Postings by Shem

Choosing the Right Dog > The most challenging breed?

Shem 1260493     Barked: Tue Dec 4, '12 2:45pm PST  Exactly that! I'd like to know what you guys personally find challenging, whether it be low-drive, emotional, stubborn, sensitive, or too-smart-for-his-own-good. For me, I'll define challenging as a dog who can easily out-smart its handler. For this category, which do you think is the most challenging? my posts | my page | msg me | gift me | become pals [notify]

Shem 1260493     Barked: Mon Dec 3, '12 11:01pm PST  In your opinion, what is the most challenging breed, in general? And why? I personally lack the knowledge to judge. In my life, Shem is my second doberman and my first dog that I can realistically call my own and not "my family's". My family's first doberman, Alex, was already four years old when I was born. So, I'd love to read about your various understanding and how you've come to define the term "challenging" when used on dog breeds. -Shem- my posts | my page | msg me | gift me | become pals [notify]

New to Dogster/Tips & Tricks > dog of the day?

Shem 1260493     Barked: Mon Aug 13, '12 10:59pm PST  How exactly are the dogs of the days and weeks chosen? my posts | my page | msg me | gift me | become pals [notify]

Choosing the Right Dog > Funny story...

Shem 1260493     Barked: Thu Jul 26, '12 7:36pm PST  Congrats to you guys on your decision! I don't want to be a pessimist either, but it sounds like the old owners might have set him loose intentionally.... UGH. : my posts | my page | msg me | gift me | become pals [notify]

Puppy Place > That weird paw thing

Shem 1260493     Barked: Thu Jul 26, '12 7:30pm PST  Sorry you didn't get responses so far! I don't think the splayed legs have to do with being overweight- I've seen perfectly healthy dogs do that since puppyhood and just keep going with it their entire lives. It just seems like one of those physical habits, like if a person likes to cross their legs when sitting... or have them splayed. Not anything to worry about. my posts | my page | msg me | gift me | become pals [notify]

Shem 1260493     Barked: Thu Jul 26, '12 7:21pm PST  Some dogs are just