Washed Out - Page 1

When is a dog considered "washed out"? And I'm not talking pigment. Any idea how often this occurs? Reasons? 

The reasons why can depend on what the dog is being trained for. A Schutzhund prospect would wash out for different things then say a Service Dog. I would say though that a lot of the time it has something to do with the dogs temperament or personality. It's hard to say how often it occurs.

Beth

There are many reasons a dog could "wash out."  It depends on what the dog was being trained for.  Usually it is lacking in drive (there are many different drives), character flaws, weak temperamnet, health issues, environmental issues.  There are a multitude of reasons. Many dogs are "washed out" of Police work for problems that arise in bite work or environmental issues, i.e. slick floors.  Perhaps they are gunshy.   Doesnt mean they wouldn't make wonderful pets, just not cut out for a cetain "job."  Just like most people.

JMO,

JIm

I never consider a dog washed out till I try it on substance detection, another lesson learned from 20-20 hindsight.
SS

BEETREE THIS IS A GREAT TOPIC YOU LITTLE TEMPTRESS. I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW TOO. ALL MY LIFE I HAVE HEARD OTHERS SAY RONNIE IS A WASHOUT. RONNIES ALL WASHED OUT. IS IT BECAUSE I AM SO CLEAN.

The fabric can no longer withstand the process.
Maybe from too many heavy loads.
Things come unravelled and begin to fall away.

Anything can wear out given enough stress.

Even something made of steel.

Would the wrong type of training for a particular type of dog cause a dog to become "washed out"? Could that be a definition as well as that of a dog expressing a genetic type weakness, ie. gunshy nerves making a dog unsuitable for LE purpose?




Ronnie when it comes to the wash, I'm still debating whether I should share my dirty little secret ... on a different thread though... 'till then, stay squeaky clean, for me ok?

I agree with Nia.   The training usually shows the dog isn't suitable for a certain type of activity.  Your question is a little vague.  You could change training styles to suit a paticular dog and try to mask it's flaws.  This is done all of the time with sport dogs.  For a Police K-9 I'd rather the training expose the flaws in the dog.  Then you can decide whether or not the dog is suitable and can still perform the task.   You don't want to cover up serious flaws with a police K-9.  Some issues you can work through with reasonably good results.  Remember every dog has some flaw or issue.    I have yet to meet the "perfect" dog that has no issues.  I've worked some excellent dogs but never a perfect one.

Jim

When I bought my Axel from Mike Worrall I asked him for any advise on the pup and what he told me still stays with me " There is nothing more embarresing then going to a trial and getting beat by a dog you once owned and sold because you said it would never do the worK"   

The trainner has as much to do with the abality of the dog as it does.