training

This is an amazing video. I wonder how many hours went into the training and filming - not to mention the editing! - of this video? It's fascinating, and those dogs are so clever. Hope this makes your Monday morning go a little better.

Take care,

Julie xx

Do you remember Vladislav Roytapel, the Russian Dog Wizard from Episode 82 of DogCast Radio?

Today is a "guest appearance" in the blog, with a post by Jenny.

Now I know Border Collies are different from many other breeds, and need occupying, but I'm really not sure this is the way to go about it. Here you can read an article about Kirin who has been taught to do squat type exercises on command. All very well and good, except I'm not sure how good it is for her back legs. I always worry about dogs who are required to even walk upright on their back legs a lot, but standing on them and raising and lowering herself must be putting a ton of unnecessary strain on Kirin's legs.

She wags her tail as she's doing it, and do like the clever way she tries to find a handy wall or piece of agility equipment to lean on for balance.

Is it clever training? - yes it is. Is it good for the dog? - I wouldn't have thought so, but if any vets or other health experts reading can shed light on the subject, please do.

Take care,

Julie x

Apparently Training dogs the Woodhouse Way 'makes them more aggressive'. Researchers at the University of Bristol have studied dogs at a Dogs Trust centre and re-examined footage of wild dog behaviour. They have found that heavy handed treatment of dogs leads the dogs in turn to become aggressive to avoid that treatment.

No sooner does Victoria Stilwell put out an appeal for anyone interested in appearing in It's Me or the Dog, than Cesar Milan is on the lookout for dog problems to solve!

Does your dog pull and strain ahead when you are out walking? Would you like to achieve the harmony of having him walk calmly at your heel? Then get involved with Dog Train and Behave Week, which this year is focusing on walking on lead. There are tips on the site from expert trainers such as Dr. Roger Mugford, Victoria Stilwell, and Gwen Bailey that will benefit you and your dog wherever you live.

Here's the press release about the event: