Honey "warning Off" People And Things

[dee lee]

Aussielover, I certainly have my work cut out for me when she looks up at me adoringly with her big brown eyes!!

She will still get cuddles but the kids and I are on a strict when we say so regime.

[poodlefan]

Ever thought about doing formal obedience training with her Deelee?

There are ways of reinforcing your leadership role that build trust and cooperation through training. Frankly I think getting involved in dog sport of some kind would be a lot more fun than feeling like you have to deprive your dog of affection.

She's a Golden Retriever. Her breed was developed to work under direction in the field all day. She needs a job. The one she's chosen (guard dog) needs to be replaced with something YOU choose.

I'd also be looking at her recall. She can't charge at a 'threat' if she's coming back to you!

[dee lee]

Actually I have been doing obedience classes with her, though haven't been able to go recently. I do notice how much better we work together when we have been going.

I have been practicing our training AND her recalls. Am upping both currently.

Unfortunately dog sports are out, there just aren't enough free hours in my day .

My concession is she gets a bloody hard workout early every morning along with some training, so she is tired for the day.

[dee lee]

Just a quick update.

Its been a couple of weeks now and I haven't had a single recurrence of the protective behaviour! :D

I have been much more aware of maintaining leadership, but I feel what has made the biggest change has been my increased reinforcement of her recalls.

I think I had gotten a bit lax with the rewarding when training and since I have upped the treat/enthusiasm level she seems much more focused on me! Der... funny about that.

I probably wasn't being too attentive from time to time (not helped by being up at the crack of dawn to walk her!) so now I'm thinking her "pay-off" was entertaining herself.

All signs seem to indicate that.

Anyway, thanks again guys. Its been a happy result and I'm much relieved!