A farmer came to see me recently with Jack, his German Shepherd Dog, complaining that he 'never stops barking.'
"He's driving me and my missus mad," the farmer told me with some frustration. "I take him out three hours everyday running beside my four-track but it makes no difference."
Meanwhile Jack was in the back of the truck barking his head off.
After some discussion I slipped a lead over Jack's head and attempted to walk him to heel. Jack didn't have a clue.
I asked him to sit and stay but I could have been reciting the Magna Carta for all Jack knew. I decided to start again from scratch.
This time I showed Jack what I meant by 'heel' and manipulated him into position. Within minutes he had the idea and I confirmed it with a 'good boy,' Jack looked rather proud of himself and wanted to learn more.
In the next thirty minutes he grasped the basics of sit, stay and lie-down. Of course, it was only a start but Jack was desperate to learn so I pressed on teaching him to come on command.
By the time we returned to his truck Jack was a different dog. His owner popped him in the back while we talked.
"Do you hear that?" the farmer asked.
Silence.
"It's the first time I've known him stop barking."
I looked in the truck. Jack was sound asleep.
"It's a miracle," said Jack's owner but it was no miracle. For the first time in his life Jack's brain had been challenged and it's extremely tiring for dogs.
A young dog like Jack can run for hours with no problem whatsoever but once you engage their brain it's a different matter.
Running after the four-track required no effort from Jack but using his brain exhausted him.
To create calm relaxed behaviour in your dog you must challenge his brain as well as his body.
You will find help on my website or join one of my classes at. You can also text me direct at 07590-560012.
