Actions can speak louder than words for animals

I WAS shown a video recently of four African goat herders meeting up under the shade of a tree having what appeared to be a shared lunch at a common corner of their territories.

It was a very convivial meeting where the goat herders appeared to be sharing their latest news while the dogs took full advantage of the shade and water.

The goats were in the distance apparently eating the dry grass and stripping small trees of their leaves.

One young goat wandered away from the main group which one dog spotted immediately nudging and pawing his handler.

The shepherd grabbed his stick and remaining seated he pointed directly at the wandering young goat and gave his dog a one-word command.

In less than three minutes the dog had run around the escapee and brought it back into the flock.

The handler gave his dog an approving nod and everyone went back to eating and telling stories.

This had to be the best example of dog/man communication I had ever seen.

It was certainly the quietest and I did wonder if this African goat herder has that kind of communication with his dog why don’t we?

It wasn’t just the hours they undoubtedly spend together. I have lots of clients who spend enormous amounts of time with their dogs without having this kind of control. It wasn’t until the following day it occurred to me how few words were spoken during that entire operation.

Most dog owners would have shouted, waved and whistled, themselves hoarse. This goat herder had no training aids. No special leads, collars or whistles or expensive harnesses so what was the secret?

Answer: He spoke the same language as his dog. They were in perfect harmony with each other. Each knew what was expected.

The whole operation had been carried out with a long stick and a one-word command - followed by a nod of approval, job done.

Of course, we can’t do that but I’m willing to bet we can do a lot better by making the effort to truly understand our dogs.

Check out our training classes at vicbarlow.com or text me on 075905 60012.