Quote: steve strom

Its tough sometimes, the minute little details that can stress and pressure some dogs. I know I'm not a good match with a sensitive dog. Its not because I get angry or anything, more that I'm just not much of a cheerleader like they seem to need. Its like its one of those thiings you can't fake.

Steve, you've said exactly how I feel. It just makes me feel like an even worse owner to even bring this up on this forum let alone consider my home isn't the best for this dog. I too just don't have that cheerleader demenor and I feel it is coming to light now more than ever.

It is amazing how my two dogs who are the same age are just so drastically apart. They have changed so much it is great to see them grow and develop. I just never saw it happening this way. Well for now I'm still not gonna give up but I will most definitely be a realist on this situation. Again, it is what is best for the dog comes before my wants and needs.

Debbie, that story is exactly what I'm afraid of. I feel as if an unintentional event like that though so small to me could have ruined my relationship with this dog which whom I've raised. She is a great dog and has no reason to feel as though I'm out to get her. And it has to be a tough situation for her as I'm still the one that feeds her. That fear in her eyes is haunting me.

Thank you all for being so understanding of this situation. It gives me more confidence in handling this situation appropriately. I have two trainers lined up for training sessions and I will keep you all posted.

-Lamarr

Edited by Lamarr Couttien (12/15/2010 12:32 PM)
Edit reason: more to write

My two shepherds are 1/2 brothers and nothing alike. Andy is different from them. It took working with the three of them for me to figure out why I can accomplish things with one and not the other. I'm an insensitive clod Lamarr, and I do better with a harder, forgiving dog.

I don't know that your not the best home for her Lamarr, more just that you may need to adjust your goals and expectations. Probably with her, a little bit goes a long way in everything. Attention, training, even petting.

Sometimes too Lamarr, its not always exactly fear you may be seeing. There can be a bit of anticipation thats stressful for some dogs. Its like when you use the quick turns and jerks with the leash to stop them from pulling. Some dogs will go through a period of real nervous heeling because they're trying so hard to comply with something thats unpredictable to them. Until they settle down enough to actually learn what you're trying to teach, they can look like a wreck.