Pete.the.dog Posted June 13, 2009 Share Posted June 13, 2009 I adopted a .. well who knows what he is... a gorgeous grey furry thing from the Moorook Animal Shelter (little plug) about 3 months ago, he's now around 11 months - Pete. Gorgeous thing, stubborn and independent but never had a problem with him, very gentle the only *rough* thing he does is jump up when excited and I think I've pretty much quelled that behaviour, sometimes when I am trying to de-mat his paws he opens his mouth and slowly moves it towards my hands, I don't think it's really that aggressive to me it seems more like he's just kind of telling me he hates me pulling his hair (fair enough if you ask me)... But last night my boyfriend (who Pete has always loved and was actually the only male Pete wasn't afraid of when I got him - happy to report he's got confidence around other men now too) went to pick up Pete who was lying on my bedroom to take him outside to his kennel and Pete growled at him - we've never heard him growl before! Now I know it sounds mean to pick him up but he was awake and this happens every evening so it wasn't unsurprising - I'm just a bit worried and I know my boyfriend was kind of hurt, that Pete may be aggressive? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
persephone Posted June 13, 2009 Share Posted June 13, 2009 pete sounds cute... but not really a 'puppy' anymore Maybe he is a bit spoilt ? he sleeps for some time on the bed? And the other furniture? Does he get carried often? What obedience training do you do with him? Does he sit & wait for his food, or do tricks? pete and his owners may ned some reminders as to who pays the bills! ie: Who is the boss :D Try these two things for starters,perhaps ? ONE Two I would also be getting him to walk out to his kennel ...he has good legs, and if there is a meal or a treat/fave toy waiting for him, he will learn that it is a good thing! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
poodlefan Posted June 13, 2009 Share Posted June 13, 2009 (edited) Sounds like Pete didn't want to go outside. He growled.. he didn't bite. However Persephone's ideas about walking him out and giving him a treat in his kennel are good ones. Personally, unless your boyfriend lives with you and Pete views him as part of the family, I'd suggest you take him out. Your boyfriend was not only taking him outside, but away from you. Edited June 13, 2009 by poodlefan Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pete.the.dog Posted June 13, 2009 Author Share Posted June 13, 2009 pete sounds cute... but not really a 'puppy' anymore Maybe he is a bit spoilt ? he sleeps for some time on the bed? And the other furniture? Does he get carried often? What obedience training do you do with him? Does he sit & wait for his food, or do tricks? pete and his owners may ned some reminders as to who pays the bills! ie: Who is the boss :D Try these two things for starters,perhaps ? ONE Two I would also be getting him to walk out to his kennel ...he has good legs, and if there is a meal or a treat/fave toy waiting for him, he will learn that it is a good thing! Actually he has never been on my bed - ever. Nor has he ever been allowed on my furniture - he has occasionally got on the coach when left in a room alone and was told to get right back off it when I found him there. He sleeps on a little mat on my floor when he is in my room. He gets carried outside because I do not want to use the 'come' command to put him outside every night or he'd have even less chance of responding to it most of the time. When he comes in side he sits, stays while I Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pete.the.dog Posted June 13, 2009 Author Share Posted June 13, 2009 pete sounds cute... but not really a 'puppy' anymore Maybe he is a bit spoilt ? he sleeps for some time on the bed? And the other furniture? Does he get carried often? What obedience training do you do with him? Does he sit & wait for his food, or do tricks? pete and his owners may ned some reminders as to who pays the bills! ie: Who is the boss :D Try these two things for starters,perhaps ? ONE Two I would also be getting him to walk out to his kennel ...he has good legs, and if there is a meal or a treat/fave toy waiting for him, he will learn that it is a good thing! Actually he has never been on my bed - ever. Nor has he ever been allowed on my furniture - he has occasionally got on the coach when left in a room alone and was told to get right back off it when I found him there. He sleeps on a little mat on my floor when he is in my room. He gets carried outside because I do not want to use the 'come' command to put him outside every night or he'd have even less chance of responding to it most of the time. When he comes in side he sits, stays while I walk through the door until I say 'in you come'. He's in an obedience class and also sits then drops for his meals and pats and plays. So thankyou for the advice but I'm not sure it would be relevant to this circumstance? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pete.the.dog Posted June 13, 2009 Author Share Posted June 13, 2009 I just realised my reply sounded defensive, I didn't mean it to - I just meant I try really really hard not to spoil him!! I think I should not let boyfriend take out dog - maybe this was a case of spoiling myself - I didn't want to be the bad guy.. Am still a little reluctant to use 'come' command to put him outside? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
