Re: [QUAD-L] Nan - Training Dogs

[Houston809]

Title: Re: [QUAD-L] Nan - Training Dogs

I love dogs every since I can remember I’ve had 1 as a pet. Since my injury this is the longest I’ve gone without 1. But on 2 temperament as U stated Nan retrievers & labs have a better temperament around people & other animals than say a dobe or rott they were initially bred 2 be territorial and guard/attack animals. As in every breed the owners can bring these instinctive traits out more or with a lot of work and love can train an animal another way. But some animals in certain breeds are going 2 be naturally aggressive & protective beyond the point where they would make a good service animal a great great protector. Being that we can spend unlimited amounts of time with our animal and shower love upon them. As long as u let them know who the alpha male or female is in the house ... THAT’S ME IN MY HOME!!!!! that’s very important whenever you have a dog no matter what breed ... Another hidden natural instinct in dogs is 2 be loyal & submissive 2 the ALPHA MALE or FEMALE as all dogs can be traced back 2 wolves or wild dogs.


On 12/23/04 7:10 PM, "Dana Miller" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:

> When getting a dog for self training or using one you alrady may have--pick
> with your "head", not with your heart!  Temperament is paramount in service
> dogs!  I have seen more badly tempered service dogs than good ones!  Dog
> aggression and barking have been prelevant  in the dogs I have been around.
> It took 8 months to find my last dog.  He was a rescue.  The wait was
> definitely worth it!  Nan saw Sabre, maybe she will say something about him?
> hint hint
>
> I am now looking for another male dobe, as I had to put Sabre to sleep
> because of cancer.  That was last september.  I can tell in 3 days if a dog
> will have the right temperament.  This is 'before'
> any training has happened.  I have 'looked' at a few dogs over the internet
> and even paid for shipping one to me without getting her assessed because
> the gal who had her was supposed to be such an  "expert" in dobes.  She
> ignored my wanting to get her assessed.  In 3 days I knew it was not going
> to work.  We agreed to try andfind her a home somewhre around me.  I had her
> a month and the longer I had her, the worse she got.  She was sweet and
> loving but just could not adjust to the surroundings she was exposed to.
> She became very "reactive"--could not adjust to the sights, smells and
> actions going on around her.  She got to where she would growl, got very
> worried if many people were behind us and eye contact could make her bark,
> The final straw was one day my attendant was going to take a bone away from
> her as it sounded like it had cracked and needed to be checked.  She growled
> and snapped.  She went back to the lady.
>
> In nearly every case of bad service dog behavior I've seen, it has been labs
> and golden retrievers.
> Some program traained, some owner trained.  One golden was so bad in public
> it took 4 people to surround it as they sat there or moved.  This was at a
> city council get together--informal--on service dogs.
>
> The other incidents were at other places and the dogs had to be dragged by
> us snarling, growling, sucking air and toenails sliding across the tile.  I
> have a list that is a copulation of behaviours recognised as being needed
> for a good service dog temperament.  I will post it tommarrow.
>
> I "would" highly recommend a first time service dog user to get one from a
> program!  Especially if you do not know much about dog handling--which is
> different that training--or training!!
> Must go,                                          take care,
>
> Dana and ?
> [EMAIL PROTECTED]
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: "Lori Michaelson" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
> To: "Quad" <quad-list@eskimo.com>
> Sent: Thursday, December 23, 2004 1:59 PM
> Subject: [QUAD-L] Nan - Training Dogs
>
>
> Nan...
>
> I think places like Canines for Independence has a waiting list of over a
> year.  It was when I called them 3 yrs ago and am sure the need is as great.
> PLUS you have to go there and stay for like 3 weeks with you paying for all
> food and accommodations IN CALIFORNIA!
>
> My point?
>
> I learned that dog training and dog awareness in all areas is HUGE here in
> Tucson.  TWO organizations have a program whereby you train your own dog.
> And many individuals do the same (teach classes).  About 6 months after we
> got Brandy I began to take her to classes at one of the two local orgs.  I
> chose Handi-Dogs.
>
> A certain type of positive reinforcement training called "Clicker Training"
> is used here and has swept the nation.  It's easy, quick & efficient.  I
> went to classes for 2 yrs but then stopped because it seemed they wanted you
> to keep going and going.  After 2 yrs I found I can do it easily myself.
> Anyone can.
>
> ANY breed of dog can be taught via this method but, of course, it's nice to
> have a breed more prone to working (like labs, retrievers) and they aren't
> as hyper as many little dogs.
>
> If you have a dog (any age) start today!
>
> I learned this late but THE ADA "DOES NOT" REQUIRE A SERVICE DOG TO HAVE
> BEEN TRAINED THROUGH AN ORGANIZATION!
>
> Some good sites about clicker training (I make a click sound with my mouth)
> are:
>
> http://clickertales.com/
>
> http://clickersolutions.com/
>
> Maybe you can find an individual in your area to get you started too.  But
> have heard that whether you KNOW Clicker Training or are interested a great
> video is ... TAKE A BOW -- http://www.takeabowwow.com/Howvideo.html  Worth
> the money I've been told by a great nationwide trainer.
>
> I hope you consider it  :-)
>
> Lori
>
>