Bring Out The Big Gun

We love our dogs and in thirty eight years of marriage we have had our share of them.  All very much loved and cared for and all very well trained.  An obedient dog in a large city is a must for their own well being especially when one takes them everywhere.  I feel we are both accomplished trainers and have "finished" most of our dogs in obedience training using lead and training collar or choke chain.  I prefer to call them training collars as when used properly that is what they are.  I have seen far too many dog owners pulling relentlessly on the lead and the dog straining away choking itself until its eyes nearly pop out of its head or it barfs up its last meal.  There was one occasion when a young lady walked by or I should say her large dog was pulling her by, she was yelling heal and pulling steady on the choke chain with the usual effects.  I could stand it no more and asked her if I could show her something, to which she practically tossed the lead to me.  I then told her the proper use of the choke chain is to "pop and release".  I then walked forward letting the dog lunge ahead to which my reaction was to slow and command "heal" while at the same giving the dog a good sharp pop of the collar and then immediate release.  The dog returned to my side confused but understanding that something had changed.  I continued the short lesson a couple more times and by time I handed the obviously thrilled girl the lead her dog was walking like a gentleman.  But paths we travel in life would not be paths if they didn't have a hurdle or two, so enter our son's dog Popeye........

Popeye has never had a training collar because as with all dogs of his breed it could damage his larynx if too much pressure was applied, so he has always had a halter or just let do what he wanted.  He is totally ridiculous on a walk and when he first came to live with us he was just plain rude in the house. We have been very patient with the brute and he has slowly come to terms with our rules and I am happy to say he is quite the little gentleman.....most of the time.  But on those occasions when I have been tested to the limits and he just will not listen I have to get out the "Big Guns" as far as training methods......well I do it...... I'm not proud that I have to use this source as it is total intimidation, but it works.

 Look at the fear in those eyes.  He was off the bed and on his cushion in seconds.  Maxwell Smart to the rescue, never a claw was used only a complete look of benign disdain and it was all over with.

With a casual look he then went off about his business of keeping the rest of the house in order. The Governor of Menagerie Manor, Maxwell Smart. Dog trainer extraordinaire.