Too much handler focus/reliability???

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by 4GSDK9 on 04 October 2009 - 21:10

Can a puppy or dog have too much handler focus/reliability? If so, how do you go about "correcting" this?

EDIT:
By focus/reliability I mean that my 5 month old GSD won't take more than 6 steps from me....I like his focus but I am use to more "independent" dogs and he seems "glued" to me which is nice for obedience but not so for much else. (He is happy, tail wagging, head up and in proper "German" heel position which is SUPER nice & is a great joy.)

by tiffae89 on 05 October 2009 - 00:10

If you have handler focus promote it!

Don't correct it!

Ocean had LOADS of focus from the day we met. I never wanted to loose it. Just remember to treat for the focus (even though the pup is giving it to you freely don't forget to reward the pup for the focus)

by clifford on 05 October 2009 - 01:10

it s so anoying i have a female she is older she is gloed on me i can cross the high way withe her ,every step in the house if i go to the bathroom she lay down by the door am tyrid of it

by MaggieMae on 05 October 2009 - 01:10

Clifford - does GS101 share your opinion ?

by SitasMom on 05 October 2009 - 02:10

Hanny is the same way. She sits by my feet, she follows me everywhere, she cries at the door when I leave.....She's polite to everyone else, but she doesn't seem to have a connection with them. After the puppies, I'm hoping she and I can become a real team.

by MVF on 05 October 2009 - 02:10

You do want focus. But you do NOT want separation anxiety.

So you must get the pup used to being alone, probably crated, of course with safe chew toys. You should pay attention to see if he is relaxed when unable to get to you.

Teach him a "watch me" command where he must keep his eyes on your face on command and not even move his eyes until you break the command. Build up so he does so even if you are waving around fav toys in your hand -- eyes are still on your face. When you do say "ok" and let him look away, he will be more relaxed. This will help him relax without watching you 24/7.

But NEVER correct the attention. If you remain the best TV station he's got, that will help you train and compete.

by dAWgESOME on 05 October 2009 - 03:10

Good suggestions MVF.

o/p
There is a difference between being focused and being clingy. Focus is alert, attentiveness with good eye contact. Clingy is insecurity, overly dependent behavior and lack of confidence. It is easy for the human mind to interpret clinginess as love but it is evidence of weakness (temperament traits, training, etc...)

imo

summer

by EUROSHEPHERDS on 05 October 2009 - 03:10

I would take him to kennel who do work with working dogs and leave him there for couple of days every other week for next few months.

by 4GSDK9 on 06 October 2009 - 11:10

He doesn't have any seperation anxiety that I witness....he is crated when we aren't spending time together & I am 100% focused on him or we are out working/training. He typically only makes a fuss when he needs to out but a few times he did make a little fuss when he heard people talking outside close to the house. But all I have to do is give him the command "enough" and he quiets down.

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