Two years ago I worked with four-month-old Mastif whose owner referred to her as 'My Baby'.
The dog was bright and within ten minutes I had her trotting along at my side. We were in the process of becoming a team, which is an excellent starting point for learning.
"That will be enough for the first day," I said explaining what a short attention span dogs of that age possess.
When she arrived for class the following week 'My Baby', dragged her owner across the car park like a rag doll.
"Don't allow that", I called to no avail.
"She is just happy to see you."
I was a happy to see her too but allowing 'My Baby' to drag her around was a clear admission of who was in charge that was not lost on the dog.
I took the lead determined not to let the dog walk one step in front of me. A couple of sharp tugs on the lead and 'My Baby' fell in beside me like we had never been apart.
For the rest of the lesson the dog was no trouble at all and seemed to enjoy the learning process. The moment we parted company the dog jumped all over her owner.
"Block that immediately," I yelled afraid that her owners would be knocked to the ground.
"You have to stop that dominant behaviour," I explained or this dog will take over and you won't be able to handle her.
"Well, I intend to bring her up surrounded by love that she will repay when she's older."
I tried to explain that 'love' in the dog world meant leadership, security and mutual respect but it fell on deaf ears.
As I walked through the park today I saw 'My Baby' muzzled and harnessed drag her owner kicking and screaming through an open ditch in a desperate attempt to get to another dog on the opposite side. It was bedlam.
If you want to live in harmony with your dog you must be a good Leader AND only your dog's opinion counts.
All my new classes start this week with Leadership at the top of the agenda.
For full details please go to www.vicbarlow.com or text 07590-560012.
