Your naughty dog could be a genius

If your dog tears up your living room every time you go out, it might just be showing signs of genius, visiting British expert and author Jan Fennell says.

Known as the "dog listener", Miss Fennell says delinquent dogs are far from irredeemable: "The naughtier they are, the more intelligent they are and they aren't going to be pushed around by an idiot.

"There's no such thing as a bad dog. We've worked with what's considered the worst and they're actually the best."

Miss Fennell shared her insights into the world of man's best friend at a seminar organised by the Dog Wise programme in Wellington this week.

The most common mistake people make with their dogs is to treat them like humans, she said.

"They can't learn our language - it's impossible - but we can learn theirs and anybody can do it in their own pace."

People bringing home puppies should let them learn the boundaries of their home as soon as possible and reward them with food when they go to the toilet outside.

"If it has an accident inside, clean it up, don't say a word."

Owners should not lose their temper, she said: "If you lose it, you've lost it." Other advice includes: "Never work with a dog without any food or water."

Miss Fennell, who owns 12 dogs, said she was upset by the "growing use of gadgets" to control dogs, such as choke chains, harnesses and shock collars.

Her career as a dog listener began after she saw Monty Roberts, the American horse whisperer, at work in 1989.

"It just inspired me, I can't begin to tell you."

- NZPA