Comments on: Do We Expect Too Much From Our Dogs?

By: Lauranne

Lauranne — Mon, 28 Jul 2014 11:20:24 +0000

In reply to Donna O.. Donna is makes a good point (no surprise there though!) I think setting them up to succeed is key. I think we should challenge our dogs, but we need to give them a fair crack at the whip!

By: Pamela

Pamela — Mon, 28 Jul 2014 11:06:20 +0000

In reply to Emma. Your mom is wise. And Bailie will find temptations much easier as she gets older. Didn't you? :)

By: Donna O.

Donna O. — Sun, 27 Jul 2014 14:57:42 +0000

I know dog trainers often disagree on a lot, but one thing that seems fairly consistent it “Set them up to succeed” and your idea of sitting further away and having treats as a distraction, sure would have been helpful.

I personally have no impulse control at all, especially around yummy food, so those choc-covered pretzels would most certainly be in my belly. I always tell Toby I understand why he tries to steal food. I love food way too much too. 🙂

By: The Wallet Doctor

The Wallet Doctor — Sat, 26 Jul 2014 19:44:42 +0000

Any meat left around for my dog would drive him crazy. It was always important to pack it away quickly so he didn’t succumb to the temptation.

By: Cathy C Bennett

Cathy C Bennett — Sat, 26 Jul 2014 17:38:14 +0000

Okay, gotta tell you – love the term “love slut” so appropriate for Harley as well. If I could just get him to contain himself at the front door, I would be FURever grateful. He is such an ambassador of welcome. I’ve got to get better with the jumping so people can at least get in the door before being attacked by the “love slut” BOL. Great post, thanks…

By: It's Dog or Nothing

It's Dog or Nothing — Sat, 26 Jul 2014 16:09:31 +0000

We work a LOT in impulses control. Giant breeds don’t mature until at least three years of age. People aren’t very understanding when a 100 pound dog is squirming around with excitement. Understandable. I know my dogs’ threshold on an average day. I know how far we should sit or stand from a person so it will be challenging, but not impossible. We end a lot of time sitting at restaurants in a far corner so we can practice 🙂

By: Mike Webster

Mike Webster — Sat, 26 Jul 2014 12:38:52 +0000

From the Husband:
All right, where did you hide the chocolate pretzels!!?

By: Rebekah

Rebekah — Sat, 26 Jul 2014 02:56:09 +0000

I cannot stop laughing at “love slut!”

My girl has pretty good impulse control sometimes. My boys-forget about it.

By: KimT

KimT — Sat, 26 Jul 2014 02:46:02 +0000

Very good point. Too much is expected of dogs too often, i think. And what does it take to improve it? Patience. Lots of patience. With some, more than with others.
Really love that “Love Slut” nickname!

By: Emma

Emma — Sat, 26 Jul 2014 02:24:31 +0000

We are working lots with Bailie. She is a people lover too, but after lots and lots of practice she seems to be learning to contain herself. Next project, not going wild at seeing a wabbit or squirrel. Mom doesn’t believe in avoiding problems. We carefully confront them over and over until we master them. We do believe in not going heavy on the temptation until we are ready to handle the challenge.