I was out with my Labrador, Delph, recently. She loves swimming, so we made the best of the spring weather and I sent her off for a little swim in the reservoir. Despite the temperature of the water, she loved it.
Two ladies passing by looked on with admiration, both saying their dogs were reluctant to enter the water. I asked the breeds of their dogs; one was a Collie and the other a Jack Russell. I explained that my dog is a working gundog, whilst theirs were not. Just as their dogs would never make good gundogs, my Labrador would never make a Terrier or a herding dog of any kind. It just isn’t in their DNA, and while they may give it a try now and again, the results would never be more than average. On the other hand, asking my dog to run out 300 yards to recover a couple of wandering sheep would be totally pointless. Thankfully, my explanation appeared to alleviate their disappointment.
Why Breed Matters
There is simply no point in acquiring a dog totally unsuitable to your requirements. I once watched a man on a shoot with a Miniature Schnauzer; he had to chase it all over the fields to get it to come back. Needless to say, he didn’t bring it again.
Matching Energy Levels
If you are extremely fit and agile, then by all means get yourself a Husky, a Malamute, or both. If you have the time and the desire, you will have a wonderful time charging across the countryside. However, if all you can spare is one hour a day, forget it. I think most trainers of these beautiful dogs recommend at least two hours of strenuous walking, jogging, or running.
On the other hand, if you have an elderly dog or a less active pooch that suits your lifestyle, these leisurely canines can often make good companions. If you are already committed to your dog and cannot easily change to a more suitable breed - or don’t really want to - then be happy and make the most of what you have. While more athletic dogs go flying by, take a little walk and have a sit-down. It’s a great thing to do in the summer. If walking with even the slowest dog is too much, ask a friend or neighbour to bring their dog to see you.
About the Trainer
You can contact Vic Barlow by text on 07590 560 012. 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, and 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: https://www.facebook.com/vic.barlow Location: Macclesfield
