Oh Jackiemutts you are SO RIGHT
Everything you say is true. Yes, I had to smile a little at trying to alpha roll my cats, I wouldn't be ALIVE if I tried that, let alone minus a face. Yet, as you say, people do all this to dogs
And then on the news you hear about the 'increasing number of dog attacks'. I get furious beyond words as it's NEVER the dogs fault but the owners and yet, sadly, the dogs are blamed and well we know what happens next
Well my 'method' is to put myself in my dog's place. How would I like that done to me? If it's one of the cruel methods, the answer is a resounding NO WAY!!!!!!!!! Use those tactics with me and I'd play up BIG TIME!!!!!!!!!!!!! Plus I watch/study my dogs, how they react and move, what's the look in their eyes (the mirrors of the soul) everything about them, including how they breathe, is it deep and easy or ????. I also talk to my dogs as if they could speak back using our language and I know people think I'm barmy but I swear they DO understand. Rakins (thank you that's his pet name
) understands many more words than people realize and I KNOW this by HIS reactions to something I may say, not always directly to him, but something related.
You're right onwhen that little voice speaks, take heed and when it says run - just run away!!!!!!!!! I always listen to my 'little voice' it's never let me down yet
I feel sorry for the dogs and the owners who want the quick 'instantly obedient dog'. It's not going to happen, unless you CAUSE THE DOG TO FEAR YOU and that's just NOT a relationship I would want with my dogs. My partner is, through total ignorance, one who thought (more past tense now thank goodness) that puppies would INSTANTLY know to stay etc. He had the Brad Pattison video (I didn't know this) downloaded, just after I got Rakins, and came in all smiles telling me that this guy had youngsters 9 weeks old sitting and staying outside a shop WITHOUT SUPERVISION!~!!!!!!!!!!!! I was STUNNED and said or rather stuttered "not possible, puppies that young impossible' and other such virtually inarticulate words. Then I saw 'that' video and nearly had fifty fits. Told my partner if he ever dared use any of those methods with Rakins he'd wish he was dead!!!!!!!!!! He did dare to alpha roll Rakins once and brother
suffice to say he was in the dog house and not a very pleasant one either!!!!!!!!!!!!!! He's learning, partner that is, that my way MAY be a bit slower but it's the right way.
Rakins and I have a very strong bond and it's becoming even stronger. I am already at the point where I just cannot describe how strong it is and yes, I pray it NEVER happens but I swear he would give his life for me and I would for him
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We're progressing towards that moment when you feel you could burst with pride at how wonderful your boy is walking down the street. I would say now, we're around 90% there, 110% when all is quiet. We just have to work a little more and of course THE BIG ONE hasn't come up yet. Today was apparently 'mower day' so not too many dogs around, just the usual yappers and one Mr. Rowdy - not right on his fence line but at the back but because the neighbors drive way was open he could see us clearly through more railings. He barked like mad and his owner (well I presume so) just looked and walked away. Didn't bother to speak to the dog or anything! My darling did look down the drive way but LOL I went into my click/treat modus operandi and Rakins just sat and didn't bat a pretty eyelash
I always ask for protection before we go out and that we will NOT meet another dog on the street, same side, UNTIL Rakins is ready to meet that challenge. I know the Universe hears me
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I would HATE to have the 'perfectly behaved instantly obedient puppy' honestly, you'd miss so much fun along the way. Puppyhood is exciting, a learning, exploring time for them and it's just beyond words beautiful to see them exploring this big wide world that we so often take for granted. To see their reactions, watch them check out something, which to us would be mundane, is a pure joy no words can describe. LOL, it's almost a sad moment when you realize your 'baby' has become 'all grown up'. Except of course for that loving bond
Rakins is holding on to adolescence BIG TIME and I"M SO HAPPY
His zest for life is FANTASTIC and those eyes - the kid gets me in every time - cheeky, loving and oh so full of joy
And LOL so disgusted the flop on the floor when he doesn't get his own way, priceless, has to be seen, he's so funny
e.g. HE's ready for training and I ask him to hold on a minute. LOL he's always ready, keen and willing to 'work'
More photos on the way and maybe a little video of Rakins doing his 'tricks", so glad you found the others, I was sure I had posted some some where. And Zeus, he's a sensational boy too