Out Around the Barn

I have a question for you.  Is it necessary for your pets, dogs inparticular, to be obiedent.  In my opinion, yes.  I love my animals and they jump and play with me and I don’t mind at all but, when it comes to visitors on our farm it can be a nuisance for them and myself.

We have two Border Collies, work in progress, training on the farm.  We are always giving them commands when working the livestock and they do pretty well, not perfect but ok.  My biggest chore is my little “FAT” dog, Bella.  She is a Jack Russell and is 10 lbs. overweight and very hyper.  She does several tricks but still has not got the technique of leaving others alone when they stop by.  She is very much a “mamas girl” and doesn’t want anyone to mess with her. She tends to just be somewhat of a pest and in the way.   

One of the techniques that I use to train her is when she comes toward you, you know she is going to jump on you, I take a step towards her to throw her off balance and say “No” or “Off”.  This confuses her just enough to to balk and she links that to jumping and realizing that when I step forward she is to stop.  It does take work and is no easy task to achieve.  In time, I think she will get the hang of it.  Another way is that when she does jump, lightly but forcefully step on her hind paw and she will hopefully learn that she is not to jump.

There are rules, a much needed farm necessity, everywhere and we have rules for our animals as well.  It is up to us to teach them.

Tags: dog food, dog training