Canine Capers: That Which is Unique

By Lesley Liddle

Lesley Liddle is a certified service and pet dog trainer. First Mate Lulu is a Corgi/Red Heeler with spots like a baby harbor seal; Crewman Leonard is a Chihuahua/Doxie with tall ears like a rabbit. Both dogs have very short legs and were originally found in California shelters.  Lesley has average legs and can be found on Orcas Island.

Every teaching method I will be writing about I have learned from great teachers and from personal experience. Ian Dunbar is possibly the most famous spokesperson for modern positive dog training methods. I am only endorsing such humane methods and reminding you of certain things I consider most important. In doing this of course I also reveal quite a bit about myself and my canine family and you will see we have our own sometimes humorous slant on things. You get to decide for yourself what you believe in and how you want to interact with your dog.

Because I have acquired a certain age, I have known and lived with a lot of wonderful dogs – some for a few months of training and some for many years. I grew up with male German Shepherds and lived with a regal one named “Luther” for many years when I was a young adult. From Luther I learned that dogs can develop not only devotion but a deep sense of responsibility. One night when I was foolishly alone in a dangerous city, Luther truly saved my life.

Upon his death I acquired a female Springer Spaniel mix named “Sunshine” who learned to climb ladders and enjoyed sitting on my cottage roof.  She was a show off and loved everyone. Next I adopted a little female shepherd mix named “Tilda” whom I adored but who tragically disappeared from my yard one day and was never found. A year later I was given a lovely soft Golden Retriever named “Lotus” . She travelled and spent eleven wonderful years with me.

Upon her death, I remained sadly dogless for two years, then adopted Eli, a smart, sweet but very shy purebred male Sheltie who learned numerous tricks and had a considerable vocabulary. But when he and my mother both began to show signs of age,  I brought home Lulu the little Corgi/Red Heeler, hoping to perk things up a bit. She certainly did, and became the inspiration for my going into service dog training. I’ve never had quite so bright a dog or been so deeply attached. This summer along came laughing Leonard, the Chihuahua/Doxie. He belonged to the neighbors until he met Lulu and that was that. Now he lives with us.

Obviously I am not stuck on any particular breed. They all interest me. But the bottom line is that every dog is unique and has talent no matter what breed they happen to be. I have now lived with and trained a good number of diverse breeds, and I will say this: I have absolutely loved each one of my dogs and each one has seemed to me at the time to be the best dog in the world.

Start out believing this and telling your dog that he is the best, perfect in every way, and always train from that premise. Of course it takes time and dedicated work to have a well behaved dog, but if both you and your dog believe that he is the best dog in the world, that work is easy.