The Dogfather: What does your dog need?

New Year In the snow 2010 014

How much thought do you put into your training? If you want your dog to improve you need to work on his weaknesses. Simply throwing a ball for a dog that loves retrieving isn't enough. It's good exercise but nothing more. It's not going to stop hum pulling on the lead or prevent him jumping up.

I like to have a mental note of any behaviour that needs to be improved. My dog Daisy would not jump in my truck and it's a back breaking job lifting dogs in and out so that became one of the training exercises now she hops in like a kangaroo.

My little one-eared rescue dog Ellie was fearful of other dogs so I walked her in places where I knew we'd meet other dogs on leads e.g. on the road near the park where I could show her how to deal with each encounter.

Syd was afraid of traffic so he had a daily walk around the town centre at rush hour in relaxed silence. Three week on and he took it all in is stride.

If your dog won't come back when called then there is no point turning him loose in the park and crossing your fingers. Far better to keep him on the lead and work on your relationship then play with him in an enclosed area where you have control.

Leadership is at the centre of all your dog's behaviour so that's something you can practice every day. It works wonders.

At the end of each month you should be able to look back and see the improvements you've made. It's a real joy to have a well-mannered obedient dog. There are lots of tips on my website to help. I have a DVD to show you how to be your dog's Pack Leader and a selection of training classes you can join.

Check out vicbarlow.com or text me on: 075-905-60012.

Photo: If your dog reacts badly to livestock turn it into a training session.

Tags:
The Dogfather, Vic Barlow
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement