Do We Expect Too Much?

[Mrsdog]

Squeak, there's some very good advice here, but no-one seems to want to come in on the licking problem. In my experience licky dogs are usually submissive dogs, and the frequency of licking is probably because dog is still settling in and he is saying to you "look how hard I am trying to be everything you want, just let me know your desires and I will try really hard". Have you never seen puppies doing the licky thing to older dogs? I would never be too harsh with a submissive dog as this is how fear agression can start. BUT you don't want this licking behaviour to continue so you mustn't encourage it. Dog is desperate for attention and we understand this, but attention comes when we decide, not when dog decides. This has all been said previously, so won't elaborate.

In multiple dog families I am still all for the "Belle of the Ball" as outlined by Terry Ryan. Each dog needs to have your undivided attention for short periods. Place the other dog behind a barrier or in a crate while you play/pet/train one dog. Then swap them over. Once again you are deciding who gets the attention. Dogs will accept the rules that you put down. They are adaptable and love to know exactly what is expected of them. Eventually you will be able to call dog by name and say "your turn" and other dog will accept it without having to be locked away. All good things come from you, and when you decide.

Oh dear, I know what I am trying to say, but I hope I have explained it here. And before anyone blows me away, yes I am a softie, and I still believe that you catch more flies with honey than with vinegar.

Noels.

[squeak]

No problem Mark. Squeak, does this dog show any sign of herding type behaviour? tony

Tony - I am curious to know why you asked about herding behaviours.. I am just trying to learn as

much as I can.

[squeak]

Squeak, there's some very good advice here, but no-one seems to want to come in on the licking problem. In my experience licky dogs are usually submissive dogs, and the frequency of licking is probably because dog is still settling in and he is saying to you "look how hard I am trying to be everything you want, just let me know your desires and I will try really hard". Have you never seen puppies doing the licky thing to older dogs? I would never be too harsh with a submissive dog as this is how fear agression can start. BUT you don't want this licking behaviour to continue so you mustn't encourage it. Dog is desperate for attention and we understand this, but attention comes when we decide, not when dog decides. This has all been said previously, so won't elaborate.

In multiple dog families I am still all for the "Belle of the Ball" as outlined by Terry Ryan. Each dog needs to have your undivided attention for short periods. Place the other dog behind a barrier or in a crate while you play/pet/train one dog. Then swap them over. Once again you are deciding who gets the attention. Dogs will accept the rules that you put down. They are adaptable and love to know exactly what is expected of them. Eventually you will be able to call dog by name and say "your turn" and other dog will accept it without having to be locked away. All good things come from you, and when you decide.

Oh dear, I know what I am trying to say, but I hope I have explained it here. And before anyone blows me away, yes I am a softie, and I still believe that you catch more flies with honey than with vinegar.

Noels.

Thanks Mrs Dog. I do understand that he is still settling in and as you say, I do believe that as you say the licking might be a submissive behaviour. I am trying really hard to ignore the licking and not go crook at him. He is just beginning to understand "sit" - nowhere near reliable yet, but just very occasionally if we ignore the licking for long enough he will sit instead... and then he gets all the praise and attention that he wants... we probably seem to be a "bit over the top" when this happens, but it seems to be working.

I am trying to be consistent with the rules, but am finding it more difficult to be consistent with two dogs, which is probably only serving to confuse him, but I am trying hard.

And, I don't know if it is right or wrong, but it seems to be working at the moment.... Murphy likes chasing and fetching a ball more than Stormy so he gets to do that whilst Stormy has a nice uninterrupted pat All subject to change and me understanding the dynamics of the pair. I think that I just have to accept the licking (meaning ignore it) until he is more comfortable in his surroundings and works out how else to win our attention. It is early days yet and I know I am probably expecting too much, too soon, but I think that is part of being human.

[Mrsdog]

Squeak, there will be training on Wednesday night and probably not too many people there. Maybe this would be a good opportunity if you are not doing anything.

Noels.

[squeak]

Oh, I didn't know that!!! I will definitely try to get down to training on Wednesday. With my luck Murphy will behave perfectly like he did in class last time . At least I will get to pick everyone's brains! What time?

[Mrsdog]

7.30pm but try to get there around 7 to settle him a bit first. Good to do the walks and wees first before class! Did you really think everyone could stay away from training? LOL

Noels.