Boxer-HOD and Basenji's
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That's funny you mention that Andrea…I think the show The Dog Whisperer has unintentionally associated negativity with the term Alpha. I say unintentional because Millan never says to overpower your dog he simply tells people to be assertive when communicating with your dog don't coddle & nurture dogs when they're fearful or insecure which makes matters worse.
In some books I've read some authors are using the term "parent" or "leader" because that's the message a lot of dog trainers are trying to convey. Be a good parent with your kids...furry or human :) they all seem to be saying the same things like...have structure (exercise) and rules and love.
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None taken!
But, I do have a background in animal behaviour-and your right! I tend to have an orderly and calm household. I see the signs before they get large. They're not afraid to fight each other at all. My heeler and my B got into an argument the other day over a toy. I take the toy away-they have nothing to fight over-end of story. My problem would be if I raised my voice/hit dogs. I don't believe in any of that. Order is the day and I AM the boss. Even on cranky days.
Arlene
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That's funny you mention that Andrea…I think the show The Dog Whisperer has unintentionally associated negativity with the term Alpha. I say unintentional because Millan never says to overpower your dog he simply tells people to be assertive when communicating with your dog don't coddle & nurture dogs when they're fearful or insecure which makes matters worse.
In some books I've read some authors are using the term "parent" or "leader" because that's the message a lot of dog trainers are trying to convey. Be a good parent with your kids...furry or human :) they all seem to be saying the same things like...have structure (exercise) and rules and love.
Hmmm….I think you're right that because of DW, people throw the term "alpha" around when they mean something else. And I agree with some of CM's principles, the humans taking control of the situation, etc. But I absolutely don't agree with many of his methods. And I don't think that the average viewer gets much out of the show that they could actually use at home. Particularly in reference to aggressive dogs. I could go on, and on ;)
But certainly, one good thing he has done has brought the message of 'it is important to train your dog' to the masses :) Too bad they have to include a disclaimer on the show that says 'don't try this at home' ;)
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Yeah, but you have to remember-this is a show! Behind the scenes may be a different story. I don't know about others, but even with all of my years of experience I've never had a dog do an about face (even with a sit command) in less than an hour. Yes, you can teach the sit, but not with any degree of consistency and it takes the participation, practice and patience of the owner.
I've had quite a few aggressive dogs-usually because of the owner's lack of information (not to say they don't try). But there is always more to the story than what is shown on TV.
Leader is a better term than alpha and I shouldn't be using it. You are absolutely CORRECT. Care giver would be an even better term-maybe even teacher.
Arlene
Arlene
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I just wanted to say that I hope Zina continues her recovery and wish her well in her healing process.
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Andrea-Absolutely I'm in total agreement…I'm not sure that his methods of "flooding" work for all dogs. Given my own personal research & after reading a number of different perspectives some methods can be useful but others not so much.
I have to admit..I used to think the guy was the DOG AUTHORITY :) now...well not so much. I have been able to form my own opinions on some of his methods.
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None taken!
But, I do have a background in animal behaviour-and your right! I tend to have an orderly and calm household. I see the signs before they get large. They're not afraid to fight each other at all. My heeler and my B got into an argument the other day over a toy. I take the toy away-they have nothing to fight over-end of story. My problem would be if I raised my voice/hit dogs. I don't believe in any of that. Order is the day and I AM the boss. Even on cranky days.
Arlene
Yep, my degree is in animal behavior also, and I train dogs for a living (a meager living though it is!), and we have a fairly calm household, I am the boss (or, is that just plain bossy? ;) ….just ask my son and husband ;) )...and I still have bitches living here that cannot, and will not get along.
I have clients that I will help as much as I can get their dogs to tolerate each other enough to live together...but I honestly tell them "it may not work, it may work for awhile, or until the next fight" IMO, you can only manage behavior for so long...if you suppress issues of status among dogs, they WILL wait until you aren't present to settle it....again, my opinion, and my experience.
Sounds like you and I handle things the very same way, though :) If you are going to fight over a toy, it disappears!
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Andrea-Absolutely I'm in total agreement…I'm not sure that his methods of "flooding" work for all dogs. Given my own personal research & after reading a number of different perspectives some methods can be useful but others not so much.
I have to admit..I used to think the guy was the DOG AUTHORITY :) now...well not so much. I have been able to form my own opinions on some of his methods.
Yeah, a lot of trainers I know see this as a black and white issue…you can't believe in positive reinforcement training, and still think CM is okay. But I do...I think he has some good things to say, and has a platform for saying them. He isn't abusive, and I think he really does love dogs,AND he has a great way with dogs. And I think for some dogs his techniques probably work great....just not all dogs.
This reminds me of that old quote "minds are like parachutes, they only work when open" :)
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Yep, we do agree on most things (bossy? or boss?)(both I think-it has something to do with me being a control freak-I like orderly fashion). True there are some dogs/bitches that will just not get along EVER. If I do leave with dogs that typically don't get along-grouch,snarl,sneer,etc.-I'm sorry-but they're separated. Either in separate rooms or crates. If you can't get along when I'm here, then chances are you won't when I'm not!!
I did train other people and their dogs (notice I put people first) but as you say-meager. Now I just train my own, the occasional consult and focus on grooming, and the B's. I would love to make a living with just dogs, but, alas, that is really hard to do!
