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Sit Happens!


Guest Tess32
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She's sensitive, very submissive, extremely receptive to tone of voice and that's usually all that is needed. Very well behaved in general.

I have a feeling she's going to find it hard to generalise too, so I think "sit" is going to be become a life long project

:rofl:

It is any touch of the rump that shuts her down - even if someone else just touches her lightly she wants to get away.

I think she'll need a hands off approach, but I'm thinking it's going to be a case of repeat, repeat, repeat.

Chezz - think Rosie just has a younger mind - Eb's never been taught anything and she's quite set in her ways so I think she'll have a harder time learning to learn.

Nat

Nat:

youre fortunate that you have this well behaved darling in Ebony. She is older so I guess it will take a bit longer. I know she will do fine, I observed at the MPW how well she has bonded with you and you hadnt had her long! I am learning it can take time and a very upbeat attitude/mood is a must. I get the most out of Rosie when I am being SILLY and when I get hyped/excited (am sure the neighbours think I should be locked up). They (collies) can be so in tune with our moods. My goodness, if Im stressed Rosie can become the canine VIBRATOR :eek:

But if I am in a jolly 'lets play' mood, she will be bouncing around, play bowing, stretching, yawning and trying to bowl me over in the backyard (she has succeeded!) and licking me to death :)

I hope we can get a few Collies together in a laid back social situation, I would love to observe the different characters. I guess really they are all individuals and need to accept them as so instead of comparing them to others :(

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I don't think she'll do well with any physical handling. ....... It is any touch of the rump that shuts her down - even if someone else just touches her lightly she wants to get away.

Thanks, Nat ... gives me a clearer picture, at least without seeing her. What's she like with touching generally (eg. grooming, casual handling) .... wondering if some massage therapy - from you - will help this girl get used to (and enjoy) being handled, which will then help with "guide show and place" training, as well as with confidence.

(This was the only handling I did for the first week or 2 when I adopted my girl - she was VERY frightened of strangers. By doing so, it was the first step in building her trust in me. She now loves her belly rubs and massage, even from strangers .... provided she's had the first 5 minutes to sniff them over first!)

Keep us informed how she goes and be happy for very small pieces of progress ... once progress starts, it usually begins to snowball! Good luck.

Edited by Erny
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Guest Tess32

Oh no she loves being cuddled - she is extremely physically affectionate.

However guiding her anywhere or even gently moving her is a no-no. She doesn't do anything, but I can feel her tense.

Grooming she is wonderful, absolutely loves it and rolls on her back periodically to kick her legs in the air :)

So none of that is the problem. I think she's extremely aware of our attitude to her though, so forcing her to do something makes her automatically submissive.

Chezz - Yep last night I was practically singing the house down with her praises and she did respond and it did help. I'm lucky that obedience training for Ebony really is optional :rofl:

I don't want to make her sound dull :eek: She really is just an angel but she also loves playing and she plays hard and fast and rough with Reilly. But as you say, being a collie she's ultra aware to our feelings and tone of voice, so I have to be more aware of that than with Reilly, who is aware, but just thinks it's all a joke anyway! Today they were zooming up and down the hill with her actually playing tug of war with Reilly, was very cute.

You'll see what nutters they are at Fawkner hopefully :(

Nat

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Sorry I can't help any further with suggestions that aren't already covered :) ..... but it sounds like you have it in hand and are working in the right direction. Good luck with it, Nat - I'm sure the "light bulb" will switch on and once it does you may well find you'll have a hard time switching it off! (Not that you'd want to!) :rofl:

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Nat ... just one more thought - is it possible that her "shut down" behaviour when you move her into a desired position (ie "sit") is a "learnt" behaviour. In otherwords, could she have learnt that she doesn't have to do what you require if she exhibits this form of behaviour?

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Have you tried using your other dog as a 'demo'? I found that my little pup learned very well this way. One day I was doing the 'paws' trick with my GSD and I looked down and there was my Rotti pup doing it too! All it took was to give the command to him and praise and from then on he did the behaviour on cue. He is an extremely bright puppy, probably the fastest learner I've ever come across, but dogs often learn through mimcry.

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Guest Tess32

Erny - I don't *think* so - she did that from the time I began training her!

I think she'd "sit" without hesitation if she understood - despite what some behaviourists say, she IS willing to please and really wants to.

Getting regular sits in the lounge room now, though I think it's contextual and she isn't listening to the cue. But it's a start.

Haven - Tried that - but doesn't appear to be working much.

Nat

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Erny - I don't *think* so - she did that from the time I began training her!

Getting regular sits in the lounge room now, though I think it's contextual and she isn't listening to the cue. But it's a start.

Hey Nat ... glad to here something is "beginning" at least. :(

Not intended to be argumentative - hope it's not taken that way .... but how do you know if this is not what she has learnt from her previous owners' efforts?

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Guest Tess32

Update - Going way better. Sitting all over the house and offering the behaviour more frequently. She is staying in a nice sit and not dropping :thumbsup:

Now - getting her to listen to the cue :cool:

Nat

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