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Dog Discussion is our most popular page and it has become necessary to let Elizabeth have a Page Two. On Page Two we will put funny incidents, charming letters and some of all the photos.
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The Common Sense Method of Training: The first Principle: 08.03.10
As Humans we believe in Democracy. We like to ask our children their opinion and sort of feel what everyone in the houshold wants.
Wolves operate differently. They have a leader and a second in command. If you’re fourth in command, you get your food after the first three have eaten. You may tell the 6th in command off but you can never question those above you.
Dogs, who are very close to the wolf still operate on the same principle. They are quite ambitious and want to arise within the pack. If they can command the children and maybe your Aunt Mary, they feel quite pleased. But if they have to be sub-ordinate, that’s fine. They will not be unhappy. They will just keep trying to upgrade to leadership, quietly.
Cat’s don’t have this problem at all. They know from the day they open their eyes that they are the true leaders and they quietly arrange everything to their liking, by training the humans.
Dog like leaders who are sure of themselves and who eat well. If the pack is vegetarian the dog may well be tempted to join a neighbouring pack.
If the leader is hesitant and often gives orders but never makes sure these are carried out, the dog notices and gets very slack about obedience.To understadn this willhelp you with training your dog.
Rule One: Don’t be Democratic. We’l expalin Rule Two,Body Language, tomorrow. Elizabeth
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Dear Elizabeth
What exactly is your Common Sense Method of training dogs? I’m confused, there is the Kennel Club Method, there is Clicker training, there are various other methods. Common sense sounds very sensible, could you explain, please?
Annnabel, Maidstone. 05.03.10
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Good Question, Annabel! I’ll try to explain my methods over the weekend, when I have more time. It is just common sense really.
Yours, Elizabeth 05.03.10
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Chainsmoking dogs: Is this a serious problem?
05.03.10
A Chinese lady has recently asked advice about her smoking spaniel. She is very worried because the dog is addicted to two cigarettes a day. The Spaniel is not smoking itself, as Harry here, but is only inhaling the smoke second hand.
The advice to this lady is very simple: If you want to get the dog to stop smoking, just take it for a walk just when you yourself crave a cigarette. The dog will be totally distracted, you will stop smoking and you will both gain fitness and health. Easy
In more serious cases, such as Harry’s , the dog’s health may be at risk. I feel the same distraction teqnuiqe will work wonders. Take a walk. There is nothing dogs love more than going out with the Master or the Misstress.
If you have to pass the Defra Dog-owner’s Test, which may be introduced, never mention that your dog smokes or you will fail right away. It could be a trick question, so be wary. Defra will clearly want to cut down on the number of dogs in the country, they are always anxious to minimize the number of animals.
Yours, Elizabeth
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Dear Lisbeth,
You have no option but to put the dog on a lead wherever there may be sheep about. It is actually an offense for the dog to worry sheep and a farmer would be entitled to shoot her. Most farmers wouldn’t do this without warning, but, it is not acceptable to take a chance. The prey/hunting instinct can be very strong. It is an instinct, a built-in behaviour and it is very difficult to train out of a dog. As you live in a city, your best option is to just accept that you have to be responsible when you’re around livestock. Without a friendly, nearby farmer you can’t get the dog used to being around stock often enough not to want to give chase. Sorry about that. Sometimes it’s better to be realistic.
,Elizabeth, 26.02.10’
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Dear Elizabeth,
My weimeraner wants to chase sheep too. I don’t live in the country-side so it is hard for me to get her used to seeing sheep.
What should I do?
Lisbeth, Birmingham. 23.02.10
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Training Disaster?
Police dog kills sheep whilst searching for criminals.. 22.02.10
Dorset Police dog-handlers were more than a bit embarrassed yesterday after a dog was let loose on land near Buckland Newton. There had been an attempted robbery by men, suspected of being armed. In the dark, the police decided to let the dog loose.
Unfortunatly the trained police-dog got a little distracted by some sheep. Dogs will be.Why is it that dogs never kill cattle? It is always sheep.The answer is very simple. if you want a dog to chase you, behave like a sheep!
it is very surprising that a flight species, like sheep, has not developed a better strategy for escaping predators.
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From the sheep’s point of view, if it stays with the flock, preferably in the middle, then it won’t stand out and the dog will kill another sheep. This works up to a point. It works better if the sheep have a mountain to run on. If they run round and round a small field a dog will go slightly mad. It will behave like a fox in a chicken run and kill everything that keeps runningt
So how is it possible totrain sheep-dogs? They don’t kill the flocks they are tending! This is because the collie type of dog is very easy to train. It is a very athletic, intelligent dog of medium size. These dogs have been selected for their inborn tendency to round a flock up. Collie dogs are a delight to work with. They look upon their Master or Mistress as God and try to anitcipate the God’s every smallest wish. In police terms however, they are ‘weak’ dogs. This doesn’t mean they are easy to tire, far from it. But they are of an anxious diposition and whilst yapping and often snappy on their home-ground they would not be the ultimate dog to deter criminals with.
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If you kick at, or threaten a collie, it normally backs off.
Have a little lesson with a Border Collie and next time you will find the dog has not only learnt the lesson but done the home-work as well.
German Shepherds, or Alsatians, as they are also known, are a bit different.
They have been bred for a relativley short while, originally form German Sheepdogs, of the type that defended flocks from predators. The selection here has been for a very tough, more agressive dog, who is not frightened to attack, be it a criminal or a wolf. The criminal may kick or wield a knife, to the German Shepherd that is just a minor matter, it will get hold of an arm or a leg and, if necessary break this minor body-part. In police-terms, it is a ’tough’ dog.
How can the police-dogs above let the cat go by then? Well, that is training, training and more training. And habituation. If you repeat an exercise often enough it will sink in. But let those same dogs out after dark, singly , and one or two may well be tempted to relocate the cat into a tree. Just for it’s own safety, of course.
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If German Shepherds and other dogs , such as hunting hounds, regularily come across sheep, they will learn to let these go by unharmed.Should they come across them in a situation when the dog is already hyped up by chasing running people, a flock of running ewes will prove irresistable. And a German Shepherd is more than capable of disposing of a few of those sheep.
This will not render the Alsatian useless. No, it will just have to have lot of training in and around sheep.
Sheep behave so terribly well from a dogs point of view. If they stand still and lower the head, as ewes with new-born lambs often do, many a border-collie will back off. It is hard to move a flock of ewes with very young lambs in fact. Excellent Border Collies prefer young shearlings, or ewes without lambs at foot.
To the German Shepherd, who also wants to keep the flock together, the tender little lambs may seem more of a morsel to snap up though, he’s unlikely to be frightened by the mother
.That is what selective breeding does. It selects.
We don’t know what breed the dog at Sturminster Newton was, but somehow we don’t think it was one of the police Sniffer dogs, who are mostly Spaniels.No, the whole thing bears the hallmark of German Shepherd.This doesn’t mean that German Shepherds are bad. It means they take a lot of training. If in trouble, they are the prime choice of dog for protecting it’s master and somewhere along the line of selection we have sacrificed that easy desire to please, just to get a little reward. Why take a little biscuit if you can take a whole sheep? Elizabeth. 22.02.10
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Problematic excited whining. 10.02.10
Dear Anna,
The problem with the excited whining is that when a person or an animal is throughly over-excited it is very hard to get you wishes through to them. Leo is so excited he really has no ide what he’s doing. It is like when you take a young horse to a hunt, the first time..
You have some options.
1. Cancel the holiday to France, or book a kennel.
2. See your vet about some tranquillizer. Also see your doctor about some tranquillizer for yourselves.Remember that the person who is driving should remain alert. Especially when driving on the other side of the road, as they tend to do in France.
