Comments on: What Can Frustration Teach You About Dog Training?

By: Lindsay

Lindsay — Sun, 29 Apr 2018 22:54:05 +0000

Good information because I feel like a lot of dog owners don’t know that random scratching like that is often due to mild stress. Remy does a lot of scratching too. And loud, obnoxious yawns. With Ace, it’s a very quiet but visible yawn or he’ll also scratch.

By: Jodi Stone

Jodi Stone — Mon, 23 Apr 2018 19:32:40 +0000

I honestly don’t have an answer. So I’m going to start paying better attention to what my dogs are telling me.

Thanks for this insight, Pamela. I appreciate it.

By: KB

KB — Thu, 19 Apr 2018 22:29:22 +0000

Shyla starts to scratch and then rapidly moves to shut down when she’s frustrated. Your point is excellent – it’s just information. For me, it means either change something immediately or stop. Great post!

By: dog care essex

dog care essex — Thu, 19 Apr 2018 14:25:49 +0000

What a wonderful article – I am in the process of training my 5 month old golden retriever and these are definitely words to live by!

By: Irene McHugh

Irene McHugh — Sun, 08 Apr 2018 17:24:02 +0000

When Bernie gets frustrated, he stops smiling at me. If a walk is getting too long, he’ll stop and plant himself to tell me he’s done. If we’re training, he’ll do this head shake thing that tells me “I’m doing what you ask, but I’m really tired of this activity.” I’m still figuring Lizzie out. I don’t think walks ever tire her puppy Doodle butt out, and she seems to like training sessions more than Bernie.

By: 24 Paws of Love

24 Paws of Love — Sat, 07 Apr 2018 19:39:28 +0000

What a great post! Zappa barks and barks and barks until I talk to him and address his issues. Fiona gets really, really hyper and nippy. Chance sulks and furrows his brow and doesn’st want to be bothered. And Blaze is more like Fiona by getting hyper until I pay attention.
Never really thought about frustration before, but I have always responded to it. Interesting how dogs relay their frustrations.

How long did it take you to catch on to Honey’s ear scratching? I think it would have taken me a while. So glad she has a good partner like you. 🙂

By: Pamela

Pamela — Thu, 05 Apr 2018 21:14:38 +0000

In reply to Tenacious Little Terrier. Mr N does seem to be an assertive gentleman. It's probably a good thing for a little dog to learn so they don't get overlooked.

By: Pamela

Pamela — Thu, 05 Apr 2018 21:13:48 +0000

In reply to Monika & Sam?. Semi-reactive, eh? Interesting term. :)

By: Pamela

Pamela — Thu, 05 Apr 2018 21:12:13 +0000

In reply to Beth. It took me a while to recognize the scratching as a sign of frustration. Interesting that you see it in agility. Honey is the first dog I've seen scratch in frustration.

By: Tenacious Little Terrier

Tenacious Little Terrier — Thu, 05 Apr 2018 07:31:10 +0000

One time I was training Mr. N and was interrupted by the bf who asked me a question. I was talking to him for a minute or two when Mr. N picks up the clicker and slams it into my hand. He did not appreciate being ignored! He makes his opinion very clear.