Barbara Woodhouse Video

[Impractical_Horsewoman]

I remember watching Barbara Woodhouse training dogs as a child on PBS, as well as reading her books, but hadn’t seen her in years and years.

Thanks to the YouTube algorithm, this popped up:

Barbara’s Problem Dogs Part 1:

Barbara's Problem Dogs - Part 1 (1982)

Part 2:

Barbara's Problem Dogs - Part 2 (1982)

Her training methods were much harsher than I remember, but it was a different era, and she still has a wonderful, firm rapport with the dogs.

Just sharing in case anyone wanted to watch it here! (Again, not sharing for “training purposes.”)

[pony_baloney]

I always lover her “si-T”. Agree that her methods are a bit harsh. I love watching It’s Me or the Dog with Victoria Stillwell.

[Impractical_Horsewoman]

Yes! I think she was a remarkable woman, and it’s also a time capsule of both dogs and training styles.

[IdahoRider]

WALKIES!!!
Sheilah

[Hippolyta]

No bad dogs!

[erinmeri]

Her training methods are certainly harsh by today’s standards, but I sure did laugh out loud with her solution for the dog with the bikes!

[Impractical_Horsewoman]

My mom had a springer spaniel who used to chase cars, back in the days before people used leashes at all times (the early 1950s). That’s how she and her brother “cured” the dog, with a water pistol from the window.

It was a different time! And the intention was kind (to protect the dog).

[erinmeri]

Water can definitely work!! Growing up, we had a spray bottle in the kitchen set to “stream” with water to “shoot” at the dog and cats when they were naughty… I actually think dumping water over that dog’s head wasn’t all that harsh. I was a bit surprised, though!

The choke chain off their feet is pretty shocking in 2022… but it wasn’t as shocking even 20ish years ago.

[Impractical_Horsewoman]

Yes, I agree re:the water, sometimes if it’s for the safety of dog and human, it’s not a bad way to go!

I do think BW probably knew how to use the choke chain in a way not to hurt the dog, but the biggest concern is what happens when less sensitive and knowledgeable people use it. My dogs would have been very offended, given they never did anything that bad!

[IdahoRider]

I use a slip collar on my GSD. I transitioned him from a prong to a slip collar for rally. It really is in how you use it, just like any tool.

I have seen people use a flat buckle collar and have a dog that pulled so hard they sounded like they were choking.
Sheilah