Dogs, like humans, need rules and boundaries, so they know what to expect, what is acceptable and what is not. In the early months, this is vital. For example, if your puppy is not allowed on the sofa, then it is important to not allow it on the sofa. This may sound glaringly obvious; however, these inconsistencies are more often than not the reason why a dog behaves a certain way.
Pulling on the lead or not walking to heel are among the most common problems I help clients with. Pulling tends to begin at an early age, most generally shortly after the puppy’s introduction to the lead. In a bid to get it out and about, the owner rushes to socialise the puppy by proudly being dragged around public places while people gush and coo at how cute the puppy is on two legs at the end of the lead.
Every time the puppy greets a dog or human, they do it before their owner and by pulling on their lead. But it is OK because “he just wants to say hello” and “she just wants to play”. A few weeks later, the owner enrols in training and the heelwork begins. Despite the puppy only being 13 weeks old, they have already been taught to pull like a train on the lead when they want something.
While the owner might talk about rules, they have already broken their own. They also refuse to impose rules on anyone else. It is vital when out with a puppy that not only do you control them, but also the people and dogs around you. For example, when someone gushes over your puppy, encouraging and rewarding them to jump, pull and ignore you, tell them to stop. They are not to look, touch or talk to the puppy until the owner says it is OK.
This story is from the July 14, 2021 edition of Shooting Times & Country.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the July 14, 2021 edition of Shooting Times & Country.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
United we stand
Following United Utilities' decision to end grouse shooting on its land, Lindsay Waddell asks what will happen if we ignore our vital moors
Serious matters
An old gamebook prompts a contemplation on punt-gunning
They're not always as easy as they seem
While coneys of the furry variety don't pose a problem for Blue Zulu, he's left frustrated once again by bolting bunnies of the clay sort
Debutant gundogs
There's lots to think about when it comes to making the decision about when to introduce your dog to shooting
When the going gets rough
Al Gabriel returns to the West London Shooting School to brush up on his rough shooting technique
The Field Guide To British Deer - BDS 60th Anniversary Edition
In this excerpt from the 60th anniversary edition of the BDS's Field Guide To British Deer, Charles Smith-Jones considers the noise they make
A step too far?
Simon Garnham wonders whether a new dog, a new gun and two different fields in need of protection might have been asking too much for one afternoon's work
Two bucks before breakfast
A journey from old South London to rural Hertfordshire to stalk muntjac suggests that the two aren't as far detached as they might seem
Stalking Diary
Stalkers can be a sentimental bunch, and they often carry a huge attachment to their hill
Gamekeeper
Alan Edwards believes unique, private experiences can help keepers become more competent and passionate custodians of the countryside