19/05/2025
Xenophon.
Historian. Philosopher. Hunter.
Wrote a book on hunting.
Called Cynegeticus. Or "On Hunting". 400BCE.
2425 years ago.
In it, he provides a detailed account of dog training.
Such as.
1. Emphasis on physical traits when breeding.
2. Start training from a young age.
3. Gradual exposure to hunting terrains.
4. Dogs should be exercised regularly.
5. Dogs respond to verbal cues and gestures.
6. Use hunting and training as the reward.
7. Emphasize the importance of training through habit, repetition, and guidance.
8. Give lots of verbal direction and near constant praise.
9. The collar should be wide and soft so as not to damage the dog.
10. Hand feed the dog. This builds bond.
All absolutely correct.
With no mention of prongs. Or chains. Or force of any kind.
And he couldn't rely on an e collar.
It's as if he knew what he was doing.
“A dog that is trained with care becomes not only skillful in the hunt, but also noble in spirit, loyal in nature, and a joy to his master.”
— Cynegeticus, Chapter 7
