A few years ago I judged a retriever event in the US. One of the competitors brought along a three-legged dog named Scrap.
The entry fee was $50 and as it promised to be a long hard day in heavy woodland and open water I really didn't want this young man to waste his money. I spoke to the local judge who said Scrap deserved the same chance as every other dog.
Scrap's owner drew number seven out of 50 competitors and was soon in the thick of the action. There was a loud gunshot from the woods as a rubber duck was hurled high above the treetops.
"Number Seven send your dog," I called and prayed the retrieve would not prove too much. To my utter amazement Scrap disappeared into the undergrowth and returned in record time with his rubber duck.
Scrap's second retrieve was across a lake requiring a 200-yard swim, which proved no more difficult for Scrap than his first.
By lunch more than half the dogs had been eliminated but Scrap was still hanging in.
By late afternoon the field was down to three dogs and Scrap was going strong. Alas the final retrieve of the day proved a bridge too far and Scrap was awarded runner up out of 50 fit and able dogs.
The crowd were mesmerised by Scraps stunning performance. When the presentations were concluded I asked Scrap's owner how he managed to train a disabled dog to such a high physical level.
"Well, you know and I know he's only got three legs but Ole Scrap don't know and if he don't know I ain't telling."
And there it was... the secret to Scrap's rehabilitation. Scrap and his owner lived in the moment. The puppy accident that cost Scrap his leg was consigned to history while Scrap and his owner lived in the here and now.
If your dog has an unfortunate history let go and move on. Dogs do this instinctively but over-sympathetic owners often keep them trapped in the past.
If you need help dealing with your dog's issues visit the Training Archive on my website or text me on 07590-560012.
Photo: Scrap in Action.
