This week, I observed a young man walking a Border Collie named Walter along the canal towpath. His mother had the flu and could not accompany him. Like many well-intentioned helpers, he was engrossed in a phone conversation with friends, allowing Walter to wander behind—which the dog did diligently.
Walter possessed a remarkable talent for wandering, a fact his handler would soon discover. The young man paid no attention when Walter repeatedly left the footpath to engage with ducks, chickens, and another young dog clearly enjoying the diversion. I attempted to alert the young man to the situation, but like many teenagers, he had more pressing matters on his mobile phone. Walter seemed content with this arrangement, herding his ever-growing flock of misfits along the canal.
The ducks waddled happily along the bank, while chickens pecked at worms and a battered bag of corn. Curious creatures occasionally approached but quickly retreated when Walter neared. Surprisingly, Walter tolerated squirrels joining his entourage, but cats were unwelcome.
I was enjoying this display of wings, feet, and feathers on an otherwise cold, uninterrupted day. The grand finale, however, was yet to come. Suddenly, a huge aggressive swan appeared, causing pandemonium. The ducks took flight like Spitfires in the Battle of Britain, and the chickens scurried back to their headquarters. I have never been certain if dogs can laugh, but Walter made a convincing attempt. The young man, 80 yards ahead, missed the entire spectacle.
This incident reinforces my belief that dogs often outsmart their owners. When I face a difficult job, I take my senior dog Delph to gauge the situation. The only time I ignored her advice, I was bitten on the leg. For 32 years, I have trained over 4,500 dogs of all shapes and sizes. Working with them has been a privilege, and they have taught me as much as I have taught them. I can honestly say I have never met a dog I could not help. Owners, however, need to learn how dogs truly communicate. That insight opens a new world.
You can text me anytime with dog problems at 0759 0560 012. Follow Vic on Facebook for daily class updates: https://www.facebook.com/vic.barlow
