spiritdogs
Posted : 9/23/2010 2:28:45 PM
punkchica321
Liesje
I think Jackie is spot on. I didn't even think of it because I'm just used to my situation, where I am the only one training 3-4 dogs in our house at a time, so even though it's a lot of work for me, I don't have anyone else counteracting the baby steps I'm making or confusing/frustrating my dogs.
I don't agree with trainers that say tugging is bad. Generally they are misinformed about what is actually happening and how to do it/control it. Some dogs have a temperament that has a bit of a hectic edge to it, they can get easily aroused and frustrated. It's easier to have a good outlet for this than constantly be fighting (sometimes literally) against it. Nikon is this way. He has never been mouthy, at least not with me, but he does need a way to "unload" when his frustration and excitement level goes up. This shows through in everything from formal obedience to protection to how we play at home.
I would like to try the tug with him, it's just a matter of my mom. She'll most likely step in and tell me not to because the trainer said not. I will talk to the trainer when she comes this weekend about it, hopefully she'll at least listen to reason.
Tell her I'm a trainer, too, and that tug is only bad if the dog wins;-) If you tug, trade for a biscuit or even a piece of chicken, at the end, so that he willingly gives up his tug, and establish a cue for "game over." Only play tug with the toy you choose, and only play when it is YOU who has initiated the game. NOT when the dog comes up to you and shoves a tug toy at you.
I like the idea of putting a door between you and him if he is obnoxious - that clearly tells him that his behavior caused him to be abandoned, and no dog likes that. Just avoid the temptation, at other times, to engage with him, as you could be accidentally rewarding the very behavior you do not want.
If your mom really hates tug that much, there are other things you can do. He could be taught to chase a flirt pole, or to retrieve tennis balls. But, IMO, trick training is absolutely the most fun, and gives dogs a mental challenge that tires them out. Get one of Kyra Sundance's books and your clicker and have a ball! A tired dog is a good dog;-) I should know, I have to keep Sequoyah occupied lol. BTW, you can now earn titles in tricks through Kyra's "Do More With Your Dog" program. It's loads of fun, and a way to keep a working dog from becoming bored or frustrated. A lot of the behavior you describe sounds like displacement behavior. So, anything you can do to give your dog an occupation is a good thing.