27/09/2025
Why I don't want an obedient dog.
It's supposed to be what all responsible owners strive for, that dog who comes whenever we call, who walks perfectly to heel, one that we can take anywhere, who loves all dogs and people and the result will be that people will be impressed with our dogs and us.
Exercises are drilled relentlessly, all in the name of perfecting that instant response.
Now, if you have a dog that you feel is unruly or never seems to listen, these approaches are seemingly the answer.
But what if I told you that if you met your dog part way, changed some key approaches and met your dogs needs that it would be more effective than all of the perfect timing training?
It sounds a bit too good to be true but it isn't.
The first question that we need to ask is why the behaviours that we see are happening. We don't then run straight into changing those behaviours, we look at the bigger picture.
Another question we should be asking is; 'am I expecting too much from my dog at this moment in time?' Perfection is unrealistic and potentially leads to more pressure, more training and more disappointment.
Some training activities can be really useful but I for one want my dogs (and those that I work with) to be able to use what they have learned and apply it in real life, an obedient dog relies on being told what to do and when to do it.
So no, I don't want an obedient dog.
Photo: Working on having a good recall is more about building the bond that leads to a desire to come to you, rather than solely relying on food, toys or other incentives.
