I sought Colin’s help with my 3 year old Borzoi Mishka. He had been attacked by a local dog and developed a fear reaction. Aside from this, unlike my other two dogs, he largely ignored my commands, he just would not listen.
To begin with I had little success with recall and trying to reduce his reaction to dogs. Mishka just ignored me. Colin pointed out the error of my ways and made me realise that living with the dog in the right way is important to the training process.
I had given Mishka far too much leeway in the house. He was a very sensitive puppy so I let him follow one of my other dogs who gave him confidence rather than give him direction myself.
Later he used his size and refused to move, he just ignored me.
Colin advised I change the way I Lived with Mishka in the house, to be more of a leader at home as well as doing the outdoor training. So I did. Mishka is no longer allowed to ignore me, I don’t fuss him or give him treats unless he earns them and I use a more commanding tone of voice. I calmly and firmly make it clear I mean business and praise him when he reposnds.
It took a few weeks but as a result of my changed behaviour in the house Mishka now listens to me!
I am sure that if I had just followed the outdoor training this would not have happened. Mishka now comes when called and is much less reactive to strange dogs. He is still nervous of them but I can call him away.
Thanks to Colin Mishka now sees me as a leader and I am much more confident when out and about with him.
If you have a problem with your dog – call him. He helped me with my sheep chasing whippet a few years ago and has helped me again, Thanks Colin.