How do you teach a labrador respect?

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How do you teach a labrador respect?

Though dogs enjoy jumping and the freedom associated with it, this does nothing to improve obedience and discipline.

By Paul Rawlings

Sunday, 06 January 2008

Paul Rawlings explains how to get your dog to respect you.

My friend has a two-year-old chocolate labrador which is involved in agility sessions. However, at the end of the sessions he will not return to his owner, steals food and runs off with dead rabbits. The agility trainer said that the dog does not respect or listen to its owner and might just as well be put down. Can you help?

A: Agility is, unfortunately, one of those sports where dogs are allowed, in fact encouraged, to become very excited.

Though they enjoy jumping and the freedom associated with it, this does nothing to improve obedience and discipline.

This dog has learned that four legs are quicker than two and has no respect for its owner. Basic obedience should always be taught thoroughly before putting dogs in exciting off-lead situations, whether in the agility ring or in the shooting field.

Continuing to allow this dog the freedom to disobey the recall will only make matters worse and its management must be changed to avoid any situation in which it can get away.

Common sense must prevail and the dog removed from any environment where temptation might exist until it has been taught that a recall back to the handler is the only way to gain a reward.

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Comments

eILEEN aYLING

Fri, 25th Apr 2008 17:17:45

Agility is a great sport but with a good instructor your Chocolate Labrador will not be encouraged to become over stimulated in the early training. Its is not just a good recall needed but general obedience. You may have gone ahead too quickly. Good luck and enjoy your dog. Eileen Ayling

What's in this issue?

Don't miss our partridge and duck special in this week's Shooting Times (on sale Wednesday 1st September).
Plus, how to save money on feed on your shoot and as his Labrador nears the end of her pregnancy, Tony Jackson gets ready for the new arrivals. For all this and much more get down to your newsagents today!