Barbara Woodhouse review

I thought everybody knew nowadays that her methods were flawed!

Roger Mugford, I notice, is putting his oar in again.

Barbara Woodhouse was a product of her time and upbringing. I remember reading her auto-biography as a child - she was brought up and/or lived in Argentina as I recall and spent a lot of time with horses (which is why I read the book). I remember using her tip for greeting strange horses (and cows) - standing with hands behind the back, leaning forward and blowing down the nose. The horse or cow would respond similarly. It did work, but I suppose I was lucky I didn't get my face bitten off!

One of the first things I ever heard about her was her suggestion to owners that they get a vet to remove their dog's teeth so that she couldn't bite. Strangely enough, didn't think much of her after that!

That was a true story, and I know it because it happened to two people who helped run our dog training club. They had a GSD bitch who was a bit 'snappy'. They paid Woodhouse quite a lot of money (at that time) for a private consultation & her only advice was to get the vet to pull the bitch's teeth out, then she couldn't bite!

Disgraceful.

Oh My God

Bit of a cow, by the sound of it!

To be fair to her, she was brought up in a different age and in a country where animals had to serve their purpose or suffer the consequences. Farmers etc aren't generally as sentimental about animals as a lot of people. And worse things happened in her day, like colts being gelded without any anaesthesia (presumably bullocks too).

It didn't help that she had a no-nonsense way about her, and a strident school-marm voice.

I understand it, but can't agree with what she did. It's the same problem I have with Cesar Millan - the methods he uses are what he used to use in Mexico with the farm dogs.

CM is sneaky, using shock collars secretly and giving sly back-heel kicks. At least BW was open with her methods.

Very true. You knew where you stood with her.

Yes, I think we all eventually wised up to the fact that jerking on choke chains wasn't the way to happy dog.

I'm shocked that she recommended the removal of a dog's teeth though.

Luckily, I think most people would be equally shocked nowadays!

Eleanor wrote:One of the first things I ever heard about her was her suggestion to owners that they get a vet to remove their dog's teeth so that she couldn't bite. Strangely enough, didn't think much of her after that!

omg, thats that's shocking. I remember her being very stern on her tv show , scary woman, but I had no idea she advised that.

It was mum who told me about that years ago. One of those things I should imagine she didn't want out in public.