MarkS Posted January 19, 2008 Share Posted January 19, 2008 Excellent post Erny This why I also have a problem with off-lead dog parks. Sure in 'most' circumstances they are great for dogs to socialise and exercise. But all it takes is for one dog with the wrong body language and energy to enter the park, for the whole energy of the peaceful and well socialised pack in the park to shift. How many times I have seen someone bring a dog into a park that is obviously in total control of the owner and it's environment go in and try take over the park with overly assertive body language and state of mind, because this how it was ' taught' to socialise within the family. Charge up to other dogs, jump all over them and try to dominate, because this is how they introduce themselves to others (people and dogs) in the home. What you stated about teaching the lab and Mastiff X bounderies in regards to proper socialising is a good one. I hate it when I see obedience classes just allow the dogs to go crazy with each other, before doing any training, to 'as they say' allow them to socialise before the training starts. You see dogs with overly assertive behaviour charging in and taking control. This is where problems can arise. I prefer to start the training first, instill some obedience and a more submissive and calm behaviour first, then I allow the owners to let their dogs socialise, but ONLY if the dog is in a calm state of mind, is relaxed, and only when given the "free" command. If the dog is displaying overly assertive behaviour, then I ask this owner to wait until their dog has switched into a calmer state. In my group socialisation classes, some dogs are not allowed to actually socialise freely for a few weeks (some even a couple of months). Until the rules in the dogs mind is set that he understands that the owner dictates when and how to socialise. Some see my rules within my class as wrong (not my clients), but I believe it is actually conditioning a dog with correct social skills. Dogs/wolves, etc in their natural state don't socialise or greet each other by charging in and jumping over the other dog in a show of dominance. They are taught at an early age to first introduce displaying a calm state of mind and body languge. Sniff the behinds, and get to know each other first (unless you have of course 2 rank dominant dogs. But even they still introduce themselves naturally first before any challenge. They don't just charge in an try and take immediate control). Many, many in society condition their dogs with very un-natural and at times dangerous social skills. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jett Posted January 19, 2008 Author Share Posted January 19, 2008 WOW...you guys rock!! ... Off the subject of the two dogs together for now.... I just went outside before to work my horses..AND, my boy actually SAT when I walked out the door, and just looked up at me as if to say "is this what you want???"... so, I praised him with a very quiet "good boy", and then he went spastic again... but he SAT!!!!! YAY!! And then when I was working one of my horses, (which he will ALWAYS "chase" while I am riding), he just sat at the edge of the arena, and watched!! I am soooooo proud of him!! Thankyou thankyou thankyou!!!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MarkS Posted January 19, 2008 Share Posted January 19, 2008 :cool: :D ;) Well done sharpie!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Belijae Posted January 20, 2008 Share Posted January 20, 2008 Good work sharpie! Keep it up. He might have lapses in behaviour, but don't give up. If you are patient and persist you will both reap the rewards. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jett Posted January 20, 2008 Author Share Posted January 20, 2008 I just want to say a BIG THANKYOU to all who have posted replies...you have all helped both myself and my young kelpie!! So.. THANKYOU to all!! Every "session" with him seems to be getting better and better...with his ability to focus growing, and his bag of tricks dwindling... I can finally see him becoming well behaved joy!! I will keep you all updated with our progress!!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Spotted Devil Posted January 20, 2008 Share Posted January 20, 2008 Nice work Sharpie Now you'll have to keep that brain of his occupied doing things YOU want If you want to have some fun, take a look at the "Tricks" section at the top of this forum.....I really love doing clicker training and have recently taught my young lad to "touch" with his nose and "punch" with his paw. Loads of fun and boy, does it tire him out Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TangerineDream Posted January 20, 2008 Share Posted January 20, 2008 GREAT WORK!! keep it up! delighted it's working for you. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Erny Posted January 20, 2008 Share Posted January 20, 2008 Glad to hear your persistent consistency is paying off! It's great when you see each incremental break through, isn't it? ;) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rom Posted January 20, 2008 Share Posted January 20, 2008 I hate it when I see obedience classes just allow the dogs to go crazy with each other, before doing any training, to 'as they say' allow them to socialise before the training starts. You see dogs with overly assertive behaviour charging in and taking control. This is where problems can arise. I prefer to start the training first, instill some obedience and a more submissive and calm behaviour first, then I allow the owners to let their dogs socialise, but ONLY if the dog is in a calm state of mind, is relaxed, and only when given the "free" command. If the dog is displaying overly assertive behaviour, then I ask this owner to wait until their dog has switched into a calmer state. In my group socialisation classes, some dogs are not allowed to actually socialise freely for a few weeks (some even a couple of months). Until the rules in the dogs mind is set that he understands that the owner dictates when and how to socialise.Some see my rules within my class as wrong (not my clients), but I believe it is actually conditioning a dog with correct social skills. Dogs/wolves, etc in their natural state don't socialise or greet each other by charging in and jumping over the other dog in a show of dominance. They are taught at an early age to first introduce displaying a calm state of mind and body languge. Sniff the behinds, and get to know each other first (unless you have of course 2 rank dominant dogs. But even they still introduce themselves naturally first before any challenge. They don't just charge in an try and take immediate control). Many, many in society condition their dogs with very un-natural and at times dangerous social skills. The more I learn and observe, the more I agree with what you've written above Mark and its an area that I'd like to understand more about! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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