Page 18 - THE SLOUGHI REVIEW - ISSUE 13

T H E S L O U G H I R E V I E W 1 8

In his opinion, there is no such thing as a classic hunting dog, but we will deal with that
further down in the question of “domestication”.

Peter Müller continues: “The basic requirements for a good human-dog team are early
socialisation, joint training experience and clear hierarchy structures into which the dog

can fit. I was shocked at how carelessly many sighthound owners give up status towards
their dog. Unfortunately, a lot of training potential is given away unnecessarily at an early
stage. The result is that the full-blooded hunter sighthound spends the rest of his life on a
leash. If a sensible workout were to take place from the beginning through orientation

training and hunting activities, it would be possible to achieve controllability even off the
leash and at a distance. This requires a lot of training will and perseverance on the part of
the owner. However, he will then be rewarded by unrestricted loyalty and obedience.”

The hunting activity is not the same as the actual hunt.

Our relationship to the sighthound is often characterised by a false understanding of love.
Peter Müller: “The often widespread attitude in the sighthound scene to humanise the dog,
to spoil it instead of challenging and encouraging it, does not do justice to the sighthound in

any way. After all, these breeds, which are thousands of years old, were bred for hunting and
carry the genetic potential 'hunting for humans'. To achieve success in education and
training, we can harness this trait to work together.” - At this point the question is
whether “hunting for man” must not mean “hunting with man”. The section on
“domestication” will also have to give us answers to this question.

In any case, training should be started very early. Using the socialisation phase from the
3rd to the 12th week, i.e. already at the breeder and directly when taking over the
puppies, is of great advantage. The positive effects of humans and dogs working together
have also been shown in the show ring and at races and coursing.

Peter Müller: “If you show a sovereign leadership style, you give your dog security in
difficult situations. This in turn enables you to exert appropriate influence, e.g. to interrupt
undesirable hunting behaviour.”

So humans also have to learn how to have a good relationship with the Sloughi. Because a
Sloughi is also a family member and not a accessory like a tennis racket or a motorbike is.