Why does Tallulah run off or play games when called, and how can they outwit her teenage rebellion? Tallulah (great name, isn’t it) is an adolescent Labradoodle. She lives on a farm with a lot of open space. The house itself is big and open. Apart from sleeping in a Read more
When a working-breed dog ignores calls while sniffing or playing, is the real issue obedience — or that the reward simply isn’t worth it? The problem seems simple enough. They want to be able to get Working Cocker Milo’s focus and attention on them when the are out. When the Read more
The less compliant and obedient a dog is, the more a frustrated owner may intensify his or her approach. They repeat commands with a crescendo until they are shouting. This may intimidate some dogs into being obedient.
NO NO isn’t conveying to Buster what they do want of him No No is a sure route to making an already confused dog even more bewildered – and frustrated too. They picked up Beagle mix Buster from a rescue just a few days ago and though totally in love with Read more
Bruce is a very big dog, probably a mix of Rottweiler and Great Dane and ten years old. Seven weeks ago Bailey came to live with them. The two dogs get on brilliantly. Rottweiler Bailey has a lovely temperament which is quite amazing really. He had been found chained to a fence, Read more
A dog that won’t reliably come when called a danger to himself and others. He can also be an embarrassment to his owner. What’s more, the frightened other dog could itself now need a lot of work to build up his or her confidence again.
Sometimes there can be a bit of conflict, in my opinion, between what is learnt in formal training classes and the sort of behaviour that is needed for real life. My views may not be popular with everyone.
For first-time dog owners they had started off brilliantly, so it was unfortunate they temporarily got themselves ‘tarnished’ by this dog trainer’s archaic methods. With the right approach and the family’s level of commitment I reckon they will be quickly back on track, so long as each family member ‘drinks out of the same water bowl’ so to speak.
The problem with trying to ‘discipline’ an unruly dog is that it’s all about preventing the dog from doing unwanted things in a ‘disciplinarian’ sort of way which implies being confrontational. A confrontational approach can generate an aggressive response in a strong-minded dog. ‘Discipline’ does not teach the desired, other, preferred behaviours.
The trainer sat on the sofa, ready for the three-month-old Buddy to be released from the kitchen. He flew over to her in his exuberant and friendly fashion and what did she do? She sprayed in him the face with bitter apple.
While the puppy was going mental after this, she then pinned him down. She even tried to show the two-year-old little girl how to use the spray on her puppy.
Then, Buddy back jumping up at the kitchen gate, she threw her keys on the floor in front of him.