Quote: anitagard

Good for you! Maybe what you did is took the "fun" out of her being stubborn. It didn't get her anywhere, so she quit. Sort of the same principle as with my pup - when it stopped being productive, he quickly forgot about it and went on to more interesting things. Sounds like you're on to something there.

Sigh... If only you Brits would read some of the studies that have been done showing choke and flat collars damage dogs' tracheas, whereas prong collars don't. But at least you don't slice up their ears. But hacking off their tails is okay.... As we say in the South: Go figure.

Cheers!

"Sigh... If only you Brits would read some of the studies that have been done showing choke and flat collars damage dogs' tracheas, whereas prong collars don't."

I think it is just that prong collars have never really 'caught on' over here, you never see anyone use them, perhaps the brutal appearance puts people off. E-collars are soon to be banned in Wales (uk) anyway so i bet the prong collar will be soon to follow.

"But at least you don't slice up their ears. But hacking off their tails is okay.... As we say in the South: Go figure."

Not for much longer it wont be okay - in April 2007 there will be a docking ban coming in to force in both England & Wales which will outlaw docking tails of all but 'working' dog breeds so we are making progress over here pretty quick.


Back to my pup, we have only had one 'accident' indoors today and she is asleep now, so i can safely do some things around the house i meant to do earlier on.

Mark.

Hey - that's great news on the docking ban. I'm curious as to the exemption for working breeds, though. What's the reasoning, and are, say, cocker spaniels considered a working breed? Maybe only if they're field trained? Someone else posted a link to a video of Rottweilers doing bite work. The first thing I noticed is the dogs all had long tails! And Rotts are in almost everyone's definition of "working breeds". I think the video was from Germany, but I'm not sure. But it didn't look like having long tails was hindering their work much.

Anita,

Here is a link to the Animal welfare act which contains the info about the docking ban, it is very long winded & you need to scroll down for further links regarding the docking ban. There was too much to c&p.

http://www.opsi.gov.uk/acts/acts2006/20060045.htm

It will make it an offence to exibit any dog that was docked on or after the permitted date except any dog listed as a working dog (whatever that means!).

The list of dogs recognised as working dogs are any dogs used for following purposes :-

(a) law enforcement,
(b) activities of Her Majesty's armed forces,
(c) emergency rescue,
(d) lawful pest control, or
(e) the lawful shooting of animals


Like you say - go figure! LOL

Mark.

Well, that's clear as mud! Interesting reading, though. Thanks for the link.

Hey Mark, that's great news.

I will offer one more bit of advice though. I know what you are doing now is working but try to mix up the stopping for breaks when she acts up. By this I mean, maybe one time stop and hang out and then move on, but the next time give a couple tugs on leash and work her through it. If you get into the habit of stopping for awhile everytime she acts up, you are creating a habit of the dog hampering with your leadership. I'm glad you're getting the dog out the door successfully now, that's good news.

Some sage advice is to always remember, that no matter what happens you need to be calm and cool in all situations. If you're losing it, then the dog will panic cause you're supposed to be the leader. This even applies to when the dog gets hurt. You have to stay calm in all situations. Remember in a pack environment the hurt dog gets killed, eaten or both.

Thanks Chris,

This is all being absorbed - i am working with the advice i have been given & my biggest downfall (i think) is that i am not being patient enough. I agree in so much that i do need to remain calm when she acts up & am determined to work through it - although it does look like i am in this for the long haul with this pup at the moment, but i guess i knew it would not be a walk in the park!

Mark.

It never is my friend. You're in it for the long haul, that's for sure. That's what makes pets so unique, they are individuals just like us and they all have their own quirks. Keep on trying and if you're losing patience, just know when to stop so you don't make things worse. I try to say Leadership as much as possible when dealing with my clients because it is so important when dealing with dogs.

Do you have bums or vagrants in the U.K.? If you do, then watch one that has a dog sometime. It is amazing the bond they have, but most importantly is how these dogs have absolutely no issues. They follow along with little regard to anything but their leader. Anyway, I am glad things are getting better for you, keep up with it and you will not be disappointed.

This website has been a sanity saver in more ways than you could ever imagine! lol


Chris,

we do have 'bums & vagrants' just the same as you, we call them 'tramps' although the politically correct version of that is 'homeless person' according to our community leaders, but you are quite right - there is one who has the most obedient English Bull Terrier i have ever seen in our part of town. As you say - leadership!

Mark.

I have had a few dark days but there has also been very good progress to report.

I had a mishap the other day when i went to lift my pup over the porch step, she lunged upwards and bit my face. It was just boistrous playing, she did not 'go for me' as such & it was purely accidental - i got too close when she was messing about.

It seems to have brought things to a head now and i have resolved to go back to square one and start again. I got someone to go for walks with me because i know my pup loves to meet people so it seemed like a good idea and a good distraction.

We went for a walk this morning and Cassie was so excited about going outside to meet my neighbour (who came to walk with us) that she ran to the door really excited and was pawing at it for me to open it for her - i was shocked how keen she now is to go out the door. We had a very successful couple of days now and i am keeping up the good work by taking her out every day.

It has been frustrating to say the least, and i am sure she will have 'off' days again, but so far we have made great progress.

Thank you all for your words of advice, you have all been really helpful.

Mark.