Non-dog person, or?

[Stefan]

My pet sitter complain that Gizmo is so annoying to be out with.
Something must be wrong :-) My Irish setter can not walk, or run straight on an open grass field or on a sidewalk .. He runs, always zigzag across the field. . I have tried to explain that it is part of the Irish Setter natural to turn from right to left to catch up scents. But it does not seem to help ... Think I'll kick my pet sitter
Right or wrong?
Personally, I think that's not a problem, like his way of exploring their environment, it goes with a furious pace, Suddenly, it stopped so he makes a cross-casts to catch anything that passes the nose at the time. One can only fascinated by the dog's abilities to sort and everyone smells it pulls into the nose.

[Kimberly Simmons]

Stefan, my boy is young, and Lord knows we have our own issues we're working on at the moment! But I make Dougal walk politely either heeling or at least not pulling for most of our walk, then I put him on his long training lead as a reward and allow him to lope and sniff to his hearts content. Others may have more and better advise but that's what we've been doing. May help if you're hiring someone to walk him. : ) Kim

[Stefan]

Thanks for your good advice, possible that you misunderstood me. I have no problem with being out with him. He follows me blindly. Can all commands such as sit, here and stay. The problem is that the dog guard perceive it as a problem. So in order to not create worse problems, I have to politely dismiss dog guard and might say that the problem is not the dog, but the person who is out walking the dog. :)
Was almost what I meant by my post "Non-dog person" that many people take on the task as they do not really understand. How to handle a dog, then no dog is ever the same.

[Angela Clarke]

Hi Stefan, what does your sitter expect a dog to do in a field? do we not take our dogs out to the fields to hunt, run and pick up any on smells it is natural after all. I for one would have given this sitter the boot before I had even posted this discussion, clearly he/she doesn`t feel the love that we do for our dogs, and I would worry that they are looking after my baby`s only for the money and not from enjoyment.

Good luck in finding a new sitter.

[Ellen Turberfield]

I have had other dog walkers ask me why Finlay never walks in a straight line but that's part of there character to zig-zag about and pick up the scents, I agree get another dog walker (",)

[Sue Paterson]

Oh dear ...in the wrong job obviously!

I speak with the voice of experience, as I now run a Pet Services business (Well its just me really:)) I love all the different dogs that I care for and walk...they not only have their breed traits, but their own quirky individuality. I'm always learning, and the crossbreeds are fascinating too.

Sounds like you need a new dog sitter then Stefan:)

[Stefan]

I will end this post now, it was not my sense that it would be discussed.
Without more an found that sometimes you have bad luck: (
Since I know there are other really loving people who are amazing, no matter what breed of dog under their care. And now my friends in the ES, then the person got fired and will now wander further without Gizmo. :) Maybe I'm searching for a new later, but now it's summer and 2 months vacation and gizmo is an outlet for all of their qualities. Happy summer to you!