What's the Problem?

I had an experience today that is not uncommon. I went to walk a neighbor's six-month-old Australian Cattle Dog who clearly adores me, as evidenced by his consistently enthusiastic greeting. Still, he sometimes wants his own way and must learn who is boss.

Here is the common "stubborn puppy" problem and the simple solution. Let me share.

When a dog lays down after you put a leash on him, and will not get up when you tell him to walk or heel or you pull on the leash, a lot of people believe that he just doesn't like you. Wrong! It simply means a dog doesn't want to do something.

What to do? Take the dog by the scruff of the neck and gently pull him into a sitting position. Then with one hand on him and the other holding the leash, walk a short distance until he follows willingly. If he balks, go back to where he commenced this tantrum round and repeat the process.

It's nothing more than a temper fit that will be resolved if you work through it. After I did that with the neighbor's pup, he trotted along with clear enjoyment.

Rena