobra laying beneath the table.
A lady with a lovely looking cockapoo named Tilly came by and sat opposite us.
In no time at all Tilly was dragging her owner towards Cobra and barking.
Cobra stayed where he was. Tilly calmed down and peace was restored – but not for long.
When the food arrived Tilly dived on her owner, knocking plates and cutlery all over the floor.
Tilly’s owner was extremely embarrassed so
I offered to have Tilly for a few minutes while she settled down.
It didn’t take long to show her that jumping all over the place was not acceptable.
Tilly was a biddable little dog and quickly understood and Cobra’s calm presence helped considerably.
From thereon we ate our meals in relative calm but the moment I handed her back Tilly reverted to her previous boisterous behaviour.
Clearly, she respected no bounds or limitations which was a great shame as she had the temperament to be a really nice little dog.
It’s not easy living with that sort of behaviour and certainly with such a biddable dog as Tilly implementing some sensible rules would be easy providing Tilly was having a balanced life where she got both mental and physical challenge.
Every game you play with your dog strengthens your relationship, every game your dog plays without you does the exact opposite.
The balance of obedience and play go together.
If I don’t set Cobra some serious activities to play with me, he lets me know by charging around the garden and behaving badly.
The deal we have is he will remain calm and biddable at all times providing I do my bit and fulfil his need for physical and mental challenge.
That’s the way we learn to live in harmony with each other.
I fulfil his needs, he fulfils mine.
You can enjoy that relationship with your dog by doing the same.
Just join any of my classes on line at vicbarlow.com or by texting 07590 560012.