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A Sloughi at School for Dogs - A Trainer's Report
It all started even before Shari was born. On a nice day I got
a phone-call from an expectant Sloughi-owner. Surfing in the internet
and by inquiries he found me and wanted to get to know me. If I
just had time he would like to see me briefly.
Well, and then he was here. The future two-legged dad of Shari.
What I liked best was the fact to sit face to face a man, who was
really worried about the life with a dog before obtaining one. Having
discussed some fundamental questions he parted and satisfied he
went home to inform his family.
After a period of three months there was another phone-call. The
new blood should start school. Well, there she was, Shari a nipper,
surrounded by her new owners. While the two-legged guests asked
a lot of questions, Shari took the opportunity to watch me closely.
Any training at my school starts with a detailed talk. On this
appointed day important aspects of the daily handling of dogs are
explained and how to tie them into the weekday and also the same
here. After the first approaching the practical instruction started
whereby Shari was very attentive. I especially remember the fourth
lesson. After she got to know me meanwhile and we really were on
a friendly footing Shari thought she could perhaps find out, what
is my teacher going to do, if I for once don't want. I don't think
it naughty at all, as every dog tries it. On principle dogs begin
to look for their limits, only when they feel safe. Having overcome
this first "pre-puberty-mulishing" humorously and with
the necessary sensitiveness we went on lively as usually.
With Shari as well as with "my" Azawakhs I can only confirm
that Sighthounds are very attentive "students" that extraordinarily
like to work and learn. I can't understand people saying: Sighthounds
are stupid. The little chicken meanwhile developed a young lady
that is in high spirits and gives the family a lot of pleasure.
A trainer never can achieve this all alone. Only if the owner is
ready to be there and learn together with his dog, can both the
dog and the man live together.
With Shari as well as with other dogs we work principally without
a lead, except we just exercise walking with the lead. In my lessons
it is not that much important whether the dog fellows the command:
"Sit!", "Down!" and "Stay!" but first
of all to teach him special knowledge with that the dog-owner is
able to guide his dog in a sovereign and fair manner through life.
To keep the dog on a lead I prefer a good chest-harness (every shop
assistant will advise you) with that the sensitive neck area is
preserved and a 3 m leather-lead.
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