This is the question I received from a follower recently:
“Most trainers say that you should ignore your dog when you come home and they are happy to see you. Do you agree with this?”
It’s something I hear quite often, so I thought I’d address it here.
And I have to say it’s one of the battier things some so-called dog trainers promulgate.
When you arrive home, in the bosom of your family, and they greet you - the children running to clasp you round the knees, your partner calling out an offer of tea from the kitchen - would you ignore them?
Would you walk past them, ignore them, see their faces crumpling with confusion?
OF COURSE YOU WOULDN’T!
If you’re the slightest bit normal you are enchanted by this warm homecoming, and respond with delight and appreciation.
Same for dogs
Cricket is first in the queue for a hug after my trip away
So why on earth would you want to ignore your loving dog, who greets you with delight on your return?
I suspect some people get confused between love and discipline.
If you come home to find your possessions shredded, this is NOT your dog’s fault! He may have been lonely, distressed, bored. He may have smelt you on the object he chose to love to death and just wanted to be near you.
Whatever the reason: who left the dog with access to things you didn’t want him to have? 😳
This is simply a case of mismanagement. Fix that and there will never be any need for you to feel anything but delighted when you arrive home.
I have dogs because I love them, and their genuine pleasure at my return home is always important to me.
Isn’t it for you too?
Comment below …