2. Undertake a serious travel-training programme. You will have to take Leo with you everywhere you go in the car. Take him to the library, take him to the supermarket, take him to the Women’s Institute. He will eventually get bored and calm down. Age will lhelp with this and once he gets to about 5, if you travel him 14 times/week up to then you should see a result. You may by then be divorced. At least Leo will give you some company. Your husband will not want custody..
3. Alway take a good walk before going in the car. This will get you fit and slim, if nothing else. If you have already exercised Leo for 2 hrs before going in the car to the common he may be considerably calmer. So may you, and confidence is calming. For the first month or so of the programme I should abandon going to the common in the car. WALK to the common, or preferably, jog! When you come home, ideally take a short journey in the car, whilst still in your walking clothes. Break the strong current association that carjourney= walk common.
You can solve this one, but it will take time. You could just not bother with going to France, or get another dog! Yours, Elizabeth, 10.02.10
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Overexcited Whining is Very Problematic. 02.02.10
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Dear Elizabeth,
My dog Leo, gets terribly overexcited in the car. Leo knows when we put our walking clothes on. He starts to agitate a bit. Then, as soon as we turn off on the lane to the common, he starts a high-pitched whining. It is terribly annoying. I’m not sure he knows he’s whining even. I have beaten him, I hold his nose closed, I half twist his ears off but nothing, nothing helps.He is a big tough dog. In the house he’s very calm and never barks or whines. It is exitement that is the problem.
I need to solve the problem as we’re planning a driving holiday abroad and would like to take Leo with us. He’s had his vaccinations and we would prefer to take him to France, rather than leave him in kennels.
How can we overcome the whining problem? Yours, Anna 01.02.10
Dear Anna,
This is a difficult problem. It is caused by adrenaline. You’re right in saying beating Leo is no answer. He probably hardly notices, in his excited state. Try to drive with him more often. Play calming music very loudly. It may help yoursleves, if not Leo.
I shall consult some knowledgeable friends and come back to you, this is not an easy one to solve.
Yours Elizabeth.02.20.10
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Dear Elizabeth,
Recently I bought a puppy.It is a Standard Poodle. When I put him in the car he was fine. Then he got very nervous and looked very unhappy. After 10 minutes he was very sick and threw up large amounts of puppy food all over the back seat. Now nobody want to take him in the car. What should I do? Jereia, 29.01.10
Dear Jereia,
This is a common problem. Mostly it will pass, as the puppy grows up. It is the inner ear, just like human infants who are often car-sick and who cry terribly in aero-planes because their ears can’t cope with the pressure and they are too young to understand helpful suggestions. Never feed the puppy before the car lessons. Obvious, but sometimes forgotten.When fetching a new dog, ask the breeder not to feed it!
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Also, accustom the puppy to going in the car. First , take him nowhere at all, just sit in the car for a few minutes. Then, take a very short trip, say 3 minutes. Then take him for a walk! The trip should not be long enough to make him sick. Next time go 5 minutes, then let him out and go for a walk. Keep a window well open for him. Fresh air is lovely for dogs, it carries many interesting smells and will serve to make him forget about nerves and sickness.Let me know if you still have problem after around 3 months of age. Then he may be a nervous traveller, which is different from a sick puppy.
Many dogs love travelling. They know where they are going. Some, like Annie’s Wolfie, really want to do the driving. Others are happy hanging out of the window. Be a little careful if you let the dog drive. He may want to blow his nose and then you could all be prosecuted. I should select peaceful country-roads with no police in sight for his first efforts. Never let puppies drive before they reach at least 19 months of age! Practice the theory first. Yours , Elizabeth, 29.01.10
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Do Dogs need coats?
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Dear Elizabeth, My Spaniel shakes and shivers all the time when I take her on shoots. Everone tells me I must get a coat for her. Is this right? They all have coats on their dogs, in the cars,is that necessary? Belinda, Rackenford.13.01.10
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Dear Belinda,
Your Spaniel probably shakes more from excitment than cold. Spaniels are rather good at making themselves into pictures of suffering..If she has a normal coat, and if she's not too thin, I shouldn't worry too much. The reason many people put coats on the working dogs in the cars is to make them dry by the time they get back home. Also, the owner can stay in the pub and not fel bad about the dog being shut in a car at sub-zero temperatures...
I would say that as long as the dog can move around and it is a healthy dog it would very seldom need a coat. Drying it off can be both practical and kind however. As for fashion dresses and coats for little dogs, well, it is not the dogs that asked for them! Greyhounds can get cold, they have very fine coats and are often exercised around on the lead only, which makes it hard for them to warm up. They don't carry much fat either. A normal dog is very capable of adjusting it's own temperature. It is quite amazing, really. Yours, Elizabeth, 13.01.10
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Kennel Cough?
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Dear Elizabeth,
I went to a shoot just before the snow came, picking up with my Springer Spaniel, Lattie. It is only a small shoot. About a week after that Lattie started coughing terribly and she is retching and being sick too. I’m very worried about her. It is very snowy here and I can’t easily take her to the vet. Is it dangerous to wait a few days?
I’m terribly fond of Lattie.
Diana, 09/01.10
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Dear Diana,
It sounds very much as though you have a case of Kennel Cough. It is very common this time of year, when the dogs meet other dogs at shoots. If Lattie is eating up well and is not looking too ill, you don’t need to worry too much. If she looks very poorly, wheezes in her breathing and fails to eat, take her temperature immediately and get her to the vet, or, if this is impossible, he can probably prescribe some antibiotics for you. I leave you to solve the problem of how to get these in the present weather. If she seems as ill as this, and runs a high temeprature she may have the onset of pneumonia or some other complication.
Kennel Cough is very contagious, you must isolate her from other dogs so she doen’t spread it about. Normally it passes in about 10 days or so. Don’t work the dog until she is properly recovered! It is mostly a virus complicated by bacterial infections, rather like human colds. As long as she is not too ill, it will pass.
There are vaccinations, but obviously, if she is already coughing, you have got it... If your neighbours have dogs, tell them about it and keep the dogs apart. I have given a little more information about the cough on the veterinary page .Yours Elizabeth, 09.01.10
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Persistent Peeing:
In the case of grown-updogs that really are persistant house-peers, the best solution is a kennel. Make a nice stable, or Wendy-house or other outbuilding into the dog’s home for the nights. This is not cruel. You must still let the poor dog out though! Very few dogs will pee in their bed-room and if you are observant you should have no problem with letting the dog come innto the house in the day-time. This approach will make it easier for you to anticipate when the dog needs to go out.if you have no outbuildings, use a very small room, or cage the dog at night.Put newspaper in the likeliest spot by the door. if he pees on the paper, advance to putting the paper outside the door in due course. Yours, Elizaberth, 09.01.10
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I have a 12 yearold Spaniel. Now he pees in the house in the night. He never has done before. Should I be angry? Lisbeth, Minehead, 30.12.09
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No Lisbeth,
You have a case of Age Related Incontinece. The dog can’t help it. Take him out as much as possible. Put newspapers on the floor. Consult your vet. If he is otherwise happy, you may be able to live with it, but you have to see if he’s stiff, arthritic etc. and eventually decide what’s best. Being angry will do nothing in your case and it would be hard to kennel him now, if he’s always been a house-dog. See how you go. More advice on the younger dogs shortly.Elizabeth, 30.12.09
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Elizabeth has had several further enquiries about dogs who persist in peeing in the house.
She says she is working over x-mas. She adds that if you’re on holiday, you can keep mopping until the New Year when she is hoping to have time to answer the problem more fully.
In the meantime she just adds that you chose to have a dog. The dog did not choose to have you for an owner.
Keep mopping!
Our Elizabeth can be rather brutal in her Common Sense way..
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Elizabeth has some Common Sense suggestions for Snarling Small Dogs. 20/12/09
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Dear Elizabeth,
My dog is small but wild. I want a best friend but all I get is constant barking, snarling, snaps and growling. My neighbours are not too pleased either. I feel such a fool, how come I can’t control such a little dog?
