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126 Posts
I just received a gentle reminder from Mike that I should introduce myself to the board. I've been lurking here for a month or so, and I have to say, this board is among my favorites!
I have had dogs for about 5 years now; really, just a newbie at training. I have 4 dogs, three house dogs and a kennel dog. Three house dogs were shelter/rescue, kennel dog bought for the sport of Sch 7 months ago. I am interested in all types of training, and I feel that the dog's inate ability, quality of training, and the handler's realistic and non-biased perception of the dog leads to success for all. It is a difficult task to bring any dog (or human for that matter) to its genetic ability, so I try to work with what I have, stay clear, learn from my mistakes, and have fun!
So my dogs, in order of aquirement:
Thebus. 6 trs old. First dog. Shelter mutt. Exuberant, untrained, hyperreactive, no courage. But barks at the door, and is my ambassador dog; I can take him anywhere. I knew nothing about prey drive, levels of distraction, etc., so I used too much compulsion. But he is still a good dog.
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Kali. 6 yrs old. Shelter mutt. Dominant because of weak leadership. She taught me how to give a hard, personal correction, calm praise, and all the subtle moves that a dominant dog gives to up their place in the pack. Not an ounce of prey, reactive, but an excellent watch dog. She keeps my borders safe!
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Penelope. 3 yrs old. Oh, boy. My project. Returned to breeder in horrible condition; emaciated, staph infection from tail to withers, terrified of her own shadow (not kidding). A baseline spook, was kept in a room for 7 months, and, I think, traumatized. I have done all that I can to keep her from becoming a fear biter; and, so far, we have prevented that. Hers is long story, so I won't bore you with it. Tons of prey drive, extreme really. If she had on thin nerve in her pretty little head, she would be a great drug dog. Learned more from this dog than from all others combined.
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And Tira 17 months. Sch dog, first working dog. A strong, dominant dog. Smart as a whip, learns faster than any dog I have met. Serious prey drive; it is not a game for her. Thrives on pressure so far. Needs calm, assertive handling. Social, but has a civil side (still in infancy). A strong dog on the field. It is all I can do to keep up with her. I plan to take her to a Mike Ellis seminar this fall. My main goal with her is to try to stay one step ahead! Will post working pics soon.
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I hope this is not too long! Jeeze.
I have had dogs for about 5 years now; really, just a newbie at training. I have 4 dogs, three house dogs and a kennel dog. Three house dogs were shelter/rescue, kennel dog bought for the sport of Sch 7 months ago. I am interested in all types of training, and I feel that the dog's inate ability, quality of training, and the handler's realistic and non-biased perception of the dog leads to success for all. It is a difficult task to bring any dog (or human for that matter) to its genetic ability, so I try to work with what I have, stay clear, learn from my mistakes, and have fun!
So my dogs, in order of aquirement:
Thebus. 6 trs old. First dog. Shelter mutt. Exuberant, untrained, hyperreactive, no courage. But barks at the door, and is my ambassador dog; I can take him anywhere. I knew nothing about prey drive, levels of distraction, etc., so I used too much compulsion. But he is still a good dog.
Kali. 6 yrs old. Shelter mutt. Dominant because of weak leadership. She taught me how to give a hard, personal correction, calm praise, and all the subtle moves that a dominant dog gives to up their place in the pack. Not an ounce of prey, reactive, but an excellent watch dog. She keeps my borders safe!
Penelope. 3 yrs old. Oh, boy. My project. Returned to breeder in horrible condition; emaciated, staph infection from tail to withers, terrified of her own shadow (not kidding). A baseline spook, was kept in a room for 7 months, and, I think, traumatized. I have done all that I can to keep her from becoming a fear biter; and, so far, we have prevented that. Hers is long story, so I won't bore you with it. Tons of prey drive, extreme really. If she had on thin nerve in her pretty little head, she would be a great drug dog. Learned more from this dog than from all others combined.
And Tira 17 months. Sch dog, first working dog. A strong, dominant dog. Smart as a whip, learns faster than any dog I have met. Serious prey drive; it is not a game for her. Thrives on pressure so far. Needs calm, assertive handling. Social, but has a civil side (still in infancy). A strong dog on the field. It is all I can do to keep up with her. I plan to take her to a Mike Ellis seminar this fall. My main goal with her is to try to stay one step ahead! Will post working pics soon.
I hope this is not too long! Jeeze.
