Pupdate: About obedience

About... obedience

by Humanomics Editor, Fox

Last week, my humans started packing bags. Sensing something was happening, I sat on the front doormat to make sure I was not left behind. (They won’t get away with that again.) 

My plan worked, but not quite as I expected. My big little sister was left behind, with some of the human pack. (I was not sure what to think. Some peace and quiet from the excitable pup is no bad thing, but only if it is my idea. And I was not consulted.)

We arrived at a special event known as Young Kennel Club Summer Camp.

There were lots of dogs and young humans everywhere. (There were also lots of tents and caravans, but I was relieved to find we were not camping. I much prefer a human bed.)

The camp had different arenas where dogs and their humans could ‘train’ in agility, hoopers, obedience and other things.

I was a bit confused why my young human had brought me here. She understandably needs a lot more training, but I certainly do not. 

The other dogs looked like they were having fun, so I thought I would give it a try.

The agility course was, admittedly, exhilarating.

I was less impressed with the obedience course. It was all about the obedience of the dog rather than the human. 

That is the wrong way round! I did a few of the tasks (I like to make my young human smile), but I also ran out the ring to make it clear who is in charge.

I wasn’t clear enough. 

My young human next took me to the Young Kennel Club Crufts obedience qualifiers. It is a competition between dogs to decide who is the most obedient. And as if that wasn’t humiliating enough, the competition is judged by humans! (I do not have the words...)

Some of the dogs looked very keen. It was a sorry thing to see so many dogs letting their humans call the shots.

Other dogs stared at me, trying to intimidate me before the test. I had to use my ferocious bark.

When my turn came, I considered being exceptional in the ring to show the staring dogs who is best. But, I realised I had to focus on my priorities: to remind my young human who should be obedient to whom.

I wee’d in the ring.

Straight disqualification.

Order has been restored. For now at least.

Fox

Dogs need only accept their place as leaders; humans have already given them the lead.

- Bark Obama