Don’t get me wrong I’m not having “issues” with the dog.
We get along well, she loves going on walks with me, and believe me I’m attuned,
much of the time when I have her on the line, she’s leading and I’ll following along.
Oh that’s the cool part, she loves running, but when I do put on the leash she’s fine, no drama,
other than occasionally attacking the leash as she follows along.
Off the leash it’s cool because she roam but I keep noticing her checking back to she if I’m in eye shot -
particular fun when I’ve moved and I catch her in a moment of nervous confusion until she spots me again.
Although when she’s on a chase all bets are off.
Also even when I’m leading her on a leash if she suddenly stops,
I will too and give her time to figure it out.
Paula’s taught me to communicate our intentions and that jazz.
If I’m in a hurry I make that clear and she falls into line pretty good.
The thing is finding that balance between freedom to roam and need to stay within limits.
>>> or the big issue right now, her feeling such freedom in running off even when told to stop.
and never facing consequence when she decides to come back, which she always does, but in her own good time.
Every week has been different, slightly evolved, so eventually we’ll figure it out - but it does have me worried.
Still, it’s been a cool ride with many facets of fascination and I’ve wanted to write about it many times,
even composed many a beautiful verse during various epic walks,
but then I get home and there’s other stuff to write about or work to do
but so it goes.
IMO, thisis excellent advice and the greatest challenge for human "pack-leaders". Training should always start with simple but important fundamental behavior patterns which are common to both species. Patient repetition without signs of frustration is important as dogs are keenly aware of body language and voice patterns and inflections. t also helps to start with "fun" things such as fetching and bringing things back to continue the game. Most humans have lost the recognition of subtle body language, so one of the most important things to learn is to recognize the dog's body language and show the dog that you understand his emotional needs. This reinforces the bond and teaches the dog to express its needs to you. Always use the exact same command for a specific task. The dog will learn the meaning of those commands very quickly as it learns that an immediate response, will always bring a reward. As with all organisms, dogs will always make decisions "in te direction of greatest satisfaction". This link may be helpful; http://dogcare.dailypuppy.com/dogs-communicate-humans-2413.htmlThanks that was a good website, I was even able to read up on why dogs lick your hands and other parts so I won't have to bug McKenzie… unless he had something to add. ;-) As for the training, holy molly that's a tough one, I understand the need for consistency and we have that going on, consistent behavior on our part, awareness of her moods, body language etc. It get's a bit more complicated, but you need to understand the context. See Maddy is in a rare situation. Bare with me while I explain. We live on 40 acres and the way they sectioned the land in these parts is in long narrow rectangles that cross the river (actually seasonal creek these days) - riparian up to sagebrush wide open foothills, so everyone got a slice of the pie. Neighbors on both sides are friends and crossing the property line is fine, although on the other side of their properties things get progressively less welcoming. On this land there's the owner's house and our cabin, a few old out buildings, (and one damned nice 4 year old (now empty) horse stable.) and lots of land. Neighbors are likewise limited a family and outbuildings. Meaning this dog has room to roam. We have wildlife, nothing like in-da-day but still turkey, deer, lots of rabbits, coyotes, an occasional bobcat, even a few mountain lions walking that riparian corridor between mountain and desert, won't even get into the bird types that move through here. Oh did I mention gophers, moles. Maddy loves digging for them almost as much as chasing rabbits. During the first weeks I was worried about bonding and her feeling at home. She has settled in and we're doing good and I'm totally running out of steam. Eventually I'll get around to my point but not tonight.