Hi everybody,

I have found some time ago a stray dog, a pitiful skeletton. He always followed me, when I was on walk with one of my other dogs. I took him to the Vet, who told me, that he must have recieved a very strong blow from someone on his head. It is healed, but there is still kind of indentation to see on the forehead. Because of this blow he now has difficulties with the equilibrium and the coordination. The Vet said he'd be stupid for ever, it would not be worth the trouble to teach him something. I think, this must be a prejudice.

I didn't have the time yet to train him reasonably,as I have 3 other dogs. But I have started a bit with marker training. I've charged the marker, he's had his first short lessona for hand touch and was doing quite well, he knows to sit (not yet reliably) and he comes immediately, when I call him. Even if he is chasing a motorcycle or a bycicle, he turns and runs back to me without hesitation. Is such a dog unable to learn???
I've got quite a lot of DVDs of Leerburg and also taken the relationship course of Mark Keating and the course of Forrest Micke.

So I could go on just trying. But if anyone had experiences with a comparable dog, I'd be very grateful for any advices, tips etc.

Thanks in advance for an answer.

Christina

Christina,

Congratulations! You have seen a creature in need and have acted with kindness and compassion. Says a lot about the person you are.

The dog can learn. Will it be a world class example of a well trained dog? Who knows? Will it be a good companion? I believe so.

I have a rescue that came into my life emaciated with bulging eyes and prominent ribs. It is still here. In some ways I care more about that poor little dog than other more impressive dogs that are here. In many ways I let that little dog get away with more stuff than any of the other dogs. I seem to forgive her more. Her training has not resulted in the compliance levels of the other dogs but she is kind and gentle.

Some times it is the least of our creatures that, for whatever reason, occupy a bigger part of our hearts. I care for each of my dogs but little Kai has her special place.

So, what difference does it make in the grand scheme of things if the poor dog is a high performer? You train the dog to the level it can achieve and take pride in yourself and pleasure in the presence of the dog. But what do I know?

Your vet has an opinion. Everyone has opinions. If I had listened to opinions about some of the dogs that have come through the house, they would have been given a needle. I didn't and they all found forever homes. I'm grateful for the lessons each taught me. You may learn more than you impart to the poor little dog. I think you have the heart to understand this.

Good for you.

Edited by Mike Arnold (03/07/2015 09:46 AM)
Edit reason: spelling

A stray dog will form a tremendous bond to a person who takes up with him.

Thanks so much, Mike, for your answer. It makes me feel very happy to hear from someone, who thinks like I do. (This is mostly not the case here in my region of Brazil). I do not want to make a champion of Charlie. All I want is, to give him the best I can, all according to his abilities. To be taught something is great fun for him. I'd be satisfied to achieve just this, but if this motivates him to learn something - even better. I'm sure, he can.
What you write about Kai reminds me perfectly on Charlie, although they have a different history, but obviously both a horrible one. There is one thing you wrote, which impressed me especially: that each dog taught you a lesson. This is exactly how I feel.

Thank you so much!

Christina

Thanks, Betty. Glad to hear this. You're perfectly right. There is a strong bond with this gentle dog and us.

Christina

I'm afraid I don't have any previous experience in similar situations that I can share with you, but I want to say that I think you are an angel to take this dog under your wing. Yes, I guess it does sound like the poor guy probably has some type of brain damage, but I disagree with your vet that it would not be worth the trouble to try to train him. Any kind of training and interaction you can provide him will enrich his life. And I agree with Mike that each dog that comes into our lives teaches us important lessons, too!

My parents have a Boston Terrier lovingly referred to as "box of rocks" as far as her intelligence level goes. It took almost 4 months to teach this dog how to shake paw with someone and even longer before she seemed to recognize the house she lived in even though she was walked daily. She is very sweet but a complete idiot.

This stray that you picked up sounds pretty normal. There are different areas of the brain and just because one is damaged it doesn't mean the others are. There are lots of animals with a head tilt or other neurological problem who are of normal intelligence.

100% on Mike's post above!

I think the word "stupid" is one of those human words like "stubborn" arrogant" flipping me the bird", etc, etc that people try to pin on dogs.

I think they can all be rolled into one sentence.

Confused by their trianers!

If the dog isn't learning then somewhere we aren't being successful with getting the training across to them.

A chicken can be trained (markers) to perform tricks so why not a dog with a possible learning disability.

I say go for it and you'll become a much better trainer for it!

Thank you so much Cathy. So I think I'm on the right way. Charlie is a wonderful dog.I wouldn't give him away for no money or whatever.I am 100% of your opinion. It only annoys me sometimes to hear so often the commentaries and also reproaches of some people, who think it would be better to make an end to his suffering. But he doesn't suffer, he is a happy dog, who enjoys it, whenever I play with him a bit or train him, which seems to be the same thing for him.

Thank you!

Christina

Hi Cheri. Charlie is an angel, not I. He is giving me so much, he really enriches my live, and yes I have learned from each dog I have. But in my inside I'm getting sometimes angry about certain opinions. But I will have to bear them. They will not change my attitude to Charlie, who has earned to lead a good life, not less than a any genius.

Thank you

Christina