If you are not a Control Freak... - Page 1

Oh well I'm out...

if those are your views, dont get a working dog.......eventually you WILL be sorry.

buy a cat instead, no wait, a gold fish might be better....

dogs are pack animals, they must be raised and treated as such. you do not have to be cruel, you do have to set rules and dominancy........

I'm not a control freak, but I expect my GSDs to obey me and follow house rules. OK, I'm not a control freak about some things, but you have to be the top dog in your home if you have GSDs. Anyone who wants a pet they don't have to control should get a cat. Trust me on this, I have a cat too.

I think I hit the core issue of what is the well defined way of raising GSD. Is there a iron clad method? How can I maintain my human nature without becoming a dog myself and yet control my pooch:)? This is not just a frivolous question but may help a lot of people getting into owning dogs. Can I wear 2 caps? Human & DOG? or there a middle path?

regards  & Thanks

I  don;t want to sound too philosophical here but can the dog be made to realize thru training that his spirit is close to my soul? A 2 year old brained animal this may be a herculian task. Can this be endowed thru genetics?

regards

I don't think that is training your wondering about, that would be the bond you have with your dog. Some dogs are old souls or you think  they must have been human in a past life, others...they are just, dumb dogs.

I wouldn't expect less from my dogs than I do my children.  Pups like little kids need structure, routine, discipline, love and praise.  In turn you get the respect, love, devotion and behavior you've enstilled.  I wouldn't necessarily say sternness is being a "control freak". lol  Although if you ask my husband he'll tell you I may have a little of that quality too. lol 

All of my dogs have a different personality just like all my kids.  One may be more sensitive and more eager to please than the other who is more hard headed and stubborn who wants to push my buttons.  In the end they all see it my way.

Wow! What a thoughtful question. I too believe that control is an illusion. And it’s proven to me every time someone walks off of a trial field saying “He’s never done that before”.

Have you investigated clicker training?

Christopher you have made a great suggestion. I've seen some wonderful things done with clicker style training but I would not go so far as to say clicker trainer is for those who aren't control freaks.  You have to be far more particular.... for example reinforcement schedules?   On the other side of the coin I've seen some out of control, potential child eater, that could do cool tricks when the treat what just right.

Love the motivational methods but at some point you and the dog (child or husband) are going to disagree about what needs to happen in any given situation.  What if you dog knows what you want but chooses to ignore you?  As far as I know the only answer is an aversive.  I believe life calls it consequence.  I'd rather be the one to teach them to my dog safely.  Clicker style training is only part of a much larger picture.