Quote: Al Curbow

Am i the only guy that let's his dogs be dogs most of the time?

No, I don't think so. I just glanced at the bed and currently have 3 out of 4 of the girls sprawled out snoring away. The 4th, Caterina (a 62 lb Malinois), is trying to worm her way onto my lap.

My dogs are dogs most of the time. I have fun with my dogs. I enjoy my dogs. I train some basic bite work, agility, tracking, and Rally-O. My dogs will never win any national titles, but that wasn't my goal when I brought them to live with me. They are first and foremost, friends and companions.

The problem, as I saw it, was that the OP was having troubles with members of her family disrespecting her training methods. It really is hard to live in the same house and train a dog with people like that when your original intent was for the dog to interact with everyone in the household. It's much easier (on the trainer and the dog) when all the members of the pack are on the same page. Even house breaking can be a trial when half your family is scoffing at you.

I think she just wanted a few ideas on how to approach her kids. And to vent a little. She certainly sounds like a tough lady, and I know that she will set her boys straight. Teenagers are the hardest creature to train, and I do wish her luck.

Since Caterina is succeeding in her mission, I will sign off now and give her some hugs....

 Quote: kelly at leerburg

No, I don't think so. I just glanced at the bed and currently have 3 out of 4 of the girls sprawled out snoring away. The 4th, Caterina (a 62 lb Malinois), is trying to worm her way onto my lap.

I am shocked! Dogs on the bed!? Joking. The most we have had is five Labs -- because we only have a queen sized bed and the other two can't fit!

I solved my problem with family member doing differently from what I did -- I stuck with my ways and let them do it their way. The pack is well trained and I hold the leadership position so I have no problems with happy compliance. The other half of the human family, on the other hand, has resorted to yelling, explaining 'why,' multiple commands and physically moving dogs (off the chair, off her lap, etc.). While letting her "do it her way" -- what? This is a Burger King commercial? -- the dogs still respond to me wonderfully, I am not totally peeved and we (the humans) no longer argue over training. It is a hoot!

Having said that, my wife has successfully certified four of our dogs for CGC and Therapy Dogs International (even if she cannot get them to go out the back door when we leave the house.....hee hee!).

Christopher Walter