Don't Pet My Puppy...confused? - Page 3

I believe both your club members and Leeerburg is correct. Meaning:  knowledgable dog people (your club) know how to approach and interract with your puppy.  They have their dogs under control. Their dogs are known - dog friendly/not etc. Your club should have some trainer level folks who can help guide you through this as well.
And then...there is the general public.  They are mostly intent on delighting themselves with your new cute puppy.  They often rush up, approach frintally, reach out not watching at all how your puppy is handling this.  One poor interraction with a 'stranger' can leave a bad impression on your puppy and this may show up the next time someone approaches your pup.
I do at times bring a young puppy into a 'controlled' public group but speak with them first asking them to help you socialize your dog properly. Most people love to think they are a part of your pups growing up properly. A great opportunity to teach them. I ask then to sit quitly, not walk up on the puppy...watch the puppy. If it is eager to go visit...let it...but ask people to be calm, quiet and if possible crouch low or sit on the floor. If puppy wants to move away...let it.
Good luck'
Alex

 

KellyJ,

I know what you mean, I was only a young pup myself when we had the Military trained K9 dog(13-14 maybe), she would have protected us with her life, I know that. But, friends over, In the basement, family over for holiday, in the basment, any other visitors, in the basment. The dog could not be trusted.

As I think back it would have been nice to have that urge to kill EVERYTHING when it was needed instead of ALL THE TIME! LOL

Zep--

Laura271,

Yes, I believe it's all in the context, and if your dogs trained, well..it's trained, distractions or none.

Vermont Lady.

I may need to clarify, my puppy WANTS to run up to everyone right now, I, however, ask first before letting the contact begin. ME: "Is it ok for him to meet you?" or Them: ""Can I pet him?" etc... I don't let anyone touch until I let it happen. I think that's OK, right?

Zep--

Ramgsd, my one trainer had the same philosophy that you did about why he won't allow others to pet his dogs and it works for him and I understand the idea.  His dogs ignored people when they are out and adored his kids. 

I never had any issues with my dogs and people while working or otherwise.  My dogs know that they are not allowed to approach other people unless I say they can, I don't care if it is on a walk, chasing balls in the fenced field, or sitting in the truck.  They usually ignore other people unless they are a threat.  Now during a BBQ or such, if they are out, they are allowed to mingle as long as they behave.  But this works for me. 

Zep, you do what works for you.  My great aunt in Germany used to raise GSDs before the WWII and tried to continue after the war.  She always socialized her dogs and they were working dogs, watch the farm, protect the family, herd the animals, track missing animals and people, etc. 

MindHunt,

I understand when you say I am working the dog don't pet. What about when you are at the boat ramp, or an outdoor resturant or walking a pier or something. Are you allowing petting and such there? The dog isn't always in a work state , is it?

Edit: Oops! You just addressed that as I was typing :)

Thanks,
Zep--

I do not belong to a Sch club, I do not train for sport anymore, when I did, it was the NVBK, but, there is no money in training top dogs, so...thats another thread. My dogs work on a daily basis and because of the nature of our work, they have to interact with thousands of people daily. I have never had a problem walking a dog between several thousand people to get to my destination, my dog never bit anyone while doing this and I do not consider it a problem.
I will say that when we speak of dogs, before we can say anything regarding training, socialization, etc, we must first and foremost think of PROPER selection of the right candidates for the job on hand.
I also live in the middle of a big city, I also take my dogs out daily, but, while they are not allowed to be touched, they are also sound enough in temperament and clear in the head to not simply want to engage everything they see. It has worked well for me for over 30 years now, I cant complain, but, I also cant tell anyone else how to handle their dogs.

HiredDog,

I'm not looking to make money. :) I'm looking to have a trained GS dog for once (not counting the trained crazy one!).

I've been told, pedigree wise, my dog has great potential. I love GSD's but I bought this one from loving the picture of him, it was only afterwards I learned of the pedigree he has (Grandson of Vegas Mansard). When The ad said Bloodline 2X VA1 I had no idea what that meant, was just letters and numbers to me. I liked the photo, went to visit breeder, put down a deposit and eventualy bought the pup. It was only afterwards doing the research I was like, WHAT THE HELL DID I JUST BUY! I can't believe it! :)

Now the pedigree could mean everything or it could mean nothing. We'll love the dog just the same.

I want to give the dog a chance to excel by taking him to training, if he fails or I fail him in training, we'll still be family. :)

Zep--

Zep, Jim gives great advice.

With puppies and people, think developmentally. Puppies should be friendly, they need friends. Adults need to be wary. They understand threat. Don't give a pup threat before they can handle it, that equates to trauma. 

Good luck.

"""I will say that when we speak of dogs, before we can say anything regarding training, socialization, etc, we must first and foremost think of PROPER selection of the right candidates for the job on hand.
I also live in the middle of a big city, I also take my dogs out daily, but, while they are not allowed to be touched, they are also sound enough in temperament and clear in the head to not simply want to engage everything they see. It has worked well for me for over 30 years now, I cant complain, but, I also cant tell anyone else how to handle their dogs."""

........AMEN, HIRED DOG


ZEP---- "Everyone at the club I visited was meeting and greeting and petting and playing, when it came time for the work, the dogs worked even though there was a crowd pf praising petters and fun doggies on the sidelines. Now it's my first time there, but that looks like pretty good training to ignore all that love waiting there. :)"

That's great. But I've also seen this back fire. Not only in training but in trials. I'm not saying it can't be done. Many times a young dog in training will checkout in training and go to club memeber "Pets-A-lot". I rather it never happen than have to train them not to let it happen again.

Your O/P asked who's wrong Ed or the Club. The answer is neither. As you can see their are different camps on this. Whatever works for you is the best way to go.

Glad to see another new person in the sport. We need a lot more for the sport to grow. I wish you and your new pup all the best.


Rick

We started taking Ikon to the Hospital to visit patients as soon as he had his Rabies Vac, and he was petted by all.   He went to Petco, the Mall and everywhere else we went and met a lot of people he hadn't seen.  Unless I got a neg vibe from someone myself Ikon visited with them. 
   Due to health issues on my part time passed and we didn't get to Obedience classes as I'd planned, but when he was just short of 2 years had the chance to show in breed under Heir Scheld out in Buffalo.  Because he'd been well socialized the first part of his life he took a 5 hour ride in a strange crate in the bed of a truck (Firmly tied down crates folks not in any danger) Slept in his crate in a strange place one night and went into the ring with almost a complete stranger on the lead.  Came out with an SG 1 rating, and compliments from the judge on both his conformation and his attitude.   When we were all sitting around after the show talking Ike hopped up on the picnic table in the center of the crowd and lay down so everyone could admire him. 
   My point.... Good genes #1 + Good early socialization # = a well grounded stable dog who can take on whatever you choose to aim him at later on.  Ikon wasn't raised JUST to be able to do schutzhund as an adult, but to do pet therapy, herding, AKC obedience  and most of all a companion who can go absolutely everywhere with me and not be nervy about it.