The Dogfather: Is this the world's most committed dog trainer?

IMG_4140

Who is this fashion icon who rocks up every Saturday at training class?

Nothing unusual about a lady with a German Shepherd except this lady is 87 years-old and her dog Cassie came from a rescue centre two years ago. Several shelters turned Barbara away as being 'too old' to adopt a dog.

To be honest I almost did the same thing but as I've never turned anyone away who needed help with a dog I couldn't bring myself to do it. It was one of the best decisions I ever made.

Barbra is an inspiration. She arrives at class half-an-hour early each week to exercise Cassie and prepare her for the group lesson. By the time everyone else arrives Cassie is calm and settled.

Barbara has a problem with her throat and talks only in a whisper and, trust me, it's enough. When Barbara says no that's exactly what she means and she doesn't say it twice.

Cassie and Barbara walk in lock-step and seem to have some telepathic understanding. Barbara can recall her instantly with little more than a hand gesture, something I'd struggle to do with my Pack.

Barbara gets up at five each morning to take Cassie to a nearby park for a training session. That's some commitment for anyone let alone someone staring at her 90th birthday.

When she first arrived at class Cassie was a nervous, unpredictable dog today she's (almost) as confident as Barbara. Cassie knows the rules and exactly what's expected of her. There is no doubt Barbara is in charge (a feeling I share with Cassie).

Barbara doesn't do coochy-coo she shows her love in ways Cassie appreciates by committing herself to exercise Cassie every day regardless of the weather. Barbara's strong leadership has given Cassie the security she never had (every dog wants to belong to a strong pack) and she is now the calm, obedient respectful companion dog everyone wants.

If Barbara can do it at 87 without voice or bulging biceps so can you.

Join one of my training classes and find out how.

Tags:
The Dogfather, Vic Barlow
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement