As
an adolescent dog I get easily distracted when I am out and about.
There is so much to see and do and learn about. When I do find
something interesting I use all my senses on this and will not be
able to hear you calling me.
When
you do call me if I don't come straight away there will probably be a
reason. This could be:
I am
distracted by something interesting
You
are making yourself big with your arms outstretched and showing your
teeth, I know it's not just me who doesn't like this, some other dogs
find it scary too.
Try
crouching down to make yourself small and turning away slightly. This
works especially well with young dogs and sensitive dogs alike. Or
just walk away, that way I don't feel like you are putting any
pressure on me.
You
are shouting. If you shout at me I will still come but be slower and
low to the ground. This is a calming signal all us dogs use, it is
supposed to give you time to calm down, but it tends to wind people
up more so we will go even lower and slower....bit of a vicious
circle really.
If I
am shouted at or punished when I do get to you, no matter how long it
takes me to get there please let me know I am good, otherwise I won't
want to come back in case you shout at or punish me again.
If
your voice is not steady and calm. When I can hear you are relaxed I
can understand you are calm and happy. Please also don't go over the
top with praise when I do come back, just a nice “Good Boy” and
sometimes a lovely treat is enough to make me happy I came back to
you.
Be
aware that if I am meeting another dog I will not come back straight
away, that would be rude and could cause trouble with the other dog.
It would be like you talking to someone in the street, another friend
calling them from across the road and them just turning away and
walking over to them mid sentence. Allow us time to say hello and get
to know each other before asking me to come away.
Also
please realise I have feelings and can be embarrassed. When I am
playing with friends and you want me to come to you, please give me a
little time and when I do get there please don't make a big fuss with
kisses and cuddles....my friends think I am a big softy when you do
that and we don't want them to know the truth do we?
40093.4464814815Copyright
2009 Fiona Parker - The Life Of Riley
Founding member of
The Association of Intuitive Natural Training for Owners and Dogs