Yours sincerly,
Leslie. 10.12.09
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Dear Leslie,
What you're saying is that you have a dream. It is the dream most of us have about having a dog, the constant friendly companionship, the adoring looks, the welcome greetings.
Dogs are dogs and not dreams. They are not all doting sweet companions. Very many people like to go and get a dog from a rescue centre. It often works well and involves the feeel-good factor of doing noble work and being able to tell all your friends how you have beeen so kind and rescued neglected little Ned. However, if you want a particular dog for a particular job, such as being adoring to you, remember that pedigree dog-breeders have been selecting suitable parents for hundreds of years. For a reliable, doting , easy-going companion a Labrador or a Golden Retriever are better candidates than the little terrier-breeds for example. The terriers have been selected for independent work under-ground and flushing out foxes and badgers.
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Understandably, neither foxes nor badgers want to leave their homes and face the guns or the hounds above so terriers and dachs-hounds have had to be very aggressive for their size.This tendency to be independent and easily offended and react aggressivly is very strong in some of the smaller breeds. Obviously, if they are just kept as pets this independence becomes classed as disobedience. I think that is the problem you are experiencing with your small dog.A dog is what it is and it cannot change it’s charachter. You are brighter than the dog so you have to think of ways of encouraging the type of behaviour you want from your dog and discourage un-wanted agression.
A common problem is lack of time spent exercising the dog. Dogs who are in the house all day can get very pent up and this leads to bad behaviour. Don’t have a major argument about sit-downs and heel-work when you first go out. Take the dog, on the lead to a safe place where you can play games with a stick or a ball, or just run with the dog. If that sounds too strenous, just walk briskly, but let the dog be loose. After 15 or 20 minutes of brisk exercise, do a few minutes of obedience training, as part of the walk. Most dogs really enjoy this. Have some little treats handy.. It is repetitive and takes time, but if you do this daily, the dog shouldl really start looking forward to it’s exercise and it’s training sessions. There should certainly be no snarling. You may never get the best friend you really desire, but you should be able to get a pleasant little dog just by being consistent yourself. With a rather wild type of dog it really doesn’t hurt to return home with the dog a bit tired. That way it will stay asleep for some time and be quiet in the house.
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Feed him after you have had your meal and don’t give him titbits.
If you give him a bone, or other major treat, don’t try to take the treat back. This will create a problem. For the moment avoid major confrontations and work on establishing yourself as a trustworthy pack-leader.
Give the dog some FUN when it goes out. This will help a lot. Best friends are sometimes made, not born, remember that.
Your dog looks very young. Take him with you, introduce him to new situations. Keep him on the lead but take him in the car, take him to the shops, take him to see your friends and their dogs. I think you should find that if you peservere he will take things more in his stride and the snarling will stop.
Be firm, if he snarls tell him off! If he is an older dog, it takes a bit longer and he may never be very calm with other dogs. Many small dogs think attack is the best form of defense. You have to be alert and avoid running into problems with neighbours and so on. Keep him on the lead in all potentially difficult situations so that you can tell him what you want. Go to your local training class. It will be fun and you will get some moral support. You might make friends and the dog will become more socialized. There are sure to be other problem dogs there so don’t worry. Yours Elizabeth
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Dear Elizabeth,
I had my doberman puppy when he was eight weeks old. He’s lovley but he’s now over a year old and still pees in the hous very often. I do let him out every two hours, except in the night. I have to get up myself at around 2.30 a.m. and I try to get him to go out then but he never wants to.By 7.30 am he’s peed on the floor by the door-post. My husband is fed up. Christina, by e-mail, 30/11/09
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House-Training. Puppies that Pee in the House. 30/11/09
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.Elizabeth gives some tips on House-training.
Dear Christina,
This is a very tedious problem and I understand your husband. The first thing to consider is that dogs hardly ever wet their own beds or the area immediatly surrounding the bed. Terefore, confine your dog to a very small bed-space when you’re not around to supervise him. A cage or crate will be necessary to break the habit now that your puppy is an adolescent. If he pees in his bed, take him to the vet, that would not be normal and might require proper treatment.
Most likely he is just marking his territory and thinks himself the boss. You have to alter the situation to your advantage.YOU let him out of his cage, straight into the garden, whenever you see him. Wait outside until he pees. Praise him, when he does.
It willhelp if you take him out on a lead to places such as posts and post-boxes, which will have had other male dogs’ pee on them. Your young male will want to leave his mark on top of theirs.Obviously, you can demonstrate the required action,as seen in this photo but your dog will , most likely be more interested in the smell of other dog’s pee.
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However, in a Wolf-pack, the Alpha Male and Alpha Female are the only two individuals who pee in the male position, with a leg up. All the subordinates, regardless of sex, pee like girls, crouching. So, by standing on one leg and peeing you may also enforce to your young dog that you’re the True Alpha. It is possibly best not to do this part of the training in the streets however as people may fail to understand that this is a training exercise. As for letting the dog out in the night, you may well find that he simply is a little afraid of the dark. That sounds stupid but is often true. He may go out more readily if you can turn on a garden light. Most dogs can manage to go through the night quite easily though, without peeing. Peeing on door-posts is typical of marking territory.
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Elizabeth has some suggestions for defusing the aggresive dog or the agressive postman. 26/11/09
There are several ways to approach the problem with postmen.If you have a nice and friendly post-man I suggest
Method A: Invite the friendly post-man into the house as often as possible. Give him cups of coffee. Tell the postman the dogs name and also introduce the dog to the postman, as you would a normal friend. Have some biscuits or other little treats to hand and let the postman give them to the dog, preferably when you are not looking. The dog will now start to think of the postman as a possible scource of treats.
Ask the postman to put some of these little treats through the letter-box, with the unwanted brown envelopes, on his next few visits. This may result in ripping of the brown envelopes but that is not too crucial, more will come, these will have red writing on them.
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If at all possible, try to be home when the postman calls and call out a cheerie “Hello”, so that the dog knows you have noticed the visitor and that everything is ok. If the dog barks, tell him firmly to be “Quiet” and distracts his attention. Tell the dog that it is only Alberta or Robin, or whatever the postman may be called ( we are using the word postman to also include female postworkers).
This approach will work but it will take some time and a positive attitude on the part of the postman.
Method B. This wil lhave to be tried if the postman thinks that training dogs is a waste of his time. He probably dislikes dogs and is possibly nervous. In this case we have to be much firmer and take a very much stronger approach. The dog must be on a choke-chain or pinch collar or similar, with a long lead hanging off it. The second the dog starts chasing up and down the fence you must grab this lead and give a mighty good yank whilst saying “NO”. You must mean it. You must be very properly cross. This method will at least please the post-man. you must be repeat the performance every day, possibly for some time. Also distract the dog when the postman approaches. Speak to the post-man, as in method A, even is he barely replies. Make the dog see that you know about the post-man and the dog is not required to bark.
Method C is the simplest and takes very little time. If you cannot be at home to train the dog, then you must simply ensure that the dog cannot see the post-man and cannot get to him. The dog must be shut in a room or kennel away from the letter-box. This does not train the dog but it solves the problem. If the dog is seriously agressive this method must be resorted to at any time when you cannot supervise the arrival of the postman. Postmen should not have to suffer illmannered dogs!
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Postmen in trouble. 06/11/09
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Dear Melanie,
At long last I will try to help you with the post-man problem. First of all, you should consider yourself lucky if the post is still working in your area.
In order to keep it that way, remeber that over 6000 post-men are attacked by dogs every year.
The reason for this is that the post-man behaves like an intruder.
He does not knock on the door and wait for the Master odr Misstres to let him in. No, he makes some sort of effort to get in through the letter-box, possibly damaging the dog’s property. He pushes unwanted brown envelopes into the house.
The dog leaps up and defends it’s territory, hopefully just by barking.This is very successful. The dog feels totally chuffed, it has driven a wouldbe intruder with criminal intent away singlehanded.
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Dogs are like people in that they enjoy having a job to do and like to feel successful and important. It becomes a routine. The potential criminal keeps returning and is successfully driven away every day by the dog! Brilliant work. The dog rips up the horrible brown envelopes. The dog starts waiting for the arrival of the criminal. He comes! The dog fluffs up big and agressive. If he can, the dog hides in the garden and waits for the criminal. If the dog is slightly nervous by nature it often becomes more agressive than a big strong Alsatian. Little terriers and poodles really enjoy this success.The situation is sometimes funny for the owner but not for the post-man. What we need to do is change the dog’s perception of the would-be intruder.
I shall give some suggestions about how to do this very shortly, when I come home from work.
Yours, Elizabeth 06/11/09
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Dear Amanda,
I’m delighted for you and Betty. Just think a little about how you behaved yourself and you may find an answer to other stressful situations.
Elizabeth.5.11.09
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28/10/09Are modern dogs under too much stress?
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The recent article accusing pets of ruining the Planet was yet another stress-factor for our dogs. They already have to comply with our wishes, whilst themselves training US to become better Masters and Mistresses. This is a kind of double espionage and we all know that sort of thing takes it’s toll. Dogs are part of our competitive life-styles. They have to take part in beauty competitions, in obedience competitions, generally fit in with whatever we are doing. If we have time for long walks, great. But the week after we have to go to work and the dog has to be shut up for long days on end. Dogs adapt fantastically well, in fact. They quietly work their way up the pack hierchy and try to become the Alpha, the lead dog. But apart from that they are mostly content to let life pass without questions.
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Many people feel they benefit from the Eastern approach of Yoga, combining meditation with suppling exercises. As we can see in the photos many dogs find this very relaxing too.Dogs like meditation and they find stretching particularily beneficial. They also like taking part in pack activities and this can be calming for the owner too.
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Dear Slightly Nervous,
I think you must get some sensible help. The situation seems to be deteriorating. I think you should either send the Spaniel to a training ‘boot-camp’, or, preferably get a good handler to come and visit you at home. That would be the best solution. You need moral support and back-up. The picture to the left shows very clearly how a very confident trainer inspires calm and confidence. It is also necessary to be very consistent. If you allow the dog to take over the sofa, then the next day tell it this is out of the question, but on wednesday you cannot be bothered to stop the dog you are going to end up with a dog that is always trying the boundaries.Yours Elizabeth, 29/09/09
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Dear Melanie
You must get back to being the leader of the pack! It is risky for Emerald but also for you. She can cause an accident very easily if you let this go on. First fix the garden gate and make it impossible for her to slink out. Then set up some training situations when you have her on a very long lead. Get a friend to drive a car away from her. When she starts chasing it, pull her back very sharply and tell her off in a loud and clear tone at the same time. Repeat many times. Several days spent on training will be necessary but this problem can be overcome. Have patience and confidence and avoid temptine fate by leaving the gate open! The Postman situation is harder as she will think she is chasing him off every day. I will deal with this next time.
Yours, Elizabeth, 29/09/09
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Dear Elizabeth,
My beautiful 18 month Spaniel likes to sit in the sofa and watch TV. She likes Late Night Movies. Yesterday when I told her to go to bed because I wanted to lock up the house, she refused to go with me. Whe I pulled on her collar she bit my arm. I left her on the sofa.
This morning, when I came in for coffee I found she had gone upstairs to my bed. She growled when I tried to get her out. I left her as I’m nervous of being bitten and catching rabies.
Up to now she has always been fine except if she had food. With food she would not let me touch her. What should I do?
Slightly Nervous form Woverhampton. 14/09/09
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Dear Slightly Nervous,
You realy have a classic problem: Your dog thinks she is the Alpha, the Pack Leader. And your own behaviour is now telling her that she is right!
You must put a good collar, maybe a pinch-collar on her at once. Leave a short bit of lead attached so you can get hold of her without having to touch her at this stage. If she growls, pull very sharply, for second, and say NO in abig voice. Shut her out at night, in a kennerl or your hall or some place which is LESS DESIRABLE than the sofa. Be very insistent. When you feed her. Ask her to SIT until you put the food down. Leave her whilst she is eating. Be very strict.
Watch any dog-training video or the Dog whisperer on TV! Pay attention to small things such as going trough doors before the dog. Don’t let her into your bed-room, make sure she understands you are top dog
Let us know if this helps at all.Yours Elizabeth, 14/09/09
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Dear Elizabeth, Just a progress report on the diet. It is going well. I thinkk Iona has lost a little weight already maybe a pound. I have lost 7 lbs. She likes to be pushed around on the walks very much and you can see how happy she looks.
Yours, Robert, 25/08/09
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Robert, Honestly! You can’t be serious! Can you try swimming?But don’t put her in a little dingy and pull her! Yours,Elizabeth 26/08/09
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Dear Elizabeth,
My rottweiler has a swollen foot. Is this likely to be a growth problem?
Adam, East Freaslington, 11/08/09
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Adam, I think you should examine the paw very closely. He has probably got athorn or a crack in the paw, quite simply. Possibly it has become infected. Foot-problems are mostly caused by simple injuries and I think this is just as likely in a Rottweiler as in any other breed.
Elizabeth. 11.08.09
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Thank you Elizabeth, I have had a very good look and there is a tiny cut in the toe of one foot. What should I do next?
Adam
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Dear Adam, Clean it up well with iodine and water, spray it with purple spray or similar twice aday, rest the dog and she should be better by tomorrow evening,. If not better, will need antibiotics. Vet visit.If you have caught it early you stand a good chance of recovery without antibiotics.
Elizabeth 11/08/09
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Dear readers,
We have had several enquiries lately about joint problems in Rottweilers. As none of our experts ( Elizabeth and Annie) has ever had a Rottweiler we are taking some proper advise on this one. We don’t know if this is a particular Rottweiler problem or if it is common in larger, heavier breeds.
There is a condition known as wandering lameness where the lameness shifts from one site to another over some weeks or months. This seems to be growth related.
We will do our best to have more answers about this problem in a few days on the Veterinary Page.
Yours, The Editor. 07/08/09
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A diet query:
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Dear Elizabeth,
My problem is the opposite to Andreas. My dog eats everything and is thriving. I love her and I tend to give her little titbits, just occassionally. My vet says she is OBESE. This is a horrid word and I just think she is a little overweight. Can you give me some suggestions as to diet, please.
Robert, S. Molton, Devon. 30/07/09
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Dear Andreas,
Greyhounds are not a fat type of dog. Do try and weigh the dog weekly to establish if she really is losing weight or if you only think she is. If you cannot carry her onto the bathroom scales, ask a farmer to use a lamb-scale or ask your vet to use his scales ( he will probably charge £ 25, this appears to be the minimum figure etched into the veterinary brain).
Grass-eating is a strange habit in dogs. It may be a defense against too much bile in the stomach. It is not abnormal, unless the dog does it all the time. If it is a very recent habit and if she does it obscessibly you should consult a vet. The odd horrible session of urgently chewing on grass and then vomiting two or three times is actually normal, if rather unpleasant and seems strange to us humans. I fear it is also normal to eat up the sick afterwards. Dogs are dogs and not humans. It is possible that the dog actually has a craving for vegetables, you could try to give her some cooked carrots, broccoli or the like with her food. It will do no harm and if she doesn’t want it she will leave it.
Apart from that I can only recommend giving her several small but tasty meals every day. Take all old food away at once. Give her small portions. Mixup some raw egg, milk, meat-juice or other tasty ingredient such as blood with the food to give it variety. A greedy companion can transform the situation as dogs are very competitive about food..
Yours Elizabeth 22/07/09
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Elizabeth is having trouble with solving this one this one and referred Douglas to Granny’s Page where Granny gives him advice on how to cope with his wife and family, as well as the dog. Go to Go and ask Granny.
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Dear Elizabeth,
My Springer Spaniel, who is now nearly 11 months old ,has suddenly taken to destroying our house! It is shocking, every time I come in she has chewed up something new. What should I do? The children are delighted but my wife is very upset ans says the dog must go.
Yours Douglas. 13-7-09
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Dear Douglas,
First of all, don’t leave the young dog in the house with the children! I think she probably has realized that they find it funny and she’s playing up to the audience. She may also perceive your wife’s understandable anger as attention. I would suggest you only have her in the house when there is an adult available to supervise her. Keep her on the lead. Give her a good walk or run, then let her come in, whilst you’re there. Give her a toy or something she can chew on. If she starts behaving excitedly, take her out, at once. If she is quiet and sensible, let her stay in. Under supervison only. Tell your wife you’re not going to let her do any more destruction. Don’t let anyone give her any attention whatsoever for bad behaviour, just quietly take her elsewhere and shut her up. This will take time, she now has a very bad habit that she thinks gains attention. Well, she is right. Be very consistent. Good Luck, Elizabeth. 13/07/09
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Dear Elizabeth,
Good advice, I take your point, but we live in a tiny town house. Where am I to shut her up? It is all very well for you country people with all your sheds and stables and kennels. We don’t even have a garden! If the children are troublesome, it gets on everybody’s nerves and then nobody notices what the dog is doing. Try to imagine our situation, please.
Yours, Douglas, 14-7-09,
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Sorry Douglas,
I live in a small house myself but, yes, I assumed you lived in the country for some reason. You may have to get a cage for the dog so there is a space of her own inside the house if you can’t have an outside kennel. I think you must have a place where she is separate from your family and cannot destroy anything. If you can get her a bit settled there, with a bone or chhewy or toy I think it will help your training. Hopefully she will become more sensible anyway, in time but I think you have to break the cycle of getting attention for doing the wrong thing.
Many dogs live very happily in towns but it takes more dedication on the part of the owners. Are the children old enough to take your Spaniel on walks?
Yours, Elizabeth. 15/07/09
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Elizabeth,
The children are girls of 3 years old and 5. They can’t take the dog for walks.My wife gets a bit stressed and accuses me of never being at home. This is because I work long hours in order to keep them all. I do think my wife could walk the dog more but she says I can do it. It is fine with me, but then she gets upset I’m not in the house because I take the dog out. All in all I would appreciatte more advice. The situation is strained.
Regards,Douglas,19-0709.
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Douglas, this is a difficult situation.I have to think about it. Take care and keep walking the dog. Elizabeth 19/07/09
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Elizabeth,
Granny’s advice is no use, I’m a delivery driver lifting heavy parcels and bags. I come home tired. My boss let my wife go with one of the other drivers for aday, to see what it is light but she thought it was anice day out! (She didn’t have to lift any bags). The dog has got worse, now she pees on the sofa as well. I’m not sure my wife takes her out at lunchtime.
Any further thoughts on how to cope? The children love the dog but they all get very excited when they play together and then the dog pees more.
Douglas 03/08/09
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Dear Douglas,
The situation sounds unbearable, quite frankly. It sounds brutal, but you may have to see if you can find another home for the dog. I think the peeing on the sofa is probably just excitment, dogs rarely pee on furniture otherwise, unless she is afraid of your wife. Submissive dogs frequently pee to show that they are the underdogs, especially young ones and bitches sometimes do this until they are about 18 months old or so. However, oviously she should be taken out frequently and discouraged from even being in the sofa, let alone peeing in it before this becomes a habit.
I think, in view of your work, and the smallhouse and young children you may have to wait and not have adog until the children are a bit older and can help. I know it sounds a terible thing to say but the dog really sounds as though she doen’s get enough exercise or discipline. Dogs like to have a routine.If you couyld find ahome with a shooting person, the dog might become very happy. It would be ideal if it was a home in the country where she could have a kennel and more exercise, but i know how hard it is to arrange these things. The Blue Cross would help, or a Spaniel re-homing organization.I have found one which you can contact on springerrescue@btinternet.com. I think you can only keep that dog of yours if an adult can make more time for exercise and training. The situation is not good for anybody.Sorry to give such drastic advice.
Elizabeth 03/08/09
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Dear Elizabeth and Editor,
I’m very willing to help with a description of Wolfie’s aftercare and recovery ( I hope he recovers) for countrytalk’s new veterinary page. I do wish to say though that I think the lack of professional , veterinary aftercare is appalling. We are talking about very expensive surgery here. Yet, when the operation is done, the patient is sent home with an order to stay in a crate for 6 weeks... If a human has a hip-operation,as a similar example, he/she gets to see the surgeon again for check-ups. He gets physiotherapy and moral support. All the dog gets is a visit to his normal, local vet.,(who charges extra) and, who, in our case, had clearly never seen the after- effects of this operation and could give no advice whatsoever. For the sort of money we’re talking about I really think the vets could include a check-up after some 6 weeks or so...Wolfie was operated on by a specialist in Exeter, whom we have not seen, or even been able to speak to over the phone again. Our Tiverton vet has been unable to offer any advice whatsoever, although he is good at writing bills.
Yours , Annie, 13/06/09
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Dear Chris,
About your Rottweiler with swollen joints: Take him to good vet, if you have not already done so. It could be growth problems at his age or inflammation. He is likely to need anti-inflammatorries. Are you giving him a lot of exercise? it could be that he is doing too much for a dog his age. Is he a big heavy Rottweiler?
Did you see his parents when you had him? I take it you’ve had him since a puppy. For the moment restrict his exercise and take professional advice at once, if you have not already doen so. Please let us know what your vet says.
Elizabeth,12/06/09
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Dear Readers,
Elizabeth apologizes for not having had time to answer the many enquiries about cruciate ligament injuries in border terriers, rottweilers and even a toy poodle. Other work has prevented her from replying. We have decided to make a separate Veterinary Column for dealing with these more Specialized subjects. Please bear with us and Elizabeth and Annie between them will tell you more about the operations and Wolfie’s recovery period.
To summarize, Annie says that the recovery involves a very long period of total rest, which is so difficult that she would hesitate ever to repeat this with a boistrous young dog. After the operation it is 3 months before the dog can start on even a semblance of normality. The first 6 weeks should ideally be spent in a CRATE! ( Wolfie was not subjected to a crate, he lives in a very small house anyway). Wolfie is now on week 8 after his operation and is allowed a very short walk on the lead every day now. We will enlarge on this when we have created a new space. We now have and it is the Veterinary Page.The Editor. 14.07.09
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Dear Elizabeth,
I have a young Rottweiler, 8 months old , with swollen joints.Do other people have problems and what should I do? And will we ever hear what has happened to Wolfie and the ligaments?
Chris,Taunton,5-6-09
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. He requested burial upon his farm,. We complied with his wishes, after many difficulties, but , the neighbours now seem to think we’re very odd and are forever watching us and taking photos through telescopic lenses. Had our son-in-law been a sailor, I’m sure they would have approved of burial at sea.Regards, Annabel,5-6-09
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Dear Countrytalk Readers,
Since having our cob shot and put into the deep-freeze I find that some of our previous so-called friends shun us. Also, our neighbours constantly watch us through binoculars. Nevertheless, economically it was a success. We now rather miss the company of an animal and have realized, that many of our aquintances will have horses to be shot over the nex t year or so. They are very sentimental and we think we may be able to take the carcases away for free. This will enable us to have a dog or two again, with plenty of bones and left- overs.We used to have labradors, but now we think something smaller and easier to exercise would suit us better in our old age. Do you have any suggestions for characterful smaller dogs? They must not run up huge vet’s bills. Yours Diana, 02/06/09
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Dear James, I think all men and women agree with you, hitching up trailers is a totally hateful occupation, let alone punctures.. What sort of dog do you have? Perhaps you could bring it on your Endurance Challenge? see Letters to the Editor. If you bring a dog, I shall come and watch. I imagine it is an Afghan Hound?
