Gary Garner Webboard User Reg: 10-24-2003
Posts: 84
Loc: Yorkshire, England, UK
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At what age should a pup be giving eye contact? I mean prolonged eye contact?
Reason I say, is that my 15 week old GSD bitch will look at me in the eyes, when I call her name...and will hold that gaze for up to 30 seconds....often more..with a quick glance away...and then back again....
It's certainly helps with obedience training at this young age..... as she's very focussed...
The other day, at the working dog group I attend... she managed eye focus/contact with me despite other dogs doing heel training/work in and out of us...
It sounds a daft question, as I'm aware she sounds a joy...but I can't help but thinking that she's a bit OTT at times..and tries to be overly dominant..... I'm also thinking that her intense behaviour might be a problem later...
Having said all of the above.... I can't believe how well she's coming along...
Reg: 01-23-2006
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Loc: Cali & Wash State
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As far as the focus goes, if you are planning to do schutzhund sport with her, reward BIG time for that focus. I wouldn't assume this is a dominant gesture on her part. What else is she doing that makes you feel she is challenging you?
As far as the focus goes, if you are planning to do schutzhund sport with her, reward BIG time for that focus. I wouldn't assume this is a dominant gesture on her part. What else is she doing that makes you feel she is challenging you?
That focus will bode well for any and all training not just Shutzund it will include any type of agility or obedience training etc.
Consider yourself blessed that you don't have to work for that focus everything else will fall like dominoes if she is that in tune with you at that young age. I'm with Susan what are seeing that makes you think she is challenging your leadership?
Gary Garner Webboard User Reg: 10-24-2003
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Loc: Yorkshire, England, UK
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There are only small issues that are dominant...
For example....when we play, she will attempt to mount me.. especially when playing with tug/toy...
She is also quite dominant when she wants something, that she thinks/assumes i've got... but of course, such behaviour is pup like..and with her high drive breeding, I suppose it's to be expected... She will attempt to block my path etc...
Reg: 01-23-2006
Posts: 1608
Loc: Cali & Wash State
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Those aren't so much dominance "problems", more what a dog does in learning to play and in figuring out it's place with you & yoru family - she's just a baby. When she does the mounting thing, don't let her continue, don't make a real big deal of it, just redirect her. I think the focus thing is a real good thing and your dog looks to be a nice dog.
steve strom Webboard User Reg: 03-17-2006
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Quote:
I'm also thinking that her intense behaviour might be a problem later...
Be careful not to let your training get boring. My dog seemed to be born with drive and focus, and competition obedience titles were just waiting for us. By the time I figured out it wasnt my training he had discovered other dogs and everything else was a lot more interesting and It's taken almost 2yrs to get the focus back.
Gary Garner Webboard User Reg: 10-24-2003
Posts: 84
Loc: Yorkshire, England, UK
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Perhaps I spoke a bit too soon...
Just got back from exercising/training my pup..and it was a bit of a disappointment today... She wasn't very focused at all...and on several times her recall wasn't there.. she was more interested in smells etc... (not really like her)..
She still had drive for the toy and food...but there was something distinctly lacking..today... and I think I felt negative..and it was a bit of a vicious circle..if you know what I mean..
Michele McAtee Webboard User Reg: 02-05-2006
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Loc: Iowa City, Iowa
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When Cato (now 5.5 months) was heavy teething, his focus got all off...I really had to keep my expectations in check. How's her teeth doing? If I remember, she's a lil younger than Cato.
Gotta "read your dog" like Sandy signs, and keep sessions short and always positive...patience. It comes and goes. Remember, your pup will be at least a year before you get anything solid (*all things considered*) and I've read about 2 years old before dog will be reliable.
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