Hubby and I both walked Maggie this morning, and on the way back said Hi to a woman whose dog was walking her.
It was a beautiful golden cocker spaniel, pulling madly on the lead so much that the haltie over his face was stretched across his left eye.
We stopped, called Maggie to heel, and Hubby crossed over to fuss the dog.
I’ve met the owner before. She’s very nice, as is her dog, but being little more than a puppy, he always wants to play and her recall techniques aren’t working as apparently he runs off and won’t come back.
We don’t interfere with other people’s training methods, though if asked, we say what worked for Maggie, and some of our ‘tips’ have been passed on to other owners with positive results.
The cocker was enjoying the full monty of attention, sitting perfectly with his head back for that delicious ear rub, tongue lolling out of the side of his mouth, eyes shut, pure bliss written all over his face.
Maggie was next to me, equally sat, taking it all in but not too bothered as she’s used to us fussing other dogs.
The woman explained that off lead, her dog was very sociable with other dogs and people, but she daren’t let him off locally, which is why he was pulling so hard.
Hubby could see that the haltie hadn’t been fitted correctly and was too small. This could be that as the dog had grown, it hadn’t been adjusted, but he felt it wasn’t his place to say.
We used a haltie on Barney and wished we’d done it years before as walking him had been such a nightmare. Once he got used to it (not the kind that also acts as a muzzle), our walks were a pleasure, and as such he got walked further and more often.
Walking away with Maggie in front of us, we thought of this possible conversation:
Cocker: It’s alright for you, you’re free to roam, and I’m restricted.
Maggie: That’s because I did as I was told.
What do you mean?
I hated the lead, still do, but learnt that by doing what they said when they said it, gave me The Power.
What power?
I came when I was called, got fed treats for doing it, had lots of fuss, and so did it again. And again. And again.
That’s not power! That’s submission!
No it’s not. I can walk where I like, stop when I like, sniff what I like.
So?
They have to walk to MY pace, plus I get several walks every day.
Yeah, and?
Think about it. For the sake of a bit of co-operation, I’m free and you’re not. See ya!
Oh.
I agree that it would not be your place to criticize the fitting of the haltie (sounds like a “Gentle Leader” over here), but I would have drawn her attention to it in the interests of the dog. Something diplomatic – “You may wish to have somebody check that haltie because it shouldn’t pull over her eye like that. It can’t be very comfortable.” You could then leave knowing that at least she was aware of the situation.
Good point. We may well see her again and mention it if she hasn’t already noticed.
Maggie’s a smart one!
Sometimes we think too smart!!
Some just take longer than others, the owners that is! 😀
Maggie has always been a smart cookie. It probably helps that we’ve spoilt her rotten. 😀
Spoiling and treats really work, half the time it’s the owners that need the training.
I couldn’t agree more. I don’t believe in bad dogs, just bad owners, and I’ve come across a few in my time.
Totally agree Di. It is so sad that a dog can get into serious trouble as a result of a lack of training, or poor training, and pay for it with it’s life. The owner meanwhile gets a nominal fine and walks away.
I know. Makes me mad.
Only half the time? Really? That’s not been my experience! 🙂
You’re probably right, I’m very generous here. Just giving the benefit of the doubt! 🙂
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I agree with your recent comments to Di, perhaps we need human training prior to owning a dog. Something similar to ante-natal classes!
I think this is where Colin and Ray scored because a lot of work went into the pair of them before they took each other on. I did a post on a Dog for Christmas as so many end up in a rescue shelter because the ‘adorable puppy’ grew too big and boistrous, or the owners thought puppies came ready house trained. I got my rough collie as a 15 week old pup that the owners grew tired of and were going to have him put down. Partner of the time phoned me at work and I told him to bring it home and we’d sort out our bitch later. Actually, she had just finished her season so we conned her into thinking it was her puppy. Sussed.
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Just getting to know Colin too. Our conversations today are such a coincidence because our photo challenge next week, without giving too much away, is linked to animals. today has given me more food for thought
His is a terrific blog (I’m in love with Ray)
It’s brilliant, talk about ironic, everything I spoke about liking when I my made my first comment to you, and now look I’ve found two of you! One of my best days so far, thank you Di.
You are most welcome!
My pleasure Sue. 🙂
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Love this!!! I printed this out so my roommate can read it later.
I always do voice-overs for her dog, Pinky. (As if I’m reading her mind), my roommate cracks up all the time. I think Pinky even understands it at times too. LOL! 🤣
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