[devonlady]

I never knew my Dad to raise even his voice to dog or child but had beautifully trained dogs (and children!) but, I remember when I was about 14 and in a strop a Lab bitch come over to comfort me. To my everlasting shame I "pushed her away with my foot" Dad didn't wallop me which was what I deserved but quietly called me a "brute"
That lesson has stayed with me and when the temptation to kick a dog into the middle of next week comes along I remember his words "the dog is innocent, you are guilty!"

[Buttermilk]

What annoys me is hearing a relative tell someone that I only choose pups that are born trained.

[devonlady]

  A couple I know bought a Springer pup which surprised me as they were older folk and this was their first puppy. Oh, they told me, Springers are well trained! Yes, said I, they are easyish to train but need hours of exercise and are very excitable. No, no, they assured me, they are well trained
It turned out that they had been to a game fair and watched an impeccably trained Springer working and assumed they were born this way. The breeder wouldn't take it back at 5 or 6 months old so I had to find a home for him. Found a lovely, energetic family with young teenagers and a bit of common wit!!

[devonlad]

It never ceases to amaze me how naive people are when it comes to choosing and keeping a dog. About a year ago a good friend from work and his girlfriend decided to get their first ever dog_ so they got a husky puppy. She is quite beautiful, as you might expect, their only reason for getting her  but they simply do not have a clue. For some months they've been bringing her over here for sheep training. We go out for walks and she behaves exactly as she should around sheep. But the rest of the time its a living nightmare for them. I can only see it ending badly, they simply don't have a clue how to control such a beast.  And seem incapable od learning how to do anything about it.They're good people but when it comes to dogs they're dangerous idiots. For the poor dog she seems resigned to spending her entire life on a short lead (at best)