Walking a puppy

Click on the link of this delightful video clip, which I came across on Facebook. Most viewers will, at first, smile and regard it as “cute” but then have a second look and be amazed at how such a little girl and such a very young puppy can be so good?

How is it possible for them to do so easily what we have been struggling to do in spite of many lessons at our dog training club? Sure, she must have been instructed and have worked with dogs before and the puppy must also have had some training sessions. But what is it that has set them apart from many other dogs and their trainers?

Perhaps we need to have a careful look for clues to expose what they do differently to make them look so slick. What has made her such a good leader and why has the puppy followed her so obediently?

It starts with the pup in the present position, barking and looking at her but she is not making eye contact and thus he is repeating his reaction to get her attention. She is displaying strong leadership and lets him bark for attention.

On the first walk she sets off with purpose and determination walking at the dog’s speed. (Dogs walk faster than humans.) A treat is held high above the pup’s head and he has to keep walking to get under it. She does not talk to him but looks straight ahead and so gets him to follow nicely.

At the halt she continues to look ahead but her left arm now gently rests on his neck. Turning around she can now pull him back into position but now, as they continue, she walks with her left arm over the pup’s head to keep him walking close to her.

Summary: What can we learn from this clip?

We are never too young to start dog training.

Choose a working breed of pup to make it easier to do obedience training.

Children can become successful dog trainers with adult help.

Leaders do not make eye contact while training.

Treats are kept visible and enticingly near to maintain concentration.

A no-nonsense approach is recommended. Say things once and expect compliance. That’s how you earn respect.

You do not need to continuously feed a dog to get a good obedience reaction from him. Don’t get into a habit of feeding indiscriminately during training.

Do not treat for free. Food is not allowed in the obedience ring!