Books by Ian Rogers
Books by Ian Rogers
Dogs are naturally reluctant to expend more effort than necessary to get what they want. Aren’t we all? How many times have I watched an owner throw a ball for a dog. The dog’s brain chemicals reward it for chase and ‛catch’( i.e. for grabbing hold of prey) so it rushes away enthusiastically and ‛retrieves’ the ball. To get the owner to throw the ball again, the dog has to learn to bring the ball back - but why bring it all the way back? If the dog can drop the ball short and make the owner walk forward and to pick it up, the dog has saved itself unrewarding effort. Very few dogs drop the ball at their owners feet! And how many owners have I heard calling “Bring it” or “Closer” only to be ignored as the dog leaves the ball and rushes away, shortening its next dash to the ‛kill’?
If you really want the dog to bring the ball back to your feet, don’t waste unnecessary and ineffectual words and then walk to the ball and throw it. Either only throw the ball when it’s delivered to your satisfaction (and never at any other time) or settle for a harmonious compromise with your dog but don’t moan. Moaning stops the dog listening when you really need it to.
Tone of voice is important when giving commands. Anxiety and tension in the voice - which the owner may not be aware of - can trigger recall in the dog whatever the command is given! Once Jilly was off-lead and ahead of me and she crossed the quiet road to the far verge. When I heard a car approaching I called an anxious ‛Stay’ and made the accompanying hand gesture. Instead of staying, she ‛Came’, unusually promptly, crossing the road a short distance ahead of the car. Fortunately the driver had seen my out-stretched arm with hand up, looked across and seen the dog and had slowed down.
Dolly, who likes to walk down the middle of the road, did something similar in a small lane with large verges. When a car turned into the lane fifty feet ahead of her, I called ‛Side’ (which means ‛Get on the kerb’) and she did - and then ran back along the verge to me! Instant obedience at a distance is a very hard thing to achieve. If in doubt, keep your dog on a an extendable lead!
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