The Dogfather: Devil dog to top in one session

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Yesterday morning a lady came to class with her 5-year-old dog Sam.

Apparently they had been rejected by every training class they attended for Sam's anti social aggressive behaviour.

The story was a long one with Sam's stressed owner recalling each and every detail.

I told her not to dwell on Sam's history, as far as I was concerned that was all in the past and urged her to live in the moment.

Within 5 minutes Sam was trotting along with my pack as though he had known them all his life. Freed from the constant reminders of his past failures all Sam needed was a leader to show him how to deal with life. It makes no sense for a dog to defer his fears and phobias to someone weaker than himself. They just won't do it. They must see you as a strong leader.

It took several reminders to stop Sam's owner retreating back into the past litany of woe before she finally understood that she was the source of Sam's problems.

I asked her to adjust her posture to a shoulders-back I'm in charge style. It took some coaxing and encouragement before she finally marched Sam along with a more positive demeanour.

I told her on no account should she allow Sam to walk in front of her. She must walk with a slack lead with Sam at her side.

Two hours later Sam was a fully integrated member of class and a far more relaxed dog.

It was his owner's constant regurgitating of previous incidents that kept Sam stuck in the past.

Unlike humans dogs do not hang onto the past or worry about the future. They live in the moment IF YOU LET THEM.

For more help and advice visit my website.

Tags:
The Dogfather, Vic Barlow
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Comments

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Manuel Golding
Wednesday 26th October 2016 at 3:37 pm
As a dog lover Vic, I thought your dog and dogs in your class, including Sam, would appreciate this clip.
Sound on.

https://www.facebook.com/DogsNaturallyMagazine/videos/968383859860280/