So, April 7th Titan will test for the CGC. Ought to be interesting. I've got 14 days to really attend to Titan's more 'focused' training. He has enjoyed the luxury of casual pet training, for the most part. Mea culpa.

The real issue will be socialization. Great with people, and with most dogs but... He is disinclined to be submissive to another dog, though it is not a trait he demonstrates here 'cause I am that other dog.

The group with dogs interaction leg may be the most interesting part.

Gonna be visiting other GSD chums with Titan for some interaction drills with variously mannered mutts.

The clock ticks... He will take Max's place in therapy dog stuff as he has almost in my heart.

That is so great Mike. I know you provide an interim placement for rescues at times, but it doesn't sound like this boy is going anywhere.

So in the interest of discussion, should one of those dogs, that display your characteristics , attempt to interact with Titan, what's your course of action going to be?

And best of luck with the CGC. I can just imagine what a wonderful team the two of you are going to make. Creating those positive little impacts that truly have a time altering affect on people.

Titan showed up here as a rescue to be fostered but I almost immediately decided to adopt him. So he's here for good.

My style, to intercept unwanted interaction from another dog, is to refocus the dog with me on me with a 'hissss' or tap of the leash or a 'no.' Some thing that reminds the dog it is with me and I'll deal with the other dog. In some situations I might sit the dog or do a 360 or even down the dog. An action that reminds the dog I am in control of the situation.

Some folks use a 'leave it' or 'watch me' command but I try not to use any two word commands, if I use commands.

As an aside, I had a spirited conversation with an individual at a therapy dog test who insisted 'leave it' was the only acceptable command to direct the dog to ignore a pill on the floor, or bit of food, or whatever. I noted that I just use a quiet 'no' and it was enough. It got resolved when her several enthusiastically delivered 'leave its' didn't work when her dog was test tempted by a treat on the floor, and my look at my dog did. Yup, that was a boast, and a bit of arrogance, mea culpa.

Now to see if the 'look' will stand up to the test with Titan.

Mike thats plenty of time, lol.
Good luck to you & Titan have fun.

I would have liked to be there for that conversation would have been interesting, like the word choice really matters.

I mean you could use house for sit, "jump" means down, "hello" means go to your bed, you could get real creative and you would really turn some heads.

Mike a good one for the food refusal would be "get it" or "eat it", lol.

Today... Raining. I don't like to work in the rain under any circumstance but...

Today it is my reactions tests for loud noises, umbrellas, pets and people interactions. Taking Titan to the pet store is a way to work in an environment of smells, distractions, animals and people. Might even buy some thing.

I normally use a good dog collar but for the past week or so it has been loose flat collar only. And very quiet commands, if not hand gestures.

The test we'll really work on today is animal distractions, I think. Titan is still puppy inquisitive but also disinclined to be submissive. Should be interesting at the pet store.

 Quote: Mike Arnold

Today... Raining. I don't like to work in the rain under any circumstance but...

Today it is my reactions tests for loud noises, umbrellas, pets and people interactions. Taking Titan to the pet store is a way to work in an environment of smells, distractions, animals and people. Might even buy some thing.

I normally use a good dog collar but for the past week or so it has been loose flat collar only. And very quiet commands, if not hand gestures.

The test we'll really work on today is animal distractions, I think. Titan is still puppy inquisitive but also disinclined to be submissive. Should be interesting at the pet store.

I hope we will get to hear about this!


PS
I have to psych myself to work in the rain, too.

So, Titan, where do we stand?

Accept friendly stranger - check
Sitting politely for petting - check
Appearance and grooming - Appearance check; grooming, mea culpa
Walking on loose lead - check
Walking through crowd - check
Sit, down, stay - check
Come - check
Reaction to another dog - check
Reaction to distraction - check
Supervised separation - check

But what do I know? Next Saturday the moon might be in the wrong alignment.

Mike

Good luck, Mike! Can't wait to hear how you guys do.

Good luck, Mike. I'm sure he will do fine with you at the helm.:-)