Elizabeth. 02.06.09
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Dear Araminta,
I’m afraid I’m no expert on Hoovers. Try taking all the attachments apart and unscrewing the long hose. Usually these parts are filled with balled up hair and if you take all that out and then change the bag and possibly the filter, you may well find it works again. If you have a male husband/partner, then get him to do this for you.Just look hopeless but grateful
As for the shedding of coats, brushing them with a very heavy metal brush, or combing them, or pulling at the hair with your hands does help to get it out,if not faster, at least in one place. You can buy special combs for this but I doubt it is much better, it is probably just a matter of time. Yours, Elizabeth. 27/05/09
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Dear Elizabeth,
How can I cope with all the hair that my Shetland Sheepdogs shed at this time of year? Is there any method to get it to come off a bit quicker? The dogs are my pride and joy but the Hoover has broken down now, it has sucked in dog-hair through the filter. Any advice?
Araminta, Exeter, 26/-05-09
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Dear Annie,
On the right is a picture of me sent in by my Master from Exmoor. I advise Wolfie and his Mistress to relax more in a cosy deck-chair as I do myself.Get the misstress to give you a nice fleece to lie on!
Midge, by e-mail, 27-05-09
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Wolfie replies: Thank you, Midge, I have an excellent black fleece of my very own, I wear it all the time. It is good and warm. Wolfi
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photo U.Zellweger
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Dear Readers,
I’m sorry that we had a crisis at my work and I haven’t had time to respond to your various queries. Hopefully I shall have more time next week again. I was going to try to explain a little about the various treatments for the ligaments that are available. The only bit of advice I can offer is however: Go to the best vet you can find that is familiar with these problems. Get a referral to a veterinary hospital, if your own vet doesn’t operate on a lot of dogs. Then listen to what the experts say. Each surgeon may have his own preferences for one operation or another. If that is, in his opinion, the best method, then just pay up. This, after much thinking, is the best advice, to find the best vet you can rather than worry about what type of operation he is going to do. Leave that to him! You worry about raising the money instead...
Yours, Elizabeth, 26/05/09
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photo A Ratcliff
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I think it is very cruel to take dogs to places like Badminton. They cause old ladies to fall over and they may pass diseases to children. Keep them at home!
They are much happier there. It is intolerable for the general public to have to be brought down by persons with 3 dogs each, no responsible magazine should encourage these fashion statements.
Yours, Arnold, Chittlehampton, 17-5-09
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I agree with Arnold, some people even bring sheep. It is unnecesssary and the sheep may feel car-sick.At least dogs can vomit if they feel sick, which may teach the owners a lesson, but the poor sheeep, they just sit there, feeling sick.
Jilly, 18-5-09
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I think MORE dogs should go, and less owners. The dogs don’t cause any problems, it is all these 1000’s of people that cause the traffic-jams. I have not seen a single dog cause a traffic jam yet.
Elizabeth. 17/05/09
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Dear Friends,
I really want to cause a jam! Just wait for us to get an automatic car so I can drive. Then we’ll have to get out of the jams and run. Yours, Wolfi.
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Dear Readers: We have had several enquiries as to what has happened to Wolfie, Here Elizabeth tries to explain it to us. Other subjects further down, just scroll downwards. For further explanations go to the dog veterinary page.
Cruciate Ligament Injuries.
The Stifle joint in the dog is very similar to the human knee. Indeed, our American friends call Stifle joints knees. But then they call horses’ fetlocks ankles and it is all rather confusing.
In humans, twisting and turning at speed can cause career-ending injuries to foot-ball and tennis-players etc. and the same happens in dogs. Gun-dogs are particularily prone to these injuries.
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If it is a small, lightweight dog such as a terrier, nature will often resolve the damage, over a long period of time. If the dog is rested, the leg has a chance of becoming operational again. In the bigger breeds, it is necessary to take some action and there are several operations that can help the dog to recover. We will look at the operations next time. In all cases, osteo arthritis is likely to follow. There is also a risk of damage to the other leg, which has to carry all the dogs weight during the prolonged recovery period. All in all, it is no wonder Annie is rather worried. The damage to the owner’s wallet is also going to be substantial.
Elizabeth, 03/05/09
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Dear Elizabeth,
Wolfie is much happier, if somewhat unusally obsessed with food. Normally he’s not at all greedy. I suppose it is his only happening at the moment. Lots of people are asking me what has happened to him. I’m finding it difficult to write about it as I’m so worried it might yet turn out badly.
Could you help please? It is the cruciate ligaments in his stifle that were torn. The cartilage was destroyed as well. The vets have done an operation to re-shape the entire joint and it is now held together with metal and muscle only. It is all very worrying as he is supposed to be on a total rest program.
Wolfi also has a fan-club, consisting of pre-school children who pass our street every morning on their way to play-school and keep asking about him.
The idea of him resting peacefully and watching other people at work was not successful so he is now left at home all day. That works better but he has a very lively spell in the evening
Yours, Annie. 29/04/09.
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Sir,
I personally nominate the Chechoslovakian Wolfdog. They are very hard to train. If you do succeed you have a companion for the lifespan of the animal though. They are something else.They have been bred from crossing German Shepherds with wolves and they have the reputation of being untrainable. This is not true. They are trainable, but it takes total dedication and may ruin your life, or at least, your relationships with your nearest and dearest, not to mention your mother-in-law.
Sir Reginald, April 27th,2009
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Sir,
After the illuminating disclosures of Adam Katz ( is that really his name?) I suggest we have session at nominating the hardest to train breeds. My own Suggestion: The Irish Setter.
Yours Bob Adams. Taunton, 24/04/09
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Thank you Bob. This is a very good idea. I nominate the Jack Russell Terrier myself. I think they are practically untrainable.The Editor. 24/04/09
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Sir,
How can you publish such a bigoted opinion? They are the most adorable of dogs! I love mine! She is the prettiest little thing imaginable and she knows a lot!
Kirsty, Newton Abbot, 25/04/09
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Sir,
I have got a Rottweiler. I have had many dogs in my time but this one takes the biscuit for being strong and dim. I may be unlucky, perhaps Rottweilers are normally easy?
Brian, Hemel Hempstead, 26/04/09
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Sir,
We have Greyhounds. They are absolutely beautiful but I really have given up on even trying to train them. They can chase things and they can destroy the inside of cars very quickly, that is about all they can do. But they are very decorative.
Yours, Roger, 26/04/09
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It appears that Wolfi is driving his Mistress mad, he is feeling very cured after only 6 days. There are 11 weeks of confinement to go. His Misstress is woried stiff after the latest developments with the stairs and digginh out of the stable etc. See his own page in the margin, Wolfie’s Voice. Poor Wolfie and poor Annie too.
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Contrytalk are pleased to announce that our Leading Correspondent Wolfi is recovering after a Horrible Operation on his Ligaments. Further details will be given on his own page in due course. More News and a Health Bulletin Tomorow, many thanks to his fans who have made enquiries.
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Elizabeth,
Have you any advice how too keep a very energetic and enthusiastic young dog happy without exercise for a month? All ideas welcomed
.Annie
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Sir,
We think Adam has forgotten the Labrador. This is our no 1 breed for ease of training! If Labradors weren’t the best and easiest of dogs, well, why are there so many of them? it’s because they are super chaps(and girls too). Poodles are so yappy!
Sarah and Samantha. Minehead. 15-4-09
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We have had several question as to Wolfie’s injuries and his operation. Annie is just waiting to see that he starts off on the path to recovery, then we will describe it all for those who are interested. In the meantime, Wolfi didn’t find hospital very restful and sends you all a short message on his own page.
