Well... My uncle.

I have an uncle who trained his horses like they were dogs.

He had some quite amazing studs, the first stud I ever rode was one of his - I was 11 years old and hardly knew up from down on a horse to tell the truth. Still today I remember his horses and his dogs with a smile.

I don't think anyone realized it then - and most don't realize it now - that his horses laid the foundation to my opinions as to How a stallion should be. Nor did anyone realize then the difference it made to me to get to know his dog Malte.

Malte would grab your arm as a way of saying hello. And I mean GRAB. If you pulled away - he'd bite harder and pull back. So the key to not getting bit was to keep your arm still. He was a very nice dog, a lab I think, realy pretty but a little bit fat. And probibly one of few labs you could sick on cattle if needed. Him and Raja. If I ever get a female it will have the housename Raja or Surry... Might even name one Arja after my mothers dog.

Anyway, getting to know my uncles animals have affected me - and the way I view respect that goes both ways. I doubt that my uncle ever beat an animal part from his bulls when he was trying to break up a fight (I saw it.. still laugh at that memory). Horses nor dogs. He'd wave, and snarl and make himself Big. He wasn't a very big man, stought yes, but not big. Short, but veryvery loving. Last time I spoke to him he told me about his new collie, a bc I think it was, that he was wanting to show it. All he needed was the new rulebook. I wish that I one day will be able to say that. "I want to start showing Again, I just need the rulebook".

And my mother, let's get on that topic, My mother. My mother is something special. I have never met a dog that didn't like her. Neighbours dog would lay down and refuse to move if she didn't get to go and say hi to my ma, one time I was dogsitting a friends mothers dog who was quite the little leashpuller - and somewhat dogaggressive too! Ma took the leash for 5 minutes and cured the pulling. After that she's my guru. She has the answers to my questions! The dog went back home after 2 very nice weeks and we didn't have any trouble at all. About a year later I visit the family again and the dog tried to throw himself down from 3d floor when he saw me. He was back to pulling the leash... so we went for a walk - 2 minor corrections and the dog walked calm and very nicley by my side.

What my mother and my uncle has taught me is: Clear communication. And never be afraid of applying preassure - as long as you are in a position where you can read the dog.

Kaiser needs more preassure in the training, so thats where we're going now.

I am ever so gratefull for the people in my life who gives me their thoughts and ideas. Who listen to me when i'm upset or confused.

And as todays finishing words I want to quote my mother, what she told me when I was worried over Baltazar growling at strangers:

Never worry about a behaviour you have under control!

..and I want to add my part to it: All behaviours can be put under control - IF the dog has all it's pieces in the right place.