Learning

Talk to anyone and you will find one of the most controversial topics within the dog world is training, and what method you decide to use!

I must admit, I have made my own share of mistakes regarding this. When I had Archie, I grew up in an environment surrounded with working dogs. Knowing no better, being the kid I was, I took advice from those in positions of authority at the time, and from famous well known dog whisperers on TV.

I am a cross-over trainer. I can honestly say that what I know about dog training to be of any use I have learnt in the last 2 1/2 years.

I am embarrassed to admit that when I was ‘learning’ how to train Archie, I shouted or squirt water at him for eating poo and stealing food (did it work? Hell no, he gobbled dog shit up still like it was some fine truffles!).

I even was told to yank him on a lead with a choke chain (yep, they are CHOKE chains. Not ‘checks’ or ‘anti ruffle’ they CHOKE. THEY HURT!). 10 years down the line and he had to have a very invasive operation because of paralysed vocal cords.

Archie’s recall wasn’t perfect either. When he grew older he would still waddle over to other dogs at the other side of the field, but was easier to catch. Why? Because I was competing with other dogs bums, and frankly my dry kibble was a poor offering in comparison…Which leads me on to the next blog post….