Champion Trainer Advocates for Dogs to Be Off-Lead Due to Owner Misunderstandings
A champion gundog trainer, Jason Mayhew, with over 24 years of experience and appearances on popular TV shows such as Britain’s Favourite Top 100 Dogs and James Martin’s British Adventure, is challenging dog owners to reconnect with their pets’ natural instincts by advocating for off-lead training. In collaboration with ACME Kennels, Mayhew emphasises the importance of recognising that dogs are animals with intrinsic behaviours that need to be understood for positive development.
Mayhew suggests that modern-day pet ownership often involves treating dogs like children, which can lead to behavioural issues. By embracing instinct training, owners can enhance the bond with their pets and improve behaviour. The key is to incorporate nonverbal cues and utilise different vocal tones to communicate effectively with the dogs. Mayhew states, “A huge part of modern-day pet ownership involves pampering pets, being overprotective and treating them like children, but they are not people and forcing them to behave as such often leads to issues.”
One of the unconventional techniques recommended by Mayhew is walking dogs off-lead, allowing them to roam freely and mimic pack communication patterns. While this approach may seem unconventional to some, it aims to fulfil the instinctual needs of dogs instead of imposing human expectations on them. By tapping into dogs’ natural behaviours and instincts in a controlled manner, owners can establish a stronger relationship with their pets.
According to Mayhew, off-lead training can help dogs develop trust with their owners, prevent them from running away, and provide essential physical and mental stimulation. By engaging in games that align with dogs’ natural abilities, such as retrieving games and hide-and-seek, owners can cater to their pets’ instinctual needs and promote their overall well-being. Additionally, interacting with dogs in playful ways that mimic their social interactions with other canines can strengthen the bond between owner and pet.
Before bringing a dog into their home, Mayhew advises potential owners to research the breed thoroughly to ensure it is suitable for their family, living environment, and lifestyle. Understanding a dog’s instincts, needs, and behavioural traits is essential for providing a healthy and fulfilling life for the pet. By tailoring training methods to align with dogs’ natural instincts, owners can foster a harmonious relationship based on mutual understanding and respect.
Mayhew offers five tips for instinct training, including using sounds and tones to communicate effectively, allowing off-lead exploration for puppies, engaging in games that satisfy natural behaviours, participating in playful interactions with dogs, and conducting thorough research before acquiring a pet. By implementing these strategies, owners can tap into their dogs’ innate behaviours and build a stronger connection with their furry companions.
In a world where pet ownership is evolving, Mayhew’s unconventional training methods offer a fresh perspective on understanding and communicating with dogs. By respecting dogs’ natural instincts and behaviours, owners can create a nurturing environment that fosters a healthy and fulfilling relationship with their canine companions. Mayhew’s expertise provides valuable insights for dog owners looking to enhance their bond with their pets and promote positive behaviour through instinct training.