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Our Top 5 Easiest Dog Breeds For Training: Is Your Dog One Of Them? (By Adam G. Katz, )
The nice things about our approach to dog training is that we can train any dog, of any breed. However, there are some breeds that are even easier to train than most. Here is our current list of the top five dog breeds for easy training:
5. Australian Shepherd: A very smart breed, they learn new commands quickly and are very stable and almost never get defensive.
4. Doberman Pinscher: Definitely one of the most intelligent breeds. Find one with good ball/play drive and there is pretty much nothing this breed can't do.
3. Border Collie: One of the ultimate working dog breeds, they have a tendency to be on the sensitive side. But if you recognize that, these dogs have a jaw dropping ability to work with their handler/owner.
2. Golden Retriever: These dogs are pretty much always happy and simply a joy to train. Even if it's drizzling outside, these dogs have an eternally 'sunny' disposition. They are also the most forgiving of breeds, which makes them excellent for the novice handler.
1. Poodle: With most dogs, it takes 5 or 6 times, before they understand a new command. With many Poodles, you can tell them twice and they 'get it.' One hundred years ago, they were used as circus dogs. Apparently, they've maintained much of their intelligence and trainability. We just love working with the Poodle.
Enjoy your dog,- Adam Katz, dog trainer.
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Driving the car should not be too problematic for an intelligent dog. Elizabeth recommends automatic car-models, at least whilst the dog is a learner drive. It is a very good idea to start with driving a lawn-mover, as Hope is demonstrating in the photo.
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We apologize for the slow service here and will now resume the dog-diet discussion.
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Dear Susie,
The picture on the left shows what dogs love best: Tasty matured meat with the feathers or fur on. They also eat much better when there is another dog in competition, as I said earlier. here we can see two fine pedigree animals having a tog-of-war with a rather long matured well reared pheasant. These are very inconvenient rewards in dog-training classes however. I think Baker’s Happy Walks are the only ones that work on most dogs and they come in a little box to have in your pocket , which is better than soggy bits of cheese. Although some dogs just don’t take much notice of food rewards. Labradors are the easiest to train with food I think.
Yours, Elizabeth 06/04/09
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Dear Susie,
I agree with Annie, try human foods, as cost-effective as possible. Cod-liver-oil is alsovery beneficial, if the dog will eat it. As you can see in the letter from Roz and Dick Hughes below, dogs invariably think their owners have better food. Mostly they are right. See what happened to their bacon sandwiches...My dog likes cheese for a treat. it is not so convenient as ready-made treats, but at least he really smells it and notices it. I fear he is a Heinz 57 crossbred variety , looking rather like a lurcher. In fact, I could show him in lurcher classes, if I wanted to. His favourite food? Long Dead rabbit....
Regards Emily, S. Molton. 27.03.09
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Dear Susie,
I have the same problem with Wolfi, He’s not that keen on food. He prefers excitment. And Tractors. I have found it fairly economical to buy Special Offer Sauages, 2 for the price of one packet and similar as he seems to prefer low class human food to top-class dog- food. I can’t say he is a fat dog though and I have the same propblem with training, treats are nice, but hardly noticeable He would love that camper-wagon holiday, for sure.
Yours, Annie
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Dear Elizabeth,
You seem very competent. I have an 18 month old deerhound who is a very fussy feeder. The breed do not look fat at the best of times and I’m worried she is too thin. Any ideas what I can do. I feed her on high quality working dog dry food and also tinned dog-food to mix it with but she eats less than I would like. Also, in training sessions, she is not really that motivated by food rewards. She is not at all like a labarador.Yours worriedly,
Susie, Newton Abbot, 23/03/09
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Dear Susie,
Deerhounds are known not to be a greedy type of dog so you’re not alone. If you have another dog, it is obviously easier, as the pack instinct makes them want to feed together and they compete for food and gulp it down.Single dogs tend to be much fussier.
Regards, Elizabeth. 25.03.09
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News of the Barking Alsatian, Aisha:
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Dear Elizabeth,
Here is an update on Aisha: I took the advice on more exercise, which has been great fun for Aisha but it didn’t solve the barking problem. In the end I got an electronic barking Aid. it seems to be working. I felt a failure but I felt I couldn’t have the neighbours suffer this barking any longer. I’m also getting help from a trainer who has more experience of Alsatians and I think all these things are helping. The trainer is very nice so it is good fun for me too and giving Aisha more to think about. I think she is happier now and so am I.
That’s some progress for now, anyway.
Jane. 09/0309
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Dear Pete,
I have the perfect answer, it is so obvious it stares you in the face. Have a Golden Retriever! They are beautiful, loyal, excellent family dogs and very good tempered. What more could you want?
Alistair, N.Molton, 7.3.09
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Weimeraner correspondence now in purple to help you follow the conversation..
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Dear Alistair,
Golden Retrievers are just pets these days, they cannot compete with Springer Spaniels or Labradors, in my opinion. They sometimes get entered at Field Trials but they don’t seem to do very well. Below is a comment by a labrador trainer:
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“Goldens have been entered in such events, and while they may have been good dogs, not one ever placed anywhere near the top. As was said before, they are a comparatively slow dog."
But they are a lovely family dog, that is their chief asset.
Peter, Lewisham 07.03.09
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Oh, exactly , this is the answer for Pete. They are ideal. Maybe a bit slow at retrieving, but such beautiful and lovley dogs with kind temperaments and good with young families. Pete, you cannot go wrong with a Golden Retriever...I want one too! Amanda7.3.09
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Re Weimeraners:
I have a young beautiful bitch. I really like her and have no problems other than that she is gun-shy. What can I do? Has anyone had this problem with the breed?
Austen,5.3.09
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Dear Sir,
The Shooting Times say that Show Cocker-spaniels are good working dogs. I do wonder what other people think? I would quite like to have a good-looking dog myself, for picking up, but not a Labrador. What alternatives are there? I have to go to normal work in the week but go picking-up during the season on Saturdays. I can’t find the time to train a very difficult dog, nor can I have one that requires hours of exercise during the rest of the year. The dog would have to be suitable to live in a family house and must not be difficult with children.
What suggestions do you have?
Pete,Nomansland. 28-02-09
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Dog in ear-mufffs co-piloting a plane,probably soon ready to be employed by Ryan air. .
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Dear Pete,
Have you thought of a Weimeraner? They are very good for retrieving fish!
Alf, 1.3.09
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photo, B. Ellington
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Austen,
Look how well Tiffany did in the end, with patience.Try very small noises and get her used to cap-guns first. Progress with sparkers and party-poppers in time. Also, it might help if you stuff her ears with cotton wool. Don’t laugh, it is not a bad idea, it works with horses that are nervous in noisy crowds...And try taking her to some quiet little shoot first, with an older dog that likes shooting (that is most of them!). It should steady her. If none of this works, then just don’t take her shooting.
Yours, Elizabeth 05/03/09
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Dear Alf and Pete,
I don’t think they are the best in Pete’s circumstances.. They take a lot of time and training and may not be that suitable in a young family and if Pete goes out to work all day. Nice Fishing Photo though.
Lisa, 01.03.09
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Pete, I think they are a bit highly strung. I have friends who have two weimeraners and they have chewed up all their furniture downstairs. If my friends go out in the evening they have to have a dog-sitter to defend what remains. That is quite an added expense. But I don’t know if this is typical of the breed.
Yours, Annie 03/03/09
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Can Show Dogs Work? What do our readers think?
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Dear Sir,
Well, they sure wouldn’t look like that any more if they went out working! Personally, I think if they are bred to sit still in cages at shows, for days on end, they are not bred for working any more. Different job, different dog. Maybe they can be trained? Peter.
