" I have two terriers that fight each other and are very aggressive to other dogs and I need you to sort them out," said a caller earlier this week.
I asked the gentleman owner to complete a leadership assessment on my website to give me a better understanding of the situation.
Having read the results it was obvious these dogs recognised no leadership whatsoever and were simply free-lancing.
"There are certain elementary changes you need to make to their routine in order to gain control," I told him.
The changes I suggested were 'too inconvenient' to his busy schedule. I asked him to come to class where I could observe how he communicated with his dogs and perhaps make alternative suggestions.
None of the class times and dates I offered were convenient and he declined. He was however prepared to pay me a significant sum of money to go to his home and 'fix' the problem.
I told him I could do that on one visit but his dogs' new improved behaviour would only apply to me. Once he was in charge they would simply revert back to their original aggressive ways.
I needed to see him in class working with his dogs so I could guide him through the rehabilitation process. He clearly did not understand how his own behaviour was influencing the bad behaviour in his dogs.
I seem to be getting more of these calls from owners prepared to pay serious money for someone to administer a pill to their dog that will resolve all their perceived issues without any participation or changes on the part of the owner.
Save your money... that pill does not exist.
Like all good things in life success comes from persistence and hard work.
I can give you the knowledge to resolve your dog issues but YOU have to be the one holding the lead.
If you are up for that join one of my classes at: vicbarlow.com or text me on 07590-560012.
Photo: All dogs like to have a job.
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