What would I do differently

[franp]

Dari was just 5; what after looking back would I do differently?

ONE thing that I would change;obiedience training.,more consistency.

Here goes my story(yes another narrative).
Dari and I went to Puppy class;she learned all the commands:sit,stay;come etc. And in the beggining I was pretty good about practicing. Then I got lazy.

Now we have a dominant breed of dog; for you all with pups and teenagers, what I am saying may sound impossible; BELIEVE ME.These dogs develop thier adult personality around the age of 2.

So,Ms Dari is an Alpha girl and in this breed the girls the more dominant. She started to boss the dogs around at the park. It became serious.One day she backed a LARGE pit mix into a corner.Tnankfully this dog was not dominant and did nothing. The next day it was a submissive Bearded Collie.

I was NOT happy and called my dog mentor;who was not at all surprised. Get her to a trainor and teach her who is ALPHA!!She thought that the dogpark was hers. And she was showing the others that she was boss. This behavior could have escalated into fights or a dog could/would have challenged her.
And eventually at home she might have challenged me.

To make a long story short. The solution: Obiedience training all over again. Every day ; 3times a day for a couple of minutes. To make Dari learn that I am the ALPHA.
She sits before she leaves the house;before we go in. Before she goes into the park and before we leave. Before she gets fed and before she gets a treat. She eats last; We use NILIF training.(Thanks Roosje).

Three years later, I have a happy dog who knows her place in the pack. Who is well behaved and goes everywhere She is welcome because she is well behaved.

So, if I had it to do over I would have been much more consistent in my training. And I urge all of you to take your dogs to train and continue at home daily..It really makes a difference.

Do not be decieved by the pup next to you. It grows into a dog. A dog with a powerful sense of self.

[Martina]

That's a great post Fran - thanks for the info. I was actually just thinking about training today ... again. We do everything you talked about on a daily basis and I make my two sit at the curb before we cross the street - just in case!

But what I was really thinking about on our walk is the jumping up on new people. This breed is so cute and my two are sooo friendly and people just want to get down and love on them when they see them - dog people, obviously ;). And my two take this adoration right in stride as their given right and jump up all over anyone. I HATE IT!!

They know not to jump on me. In the morning when I come to the kitchen, I wait for them to calm down and sit before I even enter. They have learned to come and sit and wait for me to 'recognize' them when I return home and we have no jumping then. But with strangers - aaagh!!

My worst fear is that they'll do it to someone who is NOT okay with it. Who will freak out and, in this day and age, sue me for them dirty-ing their jeans :rolleyes: or worse ...

But every time I tell people to please tell my dogs 'off,' that we are working on training, these people say "oh, they're so cute, I don't mind." I know YOU don't mind - but I do - and the next person might!

I know that I just have to be extra stern with these dog lovers and totally committed to what I'm teaching ... I just needed to vent my frustration. Sigh. So - work harder Martina!! Solve your own problem!!

Thanks for listening!

[franp]

I totally understand. When we go in the elevator Dari must sit. When people contradict my command, I ask them not to. They would not like it if she were a Lab or a BIG dog and not listening.

Finally, it has sunk in that she SITS in the elevator. Residents of my building now appreciate how well behaved she is.You must stand your ground;even if it means being standoffish (is that a word?) with people on the street.

This is the time that your dogs' manners IMO are set.and if that means that someone MIGHT be a little put off, well , so be it.

[franp]

Judy,

there are many Rottie/frenchie people that I know. So I hope you are hungry :rolleyes: Cause I have a feeling that you are going to be having a meal of words!

For your sake I hope I am wrong

[Carolyn]

Great post, Fran. I am totally guilty of not working with my two nearly enough. Long hours at work was always my poor excuse. I am currently working with Abby and Ferris on sitting at the front door when they hear Jim or Jonah coming through the gate. I grew weary of them bashing the door and decided to make this my first challenge. I make them both sit and have discovered that they know the rule...but only if I enforce it. A beginning....

One thing that I did want to mention for those of you with puppies. When Abby and Ferris were puppies...we worked with them daily getting them used to having their ears, feet and teeth examined. Lots of touching as a vet would do followed by praise, of course. This was extremely helpful and my vet can examine either of them all over with absolutely no concern or fidgeting. Very important....and your vet will thank you. :D

Carolyn

[Borgan]

If I could do t all over, I'd have a baby, 'cause at least then I'd get some boobs.

[Borgan]

and parental leave...haha http://www.bulldogworld.com/forums/newreply.php?do=newreply&noquote=1&p=2637#

[EmD, MD]

Poor Prins.

Has anyone read Culture Clash? I'm about halfway through and I'm really enjoying it. It contains a lot of theory, which I have always suspected to be true. The training theory/technique appeals to the scientist in me. Not only that, but the way this woman writes is at times laugh-out-loud funny. I now see Penny's training as a little psych experiment in communication, rather than a battle of wills.