Every day your friend and hero heads out into the trenches to help dogs all over Southeastern MA and Rhode Island.
I go right to the dog owner’s house and at the first meeting, I never know what is going to happen.
I walk up to the house and knock on the door and wait, more often than not, hearing the dog go berserk on the other side.
The dog may be the nicest dog in the world or he may want to rip my face off.
It does not matter to me. Every time I go to a house I ask the owner to put the dog on leash, in a crate, or in the other room.
I have gotten strange looks from people. One guy asked me: “Are you afraid of dogs or something?” My answer surprised him even more: “Yes.”
I am afraid of dogs I don’t know.
A dog comes equipped with an incredibly strong jaw, capable of generating an amazing amount of pressure. They also have teeth designed to rip through flesh and bone.
Even my virile, vigorous, testosterone fueled macho self wants no part of tangling with Canis lupus familiaris.
And the last thing I want is for those teeth and jaws used on my flesh and bone which could land me in the hospital, unable to provide for my family. One member, my young son, makes me consider getting a part time job just to keep him fed… I can’t believe how much food this kid can put away (and he’s only two).
Anyway, this is why I am very cautious meeting a new dog. I do everything I possibly can to avoid getting bit. One dog trainer I highly respect has stated he has never been bitten in his 40 year career.
I wish I could say the same.
Onward… the leash is really the one tool you need to know how to use. This is the tool which helps control your dog. For new dog owners, leash handling is a chore. They constantly try to hold the dog back when out in public and are exhausted by the time they get home.
There are different grips and training tools you can use to get better results, but the most important step is to have your dog under control when you clip the leash on.
If you are going to have a dog, the one skill you need is leash handling and leash walking. You can get away with a dog that is clueless with sit, down, stay, even come, but at some point you must walk your dog.
You must go to the vet, groomer, or boarding kennel. Not to mention your dog needs to go for walks. He needs the mental and physical stimulation of the walk.
If walking the dog is a chore, no one in the house wants to do it and the dog will pay the price.
But you’re in luck!
I am starting my Leash Walking Secrets Class. This class will help you get control when your dog is on leash. The class will show you how to take your dog for a walk without pulling and you will discover what training tools to use to get the best results.
If you are ready to get your dog under control and walking on leash without pulling, now is the time to register for the class. The Leash Walking Secrets class will be held at Diamond in the RUFF in Acushnet and is for four weeks. Class start dates are:
Saturday March 25th at 10:30AM
Or
Monday April 3rd at 6:00PM
You can register for class by calling Kelli at 508-763-5351.
See you there.
Eric