I was unloading my Labs at a well known beauty spot this week when a passing dog, overcome by excitement, ran towards us. I asked my team to sit quietly while the owner called her dog back. It went part way towards her then ran off again in another direction.
"You could have waited," she snapped. "Until we walked past."
So, there we had it. Her dog's disobedience was my fault.
In my experience the most unruly dogs belong to owners with the longest list of excuses. I can't tell you how many handlers with no control of their dogs whatsoever blame their bad behaviour on responsible owners who have their dogs on leads. It's a total cop-out.
If my dogs misbehave it's not their fault or the fault of some innocent bystander. It's MY fault. I have a duty to teach my dogs what behaviour is acceptable. If I don't there's no one to blame but myself.
Every unruly incident tells me what training I need to do. I recently acquired a new dog. She's quite respectful but inclined to jump up at people. That's not a trait I admire so I must train her not to do it.
Chasing is a very dangerous habit. I've seen three dogs killed chasing rabbits across roads. So it's important to show her that chasing cats, birds, squirrels and especially livestock is not acceptable.
I take my young dogs on lead to places where I know there will be rabbits etc and if they show the slightest inclination to run I correct them immediately. I rarely have trouble with chasing.
I aim to have well balanced sociable dogs that are welcome wherever they go. If they misbehave there's only one person to blame... ME.
Read more training tips on my website: vicbarlow.com or text your problems to 07590 560012.
