Comments on: The Puppiness Project – A Little Stubbornness is OK

By: didiwright

didiwright — Thu, 08 Sep 2011 10:00:42 +0000

I couldn’t agree more…Too often we view our dogs or children as an extension of ourselves, rather than their own individual, with opinions and needs that may differ from ours. We expect them to think and behave exactly the way we want them to, and regard any behaviour that doesn’t fit with this expectation as an act of rebellion or stubborness … Wrong! I completely agree with you, that it’s all about communication.

By: Greyhounds CAN Sit

Greyhounds CAN Sit — Thu, 08 Sep 2011 06:30:54 +0000

I’m sure Honey knows how lucky she is to have a Mum who looks behind the scenes when she does something out of character:) There’s generally a good reason why dogs behave as they do but sometimes it can take some figuring out on our part. Well done you and Honey:) You are a real team!

By: Julie

Julie — Tue, 06 Sep 2011 15:26:50 +0000

Ha ha – Cali has her “stubborn” moments – especially when there is a really good smell! I never heard the“At about six months their brains fall out. They don’t find them again until they turn two.” That explains some things!! Well, Cali is only 1/2 golden . . maybe we were saved just a little bit by the Aussie 1/2??

By: Jen

Jen — Tue, 06 Sep 2011 00:56:46 +0000

There are times, it seems, that Elka acts like she doesn’t have a brain in her head (and she’s 2, when Dobermans are supposed to “find their brains”). As you said, there’s really always a reason. Whether it’s a reason easily understood by humans, that’s something else. Dogs and people don’t speak the same language, but we try like heck to make dogs comply with what we say.

By: one person's view

one person's view — Mon, 05 Sep 2011 22:39:30 +0000

In reply to houndstooth. I have a shepherd mix. If I get mad at him and send him to his bed, he curls up in a tight ball and won't move for hours. When I call him, he's ecstatic. The worst punishment in the world for this dog is for me to be angry with him.

By: Kristine

Kristine — Mon, 05 Sep 2011 20:46:45 +0000

This reminds me of a brilliant BC we used to train with, named Caper. He was almost too smart. After class he would often let his human know he hadn’t had enough exercise by refusing to go near the parking lot. She would try to lure him with toys and yummy treats but if he wasn’t ready, there was no way he was getting in that car! As irritating as it must have been for her, I really had to stop and admire a dog who knows his own mind! We should all be as strong in our convictions of our own needs.

By: Kristine

Kristine — Mon, 05 Sep 2011 20:43:13 +0000

In reply to one person's view. Agreed. Women are raised to be polite at all costs. Even when it's at their own peril. I struggle with this on an almost daily basis and my husband does not get it at all.

By: houndstooth

houndstooth — Mon, 05 Sep 2011 20:03:12 +0000

Oh, I didn’t think there was anything more stubborn than a hound! You know, it’s funny you mention this. I know a lot about Greyhounds after living with them and fostering for a number of years, but when we added Morgan, it was unchartered territory for me in some ways. She’s definitely NOT like the Greyhounds in a lot of ways, but I’ve gotten used to her now, and the more I read and learn about Shepherds, the more “normal” she is. I wish I’d known a lot of things in the beginning. I learned that pretty much everything you should do with a Shepherd puppy her original family did wrong. It’s probably the biggest obstacle that prevented her from being able to do SAR. It’s been a good learning curve for us, though, because that German Shepherd puppy who’s coming to our house in December (not that the October 12 due date is circled on the calendar or anything) will be handled right. I’ve learned that Morgan has different needs. While the Greyhounds crave our attention and are happy if they please us, it’s on their terms. Morgan NEEDS to please us and have a lot more approval and attention from us. She needs to have her brain challenged as much as she needs physical exercise, too. I’m glad Honey has somebody committed to doing things right with her!

By: Debbie Jacobs

Debbie Jacobs — Mon, 05 Sep 2011 19:42:42 +0000

The idea that a dog has preferences seems foreign to many people. Sometimes I am willing to let their preference for an outcome override mine, sometimes not. If there are non-negotiable behaviors I have to work on making my dogs prefer them!

By: one person's view

one person's view — Mon, 05 Sep 2011 16:49:21 +0000

“We’re raised to be compliant. To give in when others want their own way. It’s hard to stand up for ideals we find important. It’s even harder to stand up for ourselves.”

This is a girl thing. Men are raised to be assertive and make sure their needs are met. Every mother I know (unless they have a full-time nanny) has trouble finding “me time,” while the daddies come and go as they please. This is true even when both work. And don’t get me started on the life of single mothers.

Good for Honey making sure her needs get met. I hope her human companion stands up for herself as well!