On a recent home visit the frustrated owner of an unruly young pup said, "I don't know what's wrong with this dog it's driving me crazy. My other dog never did this he was so easy to train. He learned quickly, never jumped up, always came back when we called him and never pulled on the lead."
"He must be an amazing dog. Can I meet him?"
"Oh no, he's not alive now."
"How old was he when he died?" I asked.
"Fifteen."
They were comparing the puppy they currently had with an old experienced adult dog. Any pup would look unruly by comparison. Every dog owner seems to have a 'perfect' dog. Usually they are no longer alive.
It's human nature to see the past through rose coloured glasses eliminating the bad and magnifying the good but it can lead us to undervalue what we have today.
The young dog that was driving this owner 'crazy' was nothing more than a typical pup in need of Leadership and education. Don't let your memory trick you into thinking your pup is any more difficult than any other.
Just like children dogs need consistency and guidance so they know what's expected of them. They are creatures of routine and need constructive exercise and a set of simple rules to live by.
All dogs regardless of their age need a job. It doesn't matter what it is as long as it challenges their brain on a daily basis. Like us dogs behave better when they are fully employed. Idleness in dogs can lead to mischief and destructive behaviour.
I take my dogs out every day at 8am. We walk and train for an hour after which they eat breakfast and snooze. I don't hear much from them until 4 pm when we do it all over again.
Their day has a rhythm that helps them understand the world around them.
I shall be at Astbury Mere visitor centre Congleton this Saturday morning (August 13) from 10 am to 3pm helping owners with their 'problem' dogs. If you would like help with your dog just text me on 07590-560012.
