Sit - a!

She hasn't been with us for nigh on 25 years, yet the image of dog training is still tweed skirts and jerks on the lead. Barbara Woodhouse raised the profile, but at what a cost - hers is the first name lazily wheeled out whenever the subject of canine bahaviour is discussed. Even the fragrant Victoria hasn't been able to change that.


But Ms W's legacy goes further, whilst she wasn't or isn't the only one. Why is it that we're so obsessed with making our dogs sit? Earlier this week I witnessed a really handsome looking Collie with a young lad who, upon getting to the edge of the road jerked back on the lead, and the hound duly sat down, looking really fed up. 


My partner teaches that the lead is merely an accessory, that the dog follows of it's own accord and that it's never subjected to jerks - moreover it's her clients' prerogative, but she doesn't necessarily get them to make the dog sit every time they stop. 


I went into a petrol station at the weekend where a young girl had a Staffy outside on a lead while her boyfriend went into the shop. She was gently, but firmly pressing on his hind quarters and he in turn wasn't too keen to place them on the ground. I probably looked a little longer than I should, but when I came out of the shop they were both happily standing still outside and she smiled at me as I went past. I'd like to think she received my message, most probably she was spooked by this old bloke staring at her.


I hope the your dog doesn't have to sit on the frosty pavement when winter finally arrives or I shall have to go round giving cold, stern stares to everyone.