My job starts a few minutes before I see a dog. My state of mind is calm and relaxed. And when I meet the dog, I live a moment of joy and enthusiasm.
I suggest you look at some videos, and you’ll understand my method of dealing with dogs, step by step. My current usual approach has been adapted from dealing with the character of a dog called Brodie. Brodie is a Norfolk Terrier, now almost two years old. He is a very affectionate, energetic and clever dog, whom I’ve known for about one and a half years. I do different things with him, alternating moments of emphasis with moments of calm.
Although I’ve earned Brodie’s trust, I still have to do different things with him every day. He is a young dog, full of life and very curious. And so I’ve committed myself each day to doing things that he will find interesting. Although he’s a small dog, he wants to do a lot of things! And he’s communicated that desire to me too – with the result that we spend an hour of quality-time together.
When I’m with him, I aim to provide him with the right kind of stimulation at the right time. His aim is to have fun, and my aim is to make him think about what he’s doing during his ‘fun time’.
When a dog goes out, it is important that he is calm, and not too excited. If he is too excited, I take some time to calm him down. It is important to for a dog to leave the house in a state of calm.
You can see it in this video, in which I am going out with Brodie.
A walk on the lead should be pleasant for both. Brodie doesn’t pull – he likes to sniff around – and I never pull the lead. He is thrilled, but not too excited: he knows we are going to a place where he can have fun, like the park.
All the Best,
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