We'll begin the marker training "touch your face" as CJ described, today.

My goal is not to overpower the dog but to achieve "you are my friend and leader and I trust that you will not hurt me so do your thing" attitude.

Once again, just my 2 cents. We work on building a good relationship with our dogs, we work on training them in a manner that is motivational and rewarding. We train in baby steps and don't overwhelm them with things that they aren't set to handle.

But every so often there comes a time were we need to say "I'm the boss, this is the way it's going to be" If we've done a good job in laying a solid foundation as a benevolent leader, these times will not destroy that foundation. On the contrary, they cement our role as leader. In a way it's like being a parent.

So train for trust, set your dog up for success, but be prepared to be the mean parent every once and a while.

 Quote: Betty Landercasp

He has my undivided attention all my waking hours.

Here in may lie the problem.

 Quote: mara jessup

Once again, just my 2 cents. We work on building a good relationship with our dogs, we work on training them in a manner that is motivational and rewarding. We train in baby steps and don't overwhelm them with things that they aren't set to handle.

But every so often there comes a time were we need to say "I'm the boss, this is the way it's going to be" If we've done a good job in laying a solid foundation as a benevolent leader, these times will not destroy that foundation. On the contrary, they cement our role as leader. In a way it's like being a parent.

So train for trust, set your dog up for success, but be prepared to be the mean parent every once and a while.

I think Mara hit the nail on the head. Honestly, I have not had an ACD that has not tried to do this - even my perfect and brilliant Frost has tried to assert herself in a similar manner

It is a challenging breed and this is just par for the course. I like to think that my dogs and I have a good relationship filled with mutual love for each other. With that said, my dogs also know that there are fates worse than death and trying this sort of sh*t with me brings one to meet one of those fates.

In this sort of situation, I would have physically restrained the dog on its side even if it meant using a leg to hold the rear down and a forearm on the neck/side of head. I would probably be saying a few stern words in a serious voice while applying the ointment as well However, once the ointment was on, I would release the dog up and a reward it with verbal praise. I would also make a point to touch the face at other times during the day and reward with food for allowing the touch - making it almost a game so the dog associates positives with touching that area.

With this said, my motto is never start something you can't finish and if you (overall "you" not Betty "you") feel that you can't finish something like this, take the dog to someone who can either avoid the altercation or can finish it. Letting the dog win in situations like this is more detrimental to your relationship than having a Come to Jesus meeting with them in my opinion - which with 75 cents might get you a cup of coffee

 Quote: ingrid rosenquist

 Quote: mara jessup

Once again, just my 2 cents. We work on building a good relationship with our dogs, we work on training them in a manner that is motivational and rewarding. We train in baby steps and don't overwhelm them with things that they aren't set to handle.

But every so often there comes a time were we need to say "I'm the boss, this is the way it's going to be" If we've done a good job in laying a solid foundation as a benevolent leader, these times will not destroy that foundation. On the contrary, they cement our role as leader. In a way it's like being a parent.

So train for trust, set your dog up for success, but be prepared to be the mean parent every once and a while.

I think Mara hit the nail on the head. Honestly, I have not had an ACD that has not tried to do this - even my perfect and brilliant Frost has tried to assert herself in a similar manner

It is a challenging breed and this is just par for the course. I like to think that my dogs and I have a good relationship filled with mutual love for each other. With that said, my dogs also know that there are fates worse than death and trying this sort of sh*t with me brings one to meet one of those fates.

In this sort of situation, I would have physically restrained the dog on its side even if it meant using a leg to hold the rear down and a forearm on the neck/side of head. I would probably be saying a few stern words in a serious voice while applying the ointment as well However, once the ointment was on, I would release the dog up and a reward it with verbal praise. I would also make a point to touch the face at other times during the day and reward with food for allowing the touch - making it almost a game so the dog associates positives with touching that area.

With this said, my motto is never start something you can't finish and if you (overall "you" not Betty "you") feel that you can't finish something like this, take the dog to someone who can either avoid the altercation or can finish it. Letting the dog win in situations like this is more detrimental to your relationship than having a Come to Jesus meeting with them in my opinion - which with 75 cents might get you a cup of coffee

Ingrid,

This is exactly what I've done with my dogs - my rottie especially who can still get testy at times. She and I have had a few of those "meetings" one which ended up with me getting several small bites on my hand and arm while doing it. When my best friend (who raises rotties) asked me what happened and I told him his only question was:

"Did you win?"

and I told him yes, his simple response was:

"That's all that matters"

We've had very few "meetings" after that one episode.

That's something I don't understand.
Why does anyone seek out dogs or breeds that are known for their independence and self assuredness and then complain when the dog shows it's temperament?

Very puzzling.

 Quote: randy allen

That's something I don't understand.
Why does anyone seek out dogs or breeds that are known for their independence and self assuredness and then complain when the dog shows it's temperament?

Very puzzling.

Agreed. Again - the husband thing - can't tell you the countless times I said "don't you DARE let her get away with that! I will hang you first and then deal with her!"

Ingrid, thanks for your perspective. That was great post...

Ingrid, thank you for your comments. I'm glad to learn that others have experienced "back talk" and how it was handled.

 Quote: mara jessup

Once again, just my 2 cents. We work on building a good relationship with our dogs, we work on training them in a manner that is motivational and rewarding. We train in baby steps and don't overwhelm them with things that they aren't set to handle.

But every so often there comes a time were we need to say "I'm the boss, this is the way it's going to be" If we've done a good job in laying a solid foundation as a benevolent leader, these times will not destroy that foundation. On the contrary, they cement our role as leader. In a way it's like being a parent.

So train for trust, set your dog up for success, but be prepared to be the mean parent every once and a while.

This is a gold star!