DO NOT TRY THIS AT HOME!
According to some dog trainers who use correction-based methods, one test of a totally obedient dog is if it can walk beside you near traffic. This is a terrible idea. What if a cat suddenly appeared or a car backfired? Eeek! Totally setting up dogs to fail. Because we humans cannot control everything in the environment.
But I'm not one to turn down a challenge. So yesterday, I did something a bit stupid. I tested Enzo and Zelda. Now, admittedly it wasn't peak traffic but the 4-lane road was still busy. And the dogs were closest to the road. I was using both hands to film and not giving my full attention to what was going on around me. And I was by myself. Oh, and yes, I wasn't holding their leads. But the Koolies did good. My heart was in my mouth though because, you know, cats.
Would I do this again? Hell, no!!! But I wanted to prove a point: Dogs trained using force-free methods can ace these totally pointless tests.
But this is not a life skill for dogs. From now on, we'll stick to the important stuff, like reliable recalls. And footpath walks will be on lead. I love my dogs too much to put them at risk just to look good.
#forcefreedogtraining #kooliesofinstagram
Zelda's not sold on the new Koolie car just yet. But a bit of patience, her bed, and some Possyum, we're getting there.#kooliesofinstagram #dogapproved #forcefreetraining
There are useful tricks and then there are those that are just for fun.
#forcefree #forcefreetraining #kooliesofinstagram #oldognewtricks
Guess who joined Maisie and Zelda's outing this morning?
#kelpie
We managed a short run in between showers. Go the birthday girlie 🥳
#kooliesofinstagram
Today, the Koolies had a short run at Donovan Park. A woman walking her small dog on a retractable lead commented on the Koolies good recalls (Tahi may have gone to say hi). I said they were paid well.
Of course, it's not just about the treats. It's about building a relationship and a habit. And it doesn't happen overnight. And that cute-as-a-button puppy recall? The first thing that seems to fall apart during puppy adolescence is the recall.
If your teen pup seems to have lost her ears and her recall, I can help. Email me for more information ([email protected]).
Today Ava met a Piwakawaka, Benson and Eddie tried their paws at exterior searches, Delta chillaxed, and they all worked on real world recalls and walks.
#perfectpunks #teendog #bestestdoggo #forcefreetraining #forcefree
Cuzzie walk with Zelda and @gordothekelpie The hoomum only got photos of Maisie...who found just about every log and pseudo-log to pose on.
#dogsonlogs #kooliesofinstagram
Out and about with Tahi and Maisie today. Look at that boy! No pulling for most of our walk, p-mail excepted 😂 one week into our loose leash walking challenge.
#looseleashwalking #forcefreetraining #forcefree #kooliesofinstagram
Who's your heart dog?
#valentinesday #heartdog #kooliesofinstagram
Even the temptation of Caroline's tasty chicken didn't deter Eddie from going back to his people.
#reliablerecall #forcefreetraining #forcefree
Really nice play. I love how Enzo moderates his play style. Such a good boy.
#kooliesofinstagram
Some think loose leash walking is the holy grail of dog training. In reality, it's a simple skill that just takes time and patience. And fabulous treats.
#looseleashwalking #forcefree #forcefreetraining
Koollective...a group of Koolies!
#kooliesofinstagram
The job we all love to hate 😁
#puppypedicure #kooliesofinstagram #forcefree
A great recall never gets old. A lifesaver and a lifeskill.
#reliablerecall #kooliesofinstagram #forcefree
Enzo's pill down the hatch. Cooperative care for the win.
#kooliesofinstagram #cooperativecare
