The Dog Blog

Recently I was at a training field in which folks train dogs for schutzhund and other working dog sports.  I am fascinated by many activities folks get involved in with their pets.  Some are simple like hikiing and ball playing others require immense dedication and skill, both on the dog's part and the handler's. 

However, something struck me while I was there watching some folks work the "protection" portion of their training. That is the bite work element of the sport for those that are not familiar with many of the protection sports.  There was an amazing young dog on the field with so much drive you could power a porsche. 

Having had chronic lower back pain for longer than I care to remember, I’ve developed a friendly relationship with my chiropractor. He’s excellent at what he does, and along with adjustments, he dispenses advice aimed at lessening pain through lifestyle changes. One of his tenets is that for each minute spent sitting, one should be spent moving, preferably by walking. While this may be sound advice that produces good results, it’s unrealistic for me; some days I’d have to spend five hours or more walking to balance out my time at the computer. Who has that luxury?

Recently, my dog Lila and I encountered a group of three Australian Shepherds, out for a walk in the park with a man and woman.  As we approached, I thought I noted signs of discomfort in the humans, and, I admit, I have my own expectations about the stability of Aussies.  The group appeared to move off when we entered their visual distance, but, apart from some leash-pulling, not the total chaos I expected.  I decided to ascribe my feeling to my own stereotypes about the breed.

As we continued our walks in opposite directions, and the trail is a circuit, we re-encountered each other again a short time later.  Unlike the intial moment, where the angle of approach put our dogs facing 180 degrees away  from each other, this approach put us nose to nose. 

During our Basic Manners I class, I usually go around the room and have each new student introduce themselves and state what they hope to accomplish from attending the class.  Just like my new friend Casey Lomonaco has pointed out, teaching their dogs not to pull on the leash is a popular objective but teaching their dogs to come when called is right up there too.  In fact, I'd say when a dog refuses to come is even more irritating because it manifests much more often and occurs at the most inopportune times like when you're running late for work and need to get your dog into the house, when it's pitch dark outside and you want to go to bed, or when there's 3 ft of snow on the ground and sub zero degree temperatures!  When it comes to leash walking, yes, that is definitely something that needs to be taught.  Dogs aren't born with leashes attach