April 21, 2011

Could you please give me some in-sight on the term HDD (handler dependent dog).

Full Question:
Could you please give me some in-sight on the term HDD (handler dependent dog) My trainer in agility is throwing this term around and I believe she has the wrong idea on what in really means. I believe a team needs to build confidence in each others and in return that helps a dog not be so dependent on our every move. But she thinks it means that a dog should be able to work with any one and wants us to let some one else take our dog through the course. I'm not so ready to turn my leash over to anyone else. Any information that you can give me is great. FYI: I'm working with a Boston Terrier, who next month goes for her CGC and next spring her CD. she is a great working little dog. Thank you again.
Cindy
Cindy Cindy's Answer:
It’s your dog and if you don’t want to let anyone else take your dog, then that’s your prerogative. I feel the same way. At the facility where I train for agility, it’s not unusual for the instructors to let others take their dogs on runs but I don’t agree with it. It’s a personal thing and when people are running other dogs I just watch and keep my dog with me.

I WANT my dog being in tune with me, focused and dependent on me during an agility run, in my opinion it’s the core of the whole sport. The relationship between dog and handler is what makes agility so much fun!

Everyone has their own ideas and philosophy, and you need to do what feels right for you and your dog.

I hope this helps.

Cindy
User Response:
I thank you so much for your reply. And for your support, in what I knew was right but needed someone with knowledge to support me. I'm new to both agility and to this group so I didn't want to be oust because I didn't go along with their views, BUT I will never let my dog down.

Again Thank you so much.

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Expert Dog Trainer Cindy Rhodes
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