A seasoned dog trainer has issued a stark warning to owners who allow their pets to fight, describing the practice as 'horrific' and completely unacceptable. Vic Barlow, who has spent 32 years training dogs, was prompted to speak out after overhearing a fellow owner tell his companion to let two aggravated dogs 'fight it out' during a park walk.
No Excuses for Aggressive Behaviour
Barlow, who was walking his own competition dog Delph at the time, was appalled by the suggestion. 'There is absolutely nothing good in doing this, unless you are planning to get involved in dog fighting,' he said. In his own household, any form of growling, lunging, or fighting is strictly forbidden, with no exceptions. The same rules apply when he is out in public, ensuring his dog never engages in rough play.
Barlow emphasises that owners must accept their role as the leader and take full responsibility for their dog's welfare. If he spots a dog that might cause trouble, he will cross the street or move to another field to keep his own dog safe. 'Whatever I do, my dog must remain safe,' he added.
Safe Alternatives to Rough Play
Instead of allowing dogs to charge around and fight, Barlow suggests there are '100 ways' to exercise a dog safely. For instance, some dogs enjoy running alongside a bicycle, which can be great fun for both owner and pet. He recalls working with a husky that loved running beside its owner for miles on end.
For dogs that enjoy searching for toys, Barlow advises owners to keep the toy out of reach until both are ready for the game to begin. 'Never feed him before you get him back home,' he says. 'You want to have him hungry when you play, not half asleep. That way you will get the best out of him and he will be ready to sleep when he has eaten.' Feeding a dog before exercise is, in his view, totally pointless.
A Lifetime of Experience
Over the past three decades, Barlow has trained dogs of all shapes, breeds, and sizes. More than 4,500 dogs have passed through his training academy, and he considers it a privilege to have worked with them. 'After all this time communicating directly with dogs I can honestly say I have never met a dog I could not help,' he said. '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.'
Barlow's own dog, Delph, has been a competition dog all her life, travelling across the country and winning several events. He notes that she understands when to stand by and when to act, and he has learned to give her freedom when she is on a scent. 'That's her time… not mine,' he explains. 'If she needs help, she will tell me, otherwise the stage is all hers.' The pair communicate with subtle nods and whistles, a method that works well for them both.
Join the Saturday Morning Class
Barlow invites dog owners to join his Saturday morning class, which can be arranged by texting 075905 60012. He also provides daily last-minute class updates on his Facebook page, facebook.com/vic.barlow. With his extensive experience and firm stance against aggressive behaviour, Barlow hopes to educate more owners on responsible dog handling.
