This morning I worked alongside Dog Trainer, Ian Mackay. We were working with a Labrador called Jack who tends to become excited around horses and to chase them if they run away. He started off very gently and low key by introducing Jack to the horses at the gate.
After a while we upped the pace and worked together doing figures of eight, parallel trotting, fly pasts and crossing over.
After a little rest I went to fetch my Jack so that we could have a loose horse and do some agility.
In the end, my Jack took the initiative and went to say hello to Jack the dog, who was absolutely fine. No drama, no tension, no problem.
Despite being at opposite ends of the predator/prey spectrum, many of the techniques are just the same - no tension in the line while the dog is doing the right thing, being in the moment, redirecting energy, energy in is energy out, and so on. I feel an article coming on.....
Ian, The Dog Listener, can be contacted on 01794 502445 or email ianmackay@the-dog-listener.co.uk
