Italian Spinone Training – an update on Enzo

I blogged recently about Enzo and how his owners were struggling to control him. They had a complacency with his behaviour that I challenged and I sent them away with clear guidance for their Italian Spinone training. In this follow up lesson the owners immediately identified a lack of consistency in their approach. The wife has been walking Enzo next to her, as instructed. The husband has been given him more chances to pull ahead. He is a keen walker and freely admitted that he wanted to get on with his walk, not focus on the goal of getting Enzo to walk nicely on the lead.

This powerful dog demonstrated during the lesson how this lack of consistency was allowing him to continue to dominate. He was aggressive and went to bite his owners. He was also responding to the new structure and discipline by growling and snarling, showing his displeasure at not being leader of the pack.

The owner quoted back to me the advice I give to her and many other clients, it’s short term pain for long term gain. They haven’t been using the whistle in their Italian Spinone training because they are worried what people will think. I told them I would be more worried what people would think if my dog was out of control. Don’t concern yourself with the opinions of others when you are training your dog, focus on what’s important.

I regularly see this after a couple of lessons. The owners want a well balanced, obedient dog but think they can cut corners to achieve this. You can’t: you have to focus on the end game. Don’t tolerate aggressive behaviour in the home. You have to be consistent. Training takes time and effort but the rewards are great. Keep in mind where you need to be with your dog and keep working towards that.

Posted: April 30, 2019