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Read Your Dogs
Walk
Jackie Drakeford |
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I train people to "read the walk" when they take their dogs out, but it is difficult to get them into the mindset. Perhaps this is an inborn human trait, that many of us observe a situation unfolding and take no action untill it reaches crisis point - and sometimes not even then. Anticipation, recognition of potential flashpoints and pro-active dog walking has to be taught with constant reinforcement. Reading the body language of approaching dogs and people, recognising the places where your dog should be called back to heel, understanding what can happen if you allow a set of events to escalate, even realising that you have control of the walk, does not seem to come naturally.
Too often, the inevitable seems to come as a surprise, even though the events leading up to it were screaming their warnings. If only we had the habit of listening.
Even then, the natural reaction is often wrong. I see dog owners whose animals are in a skirmish, or chasing something forbidden, who stand still and make a noise instead of doing some damage limitation. Calling a dog that is fighting with another can endanger that dog if it moves to respond, because that may be when the other will get in a substantial bite. Shouting at a dog that is chasing sheep will simply excite it more.
Exercising a dog is time for the dog, and the accompanying human must be aware of everything going on around them from the dog's point of view. Assuming that owners are less aware and other dogs are untrained untill proven otherwise makes a wise start.
"The price of freedom is eternal vigilance."
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
Deputy Editor:Shooting Times & Country Magazine
Blue Fin Building, 110 Southwark Street SE1 0SU
Tel: 020 3148 4750