Mary Velazquez Webboard User Reg: 12-24-2007
Posts: 575
Loc: Texas
Offline
I have a 6 yr old female GSD and although I will probably not train her in protection, I would like to be able to assess her nerve stability. I have read everything I can get my hands on about it and know how they (nerves, drives, threshholds)are defined, but I have never found a test for it (There are no Schutzund clubs near me) and am wondering what are some situations I can use to find out if she would be stable enough for protection work. Thanks in advance for any advice!
Mary Velazquez Webboard User Reg: 12-24-2007
Posts: 575
Loc: Texas
Offline
perhaps I should add some more info. She is the type of dog that I would trust anywhere (although I dont trust people around her ) she is extremly clear headed, Ive seen her reason through situations, her thresholds are not too high, not too low. she is very reserved around strangers (and Everyone who isnt living in our house is strangers, not even people who come over everyday)though not at all shy of them,I like this. noises, strange looking people and objects dont frighten her and recovery from being startled is quick, then she investigates. she has very high protective instincts, maternal insticts and prey drive. Im not sure about others drives as Ive never alowed that type of situation to occur. I would say that she is confident in that she is experienced (not "green" to the world) and sure of herself. would these things lead me to believe that she has stable nerves? what type of situations will tell me about her nerves?
The "nerves" are but one thing to consider in an evaluation of a dog for any purpose. That, and certain things (reactions, perceptions) are somewhat malleable anyway.
This is an awkward questions which a bunch of caveats.
That, and "protection work" is kind of a meaningless term as it stands.
Connie Sutherland Moderator Reg: 07-13-2005
Posts: 31571
Loc: North-Central coast of California
Offline
Quote: mary roach
she has very high protective instincts, maternal insticts
I am curious: What does this mean (to you) in everyday terms?
Also this:
"Im not sure about others drives as Ive never alowed that type of situation to occur."
I often read descriptions like these that could mean anything, depending on who is giving them. I'm always interested in hearing what they mean to the person writing them.
Mary Velazquez Webboard User Reg: 12-24-2007
Posts: 575
Loc: Texas
Offline
ok, by "protective" I dont mean only territorial, she is that as well, perhaps more like protective of her "pack" (she isnt allowed to display this freely. I am the one who is supposed to call those shots.
by "maternal" i mean she loves to take small things "under her wing" (kittens, lizards, lambs etc)and perhaps this blends into the protective insticts although it may also be possesive ("her" kitten)
by "other drives" i mean things that tend to show better when s confrontation occurs like fight/flight and defense drives.
oh, and thanks so much for responding (Im really excited about what Im going to learn through discussion here!)
Mary Velazquez Webboard User Reg: 12-24-2007
Posts: 575
Loc: Texas
Offline
I hear alot about people who are doing the preliminary testing before they begin training for schutzund and alot of times I have heard people express doubt about whether a dog of theirs has the "nerve stability" for the stress involved in the training process. So I wondered just what consituted "stable nerves" anyway.
As I break new ground in training my own dog, I've found myself realizing (in hindsight) that I've pondered many a question which didn't have even have an answer, because the question itself was invalid due to my insufficient perspective.
I don't know enough to give you a list of cohesive definitions regarding drives and other attributes, but I kinda tell you've read a lot more than you've seen (like me at this point).
If you were to take your dog to a qualified whoever (let's say Schutzhund trainer) he could better describe the behaviors and attributes he sees your dog offering and explain the implications for the task.
This would include some basic personality things which aren't likely to change, some behavioral things which may be developed to a greater degree, and perhaps some things which you just won't know til you put in some work.
It's quite a complicated interface between the dog's genes, the dog's early upbringing, the dog's current handling, and you.
Mary Velazquez Webboard User Reg: 12-24-2007
Posts: 575
Loc: Texas
Offline
haha, Ive definitly read more than Ive seen! there is not much in my area as far as "higher education" for dogs. Ive worked plenty in obedience and the sports you see at a dog show but as far as the deeper stuff that really determines what a dog is made of-zilch. (not in person anyway) which is the reason I was asking.
When purchasing any product from Leerburg Enterprises, Inc. it is understood
that any and all products sold by Leerburg Enterprises, Inc. are sold in Dunn
County Wisconsin, USA. Any and all legal action taken against Leerburg Enterprises,
Inc. concerning the purchase or use of these products must take place in Dunn
County, Wisconsin. If customers do not agree with this policy they should not
purchase Leerburg Ent. Inc. products.
Dog Training is never without risk of injury. Do not use any of the products
sold by Leerburg Enterprises, Inc. without consulting a local professional.
The training methods shown in the Leerburg Ent. Inc. DVD’s are meant
to be used with a local instructor or trainer. Leerburg Enterprises, Inc. cannot
be held responsible for accidents or injuries to humans and/or animals.
Copyright 2010 Leerburg® Enterprises, Inc. All rights reserved. All photos and content on leerburg.com are part of a registered copyright owned by Leerburg Enterprise, Inc.
By accessing any information within Leerburg.com, you agree to abide by the
Leerburg.com Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.
how to determine nerve stability
Top
Re: how to determine nerve stability
) she is extremly clear headed, Ive seen her reason through situations, her thresholds are not too high, not too low. she is very reserved around strangers (and Everyone who isnt living in our house is strangers, not even people who come over everyday)though not at all shy of them,I like this. noises, strange looking people and objects dont frighten her and recovery from being startled is quick, then she investigates. she has very high protective instincts, maternal insticts and prey drive. Im not sure about others drives as Ive never alowed that type of situation to occur. I would say that she is confident in that she is experienced (not "green" to the world) and sure of herself. would these things lead me to believe that she has stable nerves? what type of situations will tell me about her nerves?
Previous Topic
Index
Next Topic.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
