Jeannette, Don't be discouraged! You probably have a wonderful dog. Sometimes I too get tired of hearing that the solution to many dogs problems is weak nerves. "Oh. He must have weak nerves. That's why he's doing this." Every dog is different. Just like many people. Heck, 98% of dogs in the world probably have what is defined by this board as weak nerves.

I really do enjoy this board and it's discussions. I admire the working dog segment of the population and what they are trying to do to bring back the working temperament in many of these dogs. But face it, most pet owners couldn't live with a dog like this. If that makes my dog "weak nerved" then so be it. He is admired by many and is welcome in many stores, banks, etc. nonetheless.

My overall point being that there really is no substitute for proper obedience training, supervision, and responsible dog ownership. Training can solve or redirect many "defects" in a dogs personality, regardless of breed. "Labelling" a dog is very discouraging. Granted, training can't solve all problems, but it's a start.

(Step down...) OK. I'm off my high horse now. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

I can certainly sympathize with both the family members being unable to command the dog effectively, and with the idea of having a "weak nerved" dog. I try to "coach" my family members, rather than "rescue" the dog. If I see one of the kids, for example, just letting the dogs out of their crates without a "wait" and release, I coach them through the proper procedure. Sometimes it takes several times before they get it. Or, they'll use the wrong terminology. My husband is really bad about that. He confuses "down" with "off" all the time. I continue to coach him, and to explain that the dogs need to be able to understand what he wants if they are to obey him. I do catch myself interfering sometimes, and have to step back and let him handle it.
As for the "weak nerve" issue, some would say that that is the case with my dog, as when I first got him, he would react fearfully to meeting strangers. This is the same dog that has hot-loaded a military aircraft with complete confidence, and who has shown no fear of divers in full diving gear. He hasn't reacted fearfully to a stranger in quite some time now, even allowing himself to be "mobbed" by middle school students recently, in a relaxed and happy manner. I have found that he takes comfort from my direction in stressful situations, and is easily redirected through obedience. I just have to show him that I am in control of the situation, and not allow him to decide what his response will be. However, I do expect that if a stranger were to approach in a threatening manner, my dog would probably freak and go into avoidance. Not a good SchH prospect, but that's not why I have him.

Hi Jeanette,

One of our dogs (1 1/2 year old) raises her hackles to varying degrees (depending on how much energy she has) when we are playing keep away with her, when she's playing with the other dogs, and other times when she is happily excited. She never raises her hackles during protection work or at other times.

About nipping your father-in-law. Could be that your dog needs a little training to tamp down her nipping. She sounds like a high-spirited girl and if that was the only incident of nipping(accidentally) and the raised hackles were the only other change in her behavior, I wouldn't be worried.

Bob

Sch3FH2, I agree with your general definition of weak nerves.

To make it more specific I would add that:

Weak nerves are evident when a dog perceives threats in everyday (common) situations
Mediocre nerves = dog perceives threat in new or stressful situations
Strong nerves = dog perceives threat when a real or direct physical threat is present

Hackles alone do not ALWAYS mean weak nerves. Can a dog with weak nerves be a good pet??? Sure, with good training and an attentive handler.

One thing to point out here is that having "weak nerves" isn't necessarily a bad thing. It depends on the purpose the dog is intended for. Is this a dog that is likely to make it as a Patrol dog, I doubt it. Is it going to make a good Schutzhund prospect, I don't think so but the evaluation will tell that.

The other thing that becomes an issue with a dog like this for evaluation is the dogs history. If you look at my Giant in a training situation you would swear he has very weak nerves. If I didn't know the dog I would say that by watching him in training. You would also swear that this dog has absolutely no prey drive at all, at home he has prey drive like crazy. It is a training issue caused by a bad job of getting him started. He is never going to be really impressive in a training situation, he will never trial, but don't try and break into my house or hurt my wife. He will take you out in a heart beat. In the training situation he was badly trained to start with and that has colored all of the training he has had since. Away from the training field he is a completely different dog.

This dog, even with "bad nerves" may be able to be trained as a protection dog. It may be limited in scope and place, but it may still be able to be done. It may even be able to do some Schutzhund work under certain circumstances. This is a term that sounds negative when it probably really isn't. For the people that care about it, it is a negative because it means that the dog won't fit the purpose they want the dog for. The other point is that if the dog is going to be trained it is going to more time than many people are going to be willing to put in to the dog. For me it is usually not a big issue because I have nothing but time with my dogs. Unless I am looking for a trial dog, all I really need is a dog that will bark at the door.

One other thing, many protection breed dogs, and hunting dogs tend to be mouthy. They take comfort in holding on to the people they like. It can be a real pain to break them of the habit. My BRT pup is terrible about it, she also licks like crazy.

Richard, I have started a new thread "weak nerves and protection training" to discuss issues that do NOT relate to the dog in this thread.

Jeanette,
How is your dog's prey drive? Does she like to fetch or play tug? If she has little drive for the above try t develop it ad use food in lieu of the ball. If you want , try the following and see how it works:
When you let her out in the morning use a long lead and go out with her to "check out" the yard let her circle it at the end of the line and give her a "clear" release command and play fetch and let her go to the bathroom, etc. Praise her a lot while she checks out the area and after you "clear" her evolve the fetch to a fetch/obedience routine. Whenever you can work her in strange places on long line with the fetch and obed. If she hackles meeting new people or strangers give her a "clear" comandand start playing fetch and obed the put her in a down stay so she can relax and learn to be at ease with the situation after the clear command. I would use a correction if she defied your clear command and then redirect her with obed. and reward afterward with fetch or tug. Hackles aren't the optimal response you want from your dog but a little is alright as long a the dog has forward action and a clear head to obey your commands. Maybe the addition of the new pup bought out some new maternal instincts in the dog that she had or has to settle with or it's a short phase that she will grow out of. I hope this helps.

George