The Dogfather: Excuses do not maketh the dog

dogfather

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.

Tags:
The Dogfather, Vic Barlow
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Comments

Here's what readers have had to say so far. Why not add your thoughts below.

Alan Brookes
Wednesday 25th March 2015 at 8:18 pm
I recently had an experience with a so called dog lover I was walking my German Shepard (security dog) on her lead when I noticed a lady in the distance with 2 dogs who were not on leads and doing there own thing,

As we got closer her dogs slowly came towards me in what I can only describe as stalking mode and getting ready for the kill, as she got within earshot I suggested she called her dogs and when she did they took no notice.

I sat my dog and remained stationary after the first one of her dogs took a bite at mine I gave my dog the command to protect herself you can imagine what followed, when she finally got control of her dogs they were both bleeding, the cheeky bitch then demanded my name and address insisting I would have to meet her vets bills.

Bet you cant guess my response
Denny Scragg
Thursday 26th March 2015 at 8:53 am
Alan,
The point you make is very valid and I agree wholeheartedly with what you say.
What a shame that you spoilt it by your use of the derisory term 'the cheeky bitch'. Unless of course you meant that one of the dogs (a bitch) asked for your name and address.
Vic Barlow
Friday 27th March 2015 at 6:13 pm
I carry a second lead which I swing around using my wrist if aggressive dogs approach. That usually sends them away without much fuss.
You could carry a spray can of air freshener and spray at the aggressive dog. (It doesn't really matter what's inside it's the hiss of the spray that scares dogs away).

Both methods are very effective and avoids unpleasant confrontation