Re: Herding

In Reply to: Herding
Category:   Behavior Problems
Posted by:  Kathie Brown
Posted on:  July 28, 2002 at 17:39:41

: My Jack Russell named Bandit(well named) will try and herd me. If we are out in the yard he will drop to the ground and bark at me not wanting me to move. If I do walk away he nips at the back of my legs. It is like he wants me to play with him and when I don't he won't let me leave. I am lucky with him in most area's as he really does try and please me and gets rather upset if he doesn't. I adore my dog and consider him my pal as we do everything together.

Response:

Dear Kathie,

Bandit "won't let you leave" the area if he wants to play? This is not "herding" behavior -- this is "I'm in total control of my human" behavior. He's definitely got your number, Kathie, and he knows how to use it! :-)

We are all "pals" with our dogs but we are not "equal." It is our job to provide our pets with fair and consistent rules in order to make them feel secure. I suggest that both you and Bandit will benefit from attending a training class; in my opinion, this is how we establish the appropriate relationship with our pets.

Best of luck,
Leslie