persephone Posted June 13, 2009 Share Posted June 13, 2009 (edited) So thankyou for the advice but I'm not sure it would be relevant to this circumstance? Ok You are certainly trying to keep him level-headed Good for you! Do we get to see photos??? maybe this was a case of spoiling myself - I didn't want to be the bad guy.. If his meal is at the end of it- or there is a kong with treats in... this would make you the GOOD guy!! :D Am still a little reluctant to use 'come' command to put him outside? So, use a different command .. like 'Bedtime :D' or something I never use 'come'.. It's always" bed, now'.... with our guys. Edited June 13, 2009 by persephone Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pete.the.dog Posted June 13, 2009 Author Share Posted June 13, 2009 [i never use 'come'.. It's always" bed, now'.... with our guys. Good idea will see if that works Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
huski Posted June 13, 2009 Share Posted June 13, 2009 He gets carried outside because I do not want to use the 'come' command to put him outside every night or he'd have even less chance of responding to it most of the time. What makes you say that? I'm not quite sure what you mean... are you teaching an emergency recall and come is the command you use? I just realised my reply sounded defensive, I didn't mean it to - I just meant I try really really hard not to spoil him!! I think I should not let boyfriend take out dog - maybe this was a case of spoiling myself - I didn't want to be the bad guy.. Am still a little reluctant to use 'come' command to put him outside? Think of it as giving him a proactive command rather than doing the work for him. Make going to bed something that he gets rewarded for. If you don't want to use come (i.e. you stand outside and call him out) then use a command like 'on your bed'. I use 'in your crate' for my beagle. If you have a read of the article NILIF that Persephone linked to it talks about making your dog pay for everything that is exciting and of value to him - I use it with my every day interactions with my dogs - do you have similar systems or rules in place with your dog? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pete.the.dog Posted June 13, 2009 Author Share Posted June 13, 2009 http://www.dolforums.com.au/index.php?act=...t&id=179099 http://www.dolforums.com.au/index.php?act=...t&id=179098 http://www.dolforums.com.au/index.php?act=...t&id=179097 and two I took just then... it's tough being a dog.. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pete.the.dog Posted June 13, 2009 Author Share Posted June 13, 2009 He gets carried outside because I do not want to use the 'come' command to put him outside every night or he'd have even less chance of responding to it most of the time. What makes you say that? I'm not quite sure what you mean... are you teaching an emergency recall and come is the command you use? I just realised my reply sounded defensive, I didn't mean it to - I just meant I try really really hard not to spoil him!! I think I should not let boyfriend take out dog - maybe this was a case of spoiling myself - I didn't want to be the bad guy.. Am still a little reluctant to use 'come' command to put him outside? Think of it as giving him a proactive command rather than doing the work for him. Make going to bed something that he gets rewarded for. If you don't want to use come (i.e. you stand outside and call him out) then use a command like 'on your bed'. I use 'in your crate' for my beagle. If you have a read of the article NILIF that Persephone linked to it talks about making your dog pay for everything that is exciting and of value to him - I use it with my every day interactions with my dogs - do you have similar systems or rules in place with your dog? He's selective with the come command - anything more exciting and he ignores me, so I'm still trying to make come a 'happy thing' if that makes sense? So he's more likely to respond when it's important - that's what the obedience instructor said to do. As I said earlier, pete has to come and sit for pats and plays and before he comes inside and sit and drop for food, so if that is what you mean by a similar system in place for my dog then I think so, I have read about NILIF previously and have been trying my best to implement it for last month or so, if there is anything you think I'm missing or should improve on I'm grateful for any advice Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Erny Posted June 14, 2009 Share Posted June 14, 2009 (edited) ... are you teaching an emergency recall and come is the command you use? Off topic, but I don't see the point in an emergency recall. Every recall command I give is an "emergency" recall ..... that's the way I train for it. I agree with Persephone ..... sounds to me as though your wonderful lad's hormones are well and truly kicking in now (probably have been for a little while) and he's pushing boundaries. Around this time is the period where the dog's perception of its relationship with you shows up more obviously to our eyes. Take a leadership check and know that he is in his adolescence phase. I also agree with Huski that the NILIF program is a good one for you to follow. Dogs love it too. They love 'jobs' . Think in terms of "your terms" not the dog's. Have a look for the "Triangle of Temptation" ("TOT") which is a sticky at the top of this forum, and follow that. It too is an excellent program to follow religiously and was kindly put up there by K9 Force (Steve Courtney) for all to use. Edited June 14, 2009 by Erny Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
huski Posted June 14, 2009 Share Posted June 14, 2009 (edited) ... are you teaching an emergency recall and come is the command you use? Off topic, but I don't see the point in an emergency recall. Every recall command I give is an "emergency" recall ..... that's the way I train for it. I agree with Persephone ..... sounds to me as though your wonderful lad's hormones are well and truly kicking in now (probably have been for a little while) and he's pushing boundaries. Around this time is the period where the dog's perception of its relationship with you shows up more obviously to our eyes. Take a leadership check and know that he is in his adolescence phase. I also agree with Huski that the NILIF program is a good one for you to follow. Dogs love it too. They love 'jobs' . Think in terms of "your terms" not the dog's. Have a look for the "Triangle of Temptation" ("TOT") which is a sticky at the top of this forum, and follow that. It too is an excellent program to follow religiously and was kindly put up there by K9 Force (Steve Courtney) for all to use. I agree with you in regards to the emergency recall command Erny - I was just curious if that was what the OP was doing as it's the only time I've heard people reluctant to "over use" a command if that makes sense. It's not my cup of tea because I proof each command to be as reliable as possible. When Daisy was a pup and was going through her naughty adolescent age I thought I had NILIF down pat - until someone kindly explained to me that it's not just about the dog giving you a behaviour when it wants something but also about you giving those valued resources on your terms. Daisy was really good at paying for things when she wanted them and I realised that I was giving them to her on her terms more than on mine - i.e. I didn't have to give her what she wanted just because she "paid" for it! Edited June 14, 2009 by huski Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Erny Posted June 14, 2009 Share Posted June 14, 2009 I agree with you in regards to the emergency recall command Erny - I was just curious if that was what the OP was doing as it's the only time I've heard people reluctant to "over use" a command if that makes sense. It's not my cup of tea because I proof each command to be as reliable as possible. I agree. "Over-use" is different to giving the recall command when you're in a position to enforce (and reinforce it) and I do much of this in the teaching/training phase. When Daisy was a pup and was going through her naughty adolescent age I thought I had NILIF down pat - until someone kindly explained to me that it's not just about the dog giving you a behaviour when it wants something but also about you giving those valued resources on your terms. Daisy was really good at paying for things when she wanted them and I realised that I was giving them to her on her terms more than on mine - i.e. I didn't have to give her what she wanted just because she "paid" for it! And right again, IMO. Over time, dogs begin to learn what their owner is going to ask of them. Commonly it is the "sit" ..... and so they begin to come up to their owner and auto-sit. And their owner gives them a treat. And they do this over and over. I usually suggest to people to regard that activity as a demand from their dog to give them a treat; a pat; praise; whatever and to ask for something different, like a drop ... or ignore the dog's expectation of reward. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Staranais Posted June 15, 2009 Share Posted June 15, 2009 (edited) I agree with you in regards to the emergency recall command Erny - I was just curious if that was what the OP was doing as it's the only time I've heard people reluctant to "over use" a command if that makes sense. It's not my cup of tea because I proof each command to be as reliable as possible. I agree. "Over-use" is different to giving the recall command when you're in a position to enforce (and reinforce it) and I do much of this in the teaching/training phase. I read that post as the OP not wanting her dog to associate the "come" command with a bad thing (getting put outside), rather than her just not wanting to use the command too often? ETA: Oh woops, just seen that the OP clarified that already. Silly me. Edited June 15, 2009 by Staranais Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
StaceyB Posted June 18, 2009 Share Posted June 18, 2009 Most of the others who have posted have a lot more experience with this sort of thing than me, and are probably right about him starting to push his boundaries; but I also had a thought that maybe he was feeling well...? A lot of dogs growl or snap when people tough them if they are sick or injured... I may well be completely off track, but you never know. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shellbyville Posted June 18, 2009 Share Posted June 18, 2009 I don't want to give advice as what others have said is great. I just wanted to say that your dog is soooo cute, do you know what his breeding is at all? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alyosha Posted June 18, 2009 Share Posted June 18, 2009 Sorry - may be slightly but I just wanted to say - Gorgeous dog! He reminds me of the lurcher from the old show Heartbeat "Alfred" - Deerhound or Bedlington in there maybe?? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pete.the.dog Posted June 22, 2009 Author Share Posted June 22, 2009 Sorry - may be slightly but I just wanted to say - Gorgeous dog! He reminds me of the lurcher from the old show Heartbeat "Alfred" - Deerhound or Bedlington in there maybe?? Sorry didn't realise there were new posts - thank you for your kind words!! I have absolutely no idea about his breeding - get a lot of different opinions from poodle to retreiver to bearded collie haha I just looked up Alfred and I think they look very similar! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pete.the.dog Posted June 22, 2009 Author Share Posted June 22, 2009 I don't want to give advice as what others have said is great. I just wanted to say that your dog is soooo cute, do you know what his breeding is at all? Thank you - always receptive to hearing this Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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