Confidence building - Page 2

VK4, BTDT, but, I am a human, I can intellectualize things like that, a dog cant. His nerves will determine his rate of recovery, regardless of how good Nan is.

Very true HD about the rate of recovery and I might add that for what this dog was bred to do which is conformation showing for which he did not like, was bred to be a tad bit softer in temperament than some of these working shepherds so it is quite possible he may NOT  be able to recover completely but I will go forward with him just as I have always done if they have been in some sort of a wreck but at his age he is starting to have some physical limitation as well as after this wreck so physical limitations will keep me from doing some things he would be able to do if he was a younger dog.  Like herding, like agility, hated the shows so is retired from that part but some landcart sledding, that type thing.  Sucks.

 

And I agree I do not want a soft temperament for any working breed.  If anything I am attracted to the harder, noisier, more obnoxious outgoing dogs but that doesn't fly in conformation necessarily.   Thanks for bringing all points to light as well as his recovery which may not happen. 

 

Nan

Wolf River on dams side;  Snoden on sire's side which goes back to some older Silver Moon lineage which I know was on the softer side.  Bred because of their excellent temperaments/conformation.  Truly the best of the best at that time which was 8 years ago. 

I don't know if this helps, but just to show it can go the

other way, when my GSD bitch was 10 months old she

was the victim of an unprovoked attack by two terrier types

running free off a Travellers Site.

 

She became convinced that the best form of defence was

attack.  With dogs and people.   A show dog who was fine in

situations (training club, the Showring etc) she was familiar with,

out and about she was nervous, reactive, and would nip first and

ask questions later.  I have no way of telling whether this was all down

to her being beaten up & wounded by the Travellers' dogs, or whether

that may have come out in her anyway.  She obviously found it

difficult to make canine friendships;  she was ever-loyal to any

human, once they established that they were not a threat.

 

She came to live with me when she was 3 1/2 ;  I worked on her problems

mainly by training her in Obedience and by 'swamping' her with the company

of other dogs.  Once she "got it" that calmer-natured, friendly canines (and their

owners) weren't out to kill her, she relaxed and made many playmates.  I still

had to watch her initially with all strange dogs and humans, for the rest of her

(long) life.

 

Geez the BC is getting a bad rap here. the breed could rightly be described as the worlds greatest working breed.
so much so they are banned in many comps to let all the other breeds have a chance at winning.

If they start in ipo they more than likely rule that as well.

passion is good but don't be blinded by it.

Yes Hundmutter;  I can understand why your girl was reactive to dogs and people.  Those damn dogs that attacked her and their people who did not stop it.  From a dogs standpoint I surely understand their way of thinking.  However this boy is now 8 years old, not able to be "rebuilt" so to speak;  just able to be comforted under his controlled walks.  I guess because of him being white/fuzzy/sweet tempered other dogs can smell this dog coming.   I am thinking about a basic obedience class for him though, I think that is a great way to help to rebuild his confidence and about the only way I can put him in harms way again by being in a controlled environment.  I do have a training facility I attend and am thinking about taking him there.  Have to think it over, I think him being around dogs that are also more or less under control and aren't going to be allowed to "get to him" as they do not allow any visiting in beginning OB, later Yes but no in beginning.  After all it is not puppy class or kindergarten it is basic ob.

 

Just thinking outloud, think I am going to do that.  Thx for the suggestion.  Have a great day  Nan

A scared dog is no fun, he does feel bad=the owner feels bad, too, and not every dog is Schwarzenegger...
A controlled obedience class is no bad idea, may help.
Playing / walking with females will help, too.
And the more he knows what to do ( obedience, control ) the better he will feel.
Give him success as often as possible ( praise, treats ) for things he did well - not only humans need success for their well-being, but dogs, too.
Poor old guy...

A big problem with service animals, such as Guide Dogs for the Blind, who need to be concentrating and can't afford to be looking over their shoulder. Attacks from a loose or stay dog/s are real trouble and have caused Guide Dogs into early retirement as they are no longer safe to their masters, once they loose the ability to focus of guiding.

I like Susie's advive, and also, be around other save natured people and pets that make your dog feel at ease.

I agree with the socialization around secure dogs;  What do you guys think about a little encouragement from handler about protection or being a little aggressive;  like teaching him to bare his teeth only when given the signal/command?  I taught my first service girl that, she loved it and would "smile" when I gave her the hand signal to do so.  Was quite funny, BUT, was helpful in some cases.  My rottweiler would not EVEN do that at all, looked at me like I was nuts.  He was protective but what I really called more of a "babysitter" than a protector, loved to sit with a group of kids all around him.  So precious.  Loved it.

 

Back to teaching some type of "tough guy" attitude to this 8 year old boy, what do you think??  Know it sounds obnoxious but could be useful and maybe change his mindset somewhat.  Food for thought.

 

Thx for all the guidance and assistance,  really appreciate new ideas.  Nan

VK4gsd I did not understand your last post re:  BC's??  Can you explain what you meant?  Thx  Nan