Zak George and Mr. Wilson

Mr. Wilson is a good dog, and to keep him so training is key. He doesn't want to run around like a wild animal any more than we want him to act that way, so training is imperative. We found Zak George on YouTube, and have followed his advice ever since.

From Mr. Wilson Makes it Home, (Skyhorse Publishing, Feb. 2015) http://www.amazon.com/Mr-Wilson-Makes-Home-Happiness/dp/1629145734

 "I never wanted to control my dogs, any of them, and Mr. Wilson even less so. I like to let living things live their way, at least when it doesn’t interfere too much with my way, and the philosophy of positive training appealed to me. It can be confusing, the thought that an animal can be trained to do what he needs to do to have a better life being accomplished by taking things away in a positive way nearly drove me nuts until I was able to comprehend it. If a dog; say an incredibly cute Schnoodle named Mr. Wilson for instance wants to walk around the neighborhood, and sniff and pee and say hello to the other dogs doing much the same, he needs to do so in a way that does not impinge on the rights of all the other dogs and dog walkers. By letting him live life his way, and running around like a wild animal, and jumping on people, and scaring little dogs, and some big ones the ultimate goal of true happiness is elusive. By learning and following some simple rules all of our lives are much more serene and satisfying."

     Doing things with the help of an expert is much more fun and effective than going it alone. And, Mr. Wilson pays attention when Zak is on TV, then already knows what is expected of him when we get to work!