Dog trainer Vic Barlow, who has worked with more than 4,500 dogs over 32 years, has shared advice for owners on the stressful experience of leaving a dog alone for the first time. Drawing on his own experiences with his Labrador and black Lab named Cobra, Barlow explains how owners can inadvertently pass their anxiety onto their pets.
First Separation Can Be Stressful for Owners
Barlow recalls the first time he left his young Labrador in kennels, describing it as a worrying time. He went back and forth several times to check on the dog, only to realise the dog was far more relaxed than he was. The experience taught him a precious lesson: all the fussing and petting was having the opposite effect, and once he settled, so did his dog. He now uses that story to help relax anxious owners.
Learning from Personal Experience
A few years ago, Barlow's beloved black Lab had to have an eye removed. Shocked but remembering his previous experience, he decided not to fret or worry too much. A day after the operation, Cobra decided he had had enough of hospitals. He fell asleep on the way home but woke up ready to meet the next day. By the end of the week, he was as good as ever, and Cobra lived another five years, remaining as spritely as ever.
Choosing the Right Kennels
Barlow advises that there are some excellent kennels and some not so good. He recommends taking a look at them or, better still, talking to owners you know and asking for recommendations. It may be wise to find a kennel with a good record in dealing with particular dogs or breeds.
Beware of Friends and Playtime Claims
While a friend may offer to look after your dog, Barlow warns to be careful. He has seen many 'friends' who offered to look after dogs only to find they were out of their depth. He never walks an unknown dog without finding out what sort of animal he is, to avoid the dog charging away at great speed or chasing after rabbits.
Talking to enough dog owners will give you a guide to how good kennels are for your dog. Barlow warns against establishments that leave dogs to charge around calling it 'playtime'. He prefers kennels that really know their dogs, where you have a fair chance of coming back to the same dog you left.
Keeping Calm Is Key
Seeing your dog flashing around like a wild cheetah does not bode well. Keeping everyone calm and quiet is the aim, says Barlow. He can be contacted on 075905 60012.
For the past 32 years, Vic has trained dogs of all shapes, breeds and sizes. More than 4,500 have passed through his training academy. He says working with them has been a privilege and they have taught him as much as he taught them.
Vic says: "After all this time communicating directly with dogs I can honestly say I have never met a dog I could not help. Owners, however are a little more difficult and need to learn how dogs really communicate. It means getting into the mind of the dog and really understanding. That insight will open a new world to you."
Follow him on Facebook for daily last-minute class updates. He is based in Macclesfield.