3-3-09
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MORE ABOUT THE BARKING ALSATIANS FURTHER DOWN THE PAGE
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Dear Advisors,
I want to report some mixed progress: Yes, Aisha loved running with my neighbour’s quad-bike. She was very calm afterwards and didn’t bark in the house or our yard at all that evening.The only trouble was: Aisha barked wildly all the time she was running with the quad-bike! Yes, some improvement, but not a totally desirable solution, not for the driver of the bike. Normally, if I walk her on foot she is quiet and well behaved and goes to heel no problem at all.
Yours in despair, Jane 23.02.09
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Dear Gamebird,
I have read Beating Line with interest as I go beating on Saturdays. I would like to take a dog and I have aquired a very nice Sprocker-Spaniel. She is now 6 months old. I have no idea how I start training her for the beating line though. Can anyone help. I would be grateful as I don’t want her to be an embarrasment to me. The beaters in my shoot can be fairly unfriendly...
Yours, Georgie 10/2/09
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This is a Sprocker Spaniel , these are a cross between Springer and Cockerspaniels.Photographer unknown. !
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Dear Georgie,
I have also sometimes come across unfriendly shoots.They are not ideal for starting a young dog off. As far as I have seen, dogs take to it, or they don’t like it. Try to find a friendly shoot where you’re allowed to bring your Sprocker on a lead a few times for a starter. Even better, try to find a friendly game-keeper who might let you help a little with ‘dogging-in’ during the early autumn. That would be ideal , to see if your dog takes to it. She almost certainly will!
In the meantime I shall ask my friend Jilly B how she trained her young dog Lisa, a Springer Spaniel, who has just completed her first season, very successfully.I hope she will give us a few hints.
Yours, Gamebird 11/02/09
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Well, Georgie, This is what Jilly answered:
Jilly Boumphrey, who is not into e-mail, told me over the phone that Lisa was a very nervous bitch when she first had her at 8 months old, from a reputable gun-dog breeder. Lisa lives with Jilly’s family, horses, terriers and a cat. At first she was frightened of other dogs, particularily big black labradors.
The first time Lisa went beating she kept very close to Jilly and didn’t look for birds, however, she was very obedient indeed. She was nervous of the other dogs in the beater-wagon. By the third time she was already looking for birds and much less nervous. She worked a couple of times/week, on average, and improved very rapidly. Her nature is basically to be obedient and she tries hard to please.
By the end of the season she was getting overconfident and rushing ahead of the beaters and not comming back so readily. Jilly says she is considering using an electric training collar if the problem persists. It is likely ,though, that with more age and a nice break from beating Lisa will come back to her senses and become obedient again.
Lisa totally overcame her fears of other dogs and strange people through going beating and really loved having a job to do. She was a great credit to Jilly and very popular with the other beaters.
Yours, Gamebird 17/02/09r
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Dear Supporters,
I just wish to tell you that Tiffany has gained confidence and worked quite brilliantly on our beaters day. I’m so thrilled after my long struggle to give him confidence, now he’s the most obedient and loyal of spaniels! I can hardly believe he’s the same animals as can be seen cringing in the picture, I hope to soon supply a happy-looking photo!Yours,
No longer desperate in Barnstaple.01/02/09
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Try an electric anti-barking aid. It should work. This horrible site is too soppy for words, I can’t stand it. Dogs can’t write. They can’t speak, what’s wrong with you people? I’m disgusted!
Peter, Lewisham. 25/1/9
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Does she bark when you’re out or only when you are there? If it is when you are there, she wants attention. Is she very territorial? How old is she? Is she nervous, do you think?Alsatians can be very territorial and nervous dogs bark more.. Can you tell us more about her? Have you had her since a puppy?
Peter 13/2/09
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I’ve had Aisha since she was 8 weeks old. She is a nice dog, except for the barking. We live in a village and the neighbours don’t like it either. Peter has a point, if she is tired she doesn’t bark. I can’t think how to find enough time for more exercise this time of year though. Jane
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Good idea, but we have a lot of traffic around us. I walk her in the fields, a farming neighbour allows me to and he’s very helpful. He has a quad-bike, actually, I’ll ask! Jane 18/2/09
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Does she get enough exercise? Alsatians need loads of work!Peter, Lewisham, 10/2/09
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Alsatians can be excitable but I think you’re running them down, most of them don’t bark. How old is Aisha? Could you take her out with a bicycle or a moped or 4-wheel bike a bit, so she has to run faster? Elizabeth,
18/02/09
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I take her for 2 long walks a day, 20 mins each time. I have to go to work as well, you know! Jane 13/2/09
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A Timid Spaniel
DearSir,
I have been beating for many years with my Springer spaniel, Luke.He has been brilliant and I get paid £5 extra to bring him.
Now that Luke is 12 years old he is getting a little rotund in the middle and stiff in his back legs.
I therefore got myself an unregistered Cockerspaniel, Tiffany, of good working breeding.
Unfortunately, Tiff, as he’s known, is rather nervous. At home he dogs in beautifully and looks out for birds in general. Whenever I take him to a shoot I have a major problem:
He crawls in under the car or beater-wagon and refuses to come out. He seems particularily nervous of our local game-keeper, Rob.
How can I train Tiff to overcome this problem? I have asked Rob to be kind to him and feed him little tit-bits (supplied by myself, of course) but Rob just laughs and says he’s not cut out for the job. What am I to do?
Desperate dog-keeper, Barnstaple
26/11/08
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Cruelty to Sporting Dogs?
Dear Sir,
I write as a person who has been beating several times and I consider myself a country woman. I have been horrified by the treatment of dogs I have been obliged to witness out shooting.
Spaniels are flung into beater-transporters by being picked up by the skin on their backs.
They are often forced to jump or crawl through barbed wire fences.
When injuries occur there is no emergency veterinary equipment such as bandages.
Dogs are also frequently kicked both by their owners and the game-keepers!.
Sometimes they are fed quantities of cheap Tesco bread by the beaters, which is an unhealthy diet for dogs.
Very small dogs are sent to fetch huge numbers of birds in a day from which they will suffer cricked necks from carrying these big pheasants.Often they have to swim in cold and dangerous streams whilst their well-dressed owners stand and watch.
All in all, I think the shooting community should adress these welfare problems urgently.
Countrywoman , Minehead. 25/11/08
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Dog-flaps
I agree with Countrywoman that working dogs are expected to jump too much wire. Could shoots not put in rails for the dogs? Hunts put in hunt-jumps so that the horses don’t have to jump wire after all.
Or maybe little dog-flaps in the fences would be a good idea.
Linda, Aberdeen 25/11/08
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Dear Sir,
This is Wolfie. He is a German Shepherd,10 months old. As can be seen he is black and very handsome. Well, he appears to be longhaired, lop-eared and very overconfident but he could make a fortune advertising tooth-paste, if we only had the right contacts... ( Or , if he actually was known to brush his teeth)
I'm his trainer. There is this sad fact that, at nearly 40 kgs Wolf, on 4 legs, is stronger than I am at nearly 60 kg but only on two legs.
I have a tiny problem in getting Wolfie to walk at heel. Tiny, you understand. I have been watching the news and I have observed that quite heavy police-handlers with G Shepherds, who have presumably been trained for months , or even years, have this little problem too: they seem to find it hard to restrain their dogs, even on choke-chains. So do I. Well, only when Wolfie is keen to go. If he is doing a quiet trot-round town he can be very mannerly.
If he happens to see the Master, or his own car ( he is the co-driver, he drives vey well, particularily in left-hand turns) or maybe a flock of sheep he has an iclination to give his Mistress a flight. Naturally I'm thrilled to be thus airlifted.
Any suggestions, please.
Yours Annie, Mistress of Wolfie
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Dear Sir,
Please could Miranda explain exactly how. I do love Wolfie but he is very strong.
Annie
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Dear Sir,
I think Wolfie’s Mistress is very cruel. No dog should need a choke-chain. All training can be done by kindness and love.
Miranda, Newton Abbot.
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