thank you

Solange, I am SO pleased for you that Willie is giving you such terrific support and expert guidance,, you are clearly open minded, and have a determination to make this work for you and Ziva, I just wish there were more people like Willie out there who will freely give such gold as this.

I have everything crossed for you, and am looking forward to reading how things progress from here, you sound so upbeat and positive, AND you really want to give the pup a proper fighting chance, which is fantastic to see, good for you!

Just a few small things to add.

I would stop any free pets on your dog, stop paying so much attention to her. Pet her only when she does something you want. Talk to her only to give orders. Become a bit remote. For awhile.

And don't give up. At her age, with the guidance of experienced folks, I think she will become a fabulous dog. 5 mos is a naughty, challenging, see what I can get away with, see where I "fit" age.
My guy was his worst, his absolute worst at 5 mos.

 Quote: Duane Hull

 Quote: Candi Campbell

I'm simply a pet owner here, so no one needs to "do or die" by my opinion, Duane.

You are in good company. Most of us here are pet owners, with serious dogs; working dogs, guard dogs, herding dogs, etc. What sets us apart is that we all (mutually inclusive) are serious, responsible pet owners that come here to learn from one another, and are willing to bare our souls (and sometimes our backs to the whip) in order to become better pet owners, so everyone's opinion matters.

The concern you expressed was shared by others, I assure you. It looks like Solange is committed, and has found the right resource to help sort out her issues.

Common pet owners don't realize that many dogs they encounter have no place in ordinary pet homes. Mals, serious GSDs, APBTs, even many small terriers present challenges that a lackadaisical, lazy dog owner isn't prepared to deal with. I personally found this forum because caring for my poorly bred w/l GSD required that I up my game.

In case I hadn't said so before, welcome to the forum, Candi. And also to you, Solange.

Thanks a lot for the warm welcome, Duane! I'm leaving our cyber friend, Solange, in Willie's extremely capable hands here

However, just as a self-exercise for my own edification, I decided to follow suit & sniff around the web to see what typical Kuvasz breeders are currently claiming about their dog-of-choice ... Honestly, I found nothing to dissuade me from my previously expressed viewpoint -- I noticed many statements which may be understood by "folks in the know" as having to be Read Between the Lines, so to speak:

"Wlll take advantage of owners who are inexperienced with LGB or who are not highly dog-savvy."

"Use of overbearing physical dominance can be dangerously counter-productive."

"A highly independent & free-thinking dog that is determined to make its own decisions, having been selectively bred to act on its own initiative."

"Dog-aggressive, food-aggressive, person-possessive, space-possessive."

"Females are usually Less difficult during Adolescence, but More difficult during Adulthood."

"Not easy-going, often unforgiving of disciplinary mistakes."

"Challenges authority."

"Will not excell at obedience."

"Treats unfamiliar situations or visitors as serious threats."

People with a background in high-drive working line dogs will get any veiled meaning in these kinds of disclaimers -- But an average pet owner, not so much...

Just for the record, I'm not speaking with Solange in mind here, merely carrying on the conversation for interest's sake

I have a few min to update. I'll try to get most of it in.
The plan for the moment is to take the food aggression out of the picture. She snapped at Solange this morning and was acting dominant.
Solange was feeding her by hand. I advised this as Solange had said it was working. Instead of feeding her in the crate as many do in this situation I have advised that Solange feed her in the bathroom. I don't want the dog to start to be crate aggressive due to the food. This can happen.
She will put the food in the bathroom get the dog on a leash, do some heeling and sit and the such. Heel the dog to the bathroom. Have her sit. Unhook the leash. Have her stay sitting until her collar is released. Leave the bathroom. Come back in 10-15 min. Open the door and call the dog to her. When the dog comes give a piece of lunch meat as a reward. Hook the leash up. Take her out to potty. Put her in the crate. Take up the food dish.
I will have Solange deal with the food aggression later after we have more pack structure in place.
It might happen that it won't be an issue in 6 months. I have also told Solange that it might be an issue the dogs entire life. We just don't know right now.
I am also going to have Solange video herself giving the pup a modified version of the Volhard puppy test. Based on those results I will let her know if I think she should return the dog to the breeder.
I have told her that the dog might not work out. I have told her it might. We don't have enough data at this point.
Also important is how the dog reacts to the boot camp Solange will be doing this week.
Based on the info I have so far I am cautiously optimistic.
Don't have time to proofread. Sry for any typos that might occur.

Candi;
That's the beauty of the internet; you can find any opinion you seek. Owners and breeders also have this to say:

Prefers the company of children, with whom he is gentle, but ready and willing to play
http://www.starhavenkennel.com/htmlfiles/Kuvasz/kuvbreed.htm

Spending the time early on will bring the joys of a wonderful loving companion who will also be your best protector.
http://www.kuvasz.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=5&Itemid=14

As a home companion Dixie was an unbelievably gentle, caring and concerned family member.
http://www.rebelridgekuvasz.com/RR_Rebel.html

http://www.kuvasz.info/kuvaszdigitaldog.htm


I could go on forever, but it's time to exercise my high-energy, sharp, reactive GSD.

Willie, thank you for the updates. The LGBs are a fascinating topic.

Candi, you're right, I think, that those subtle cautionary statements would be overlooked by many. The regulars here are not the average dog owner.






Edited by Connie Sutherland (05/14/2013 07:53 PM)
Edit reason: addition

 Quote: Betty Landercasp

Just a few small things to add.

I would stop any free pets on your dog, stop paying so much attention to her. Pet her only when she does something you want. Talk to her only to give orders. Become a bit remote. For awhile.

And don't give up. At her age, with the guidance of experienced folks, I think she will become a fabulous dog. 5 mos is a naughty, challenging, see what I can get away with, see where I "fit" age.
My guy was his worst, his absolute worst at 5 mos.

Hi Betty

I know this post is getting pretty long and it is easy to miss out some but if you go back a few pages you will read that I never pett Ziva unless she does comply to a command such as sit, come, or whatnot. As for the attention even though I am not presently working and home with her 24/7 except when I sleep lol....she is very independent and aloof, and I don't want to make her a lap dog, which is not part of her traits anyways.....so I don't give much attention to her, only during training, walks and the odd play time. and that was before as you can see now we are changing many things in this puppy's life hoping to create a better pack structure, So since yesterday there are just about no contact except for the necessary such as potty, feeding, exercice.

Thanks for your support.

Hello ya all

Ziva and I just returned from our first walk of the day and it is raining here.....you can imagine the sents of wild animals, neer by sheeps and horses were lots stronger than on a dry day. Gee wizz she was tracking and not heeling very well.....Because these repetitive walks are not to practice any commands (of course I won't let her go totaly wild) but the purpose to take her out so much is to give her some exercice as she is in the crate so much I was not to demanding.

@Willie, Usualy feeding her was no more then 2 to 3 min. now in a secluded area by herself it took 10 min and she left 4 little kibblets behind. Hum that says a lot. BTW our house is very small and the Bath room is not appropriate so I have her eat in the laundry room that is out and part of the garage but small with a door.

I am studying the Volhard test today and trying to have a dog person to come and do the test for me as it suggests that a stranger does it. And like that I will be able to film it. This person has met Ziva once and knows her temperment.

Wish us luck

Oh yeah! and once again thank you all for your support. Let us see what the test will tell us it will influence my decision. I might be determined and willing but today I am very tired.

ciao a tutti

Please remember to call me before you do the test. The volhard test as it is written is not appropriate to give to your dog and I'm not sure that having a stranger administer it is a good idea. I don't think it is.
That is why I wanted you to call so we could go over it. If our give the original test to her I can guarantee that it won't go well an someone might get hurt.
I look forward to your call.