Dogs are always
aware of the world around them - people considerably less so. Many of
us would rather be listening to music or talking on the mobile phone than
pre-empting difficult moments. It surprises many of my clients when
I teach them how to observe the outdoors as a prelude to training their dog.
To begin with, I ask them to test the wind direction. This is something
to which they would normally never give a thought, but the dog knows all aboutnscents
brought on the wind, ans we need to know from where those scents come in
order to have an idea of how disruptive they might be in training terms.
Strong winds bring scent from further away. Scent from the forest
speaks of different lures from scent off the housing estate, and arable fields
are more or less beguiling according to the crop and its state of advancement.
We need to be aware of ground scent and air scent; does the dogs head
go down before it bores off into the distance, or does it go up? Depending
on the breed and the locality, you may have a smaller or larger problem as
a result. Then we need to consider scenting conditions - for example,
that scent is better on a cool, wet day than a hot, dry one. If you
are not sure how scent is on a particular day, watch your dog. It will
soon show you.
Being proactive makes all the difference. There is a time when the
dog will scent, look back at the owner, then go. It is often a very
short time indeed but it is always there. This is when the lead goes
on and the dog ceases to take decisions; power is firmly back with the owner
and we are on the road to a better-behaved dog.
reprinted with kind permission from Alastair Balmain
Deputy Editor:
Shooting Times &
Country Magazine
Blue Fin Building, 110 Southwark Street SE1 0SU
Tel: 020 3148 4750
The above information is simply informational. It's intent is not
to replace the advice of a veterinarian nor to assist you in making a diagnosis
of your pet. Please consult with your own veterinarian for confirmation of
any diagnosis. Your pets life may depend on it.
