I have just been to see Jack, a two-year-old Labrador. He is a rescue from Ireland.
“He is a lovely dog. Just one big problem – he is uncontrollable when we meet other dogs. I try to walk him where ever I can to avoid other dogs, and it takes the enjoyment out of walking him.
He has pulled me so much that he has hurt my back. I would love to be able to walk with Jack and enjoy it.”
Jack pulls, lunges and barks at other dogs.
Walks are uncomfortable, scary and stressful for both Jack and his lady owner. He rushes at cats, dogs and squirrels. When he sees other dogs he bites and grabs the lead. She yanks him back.
So now I have shown Jack’s owner how to start the walk with a calm dog. We looked at what she can do to get Jack to trust her to look after him. I showed her how to get him to walk beside her just like there was no lead on at all, and to take no notice of other dogs.
It will take a while, but she will get there I know.
It is hard to give Jack boundaries, because Jack can open doors! He is a kind and gentle dog with the six-year-old granddaughter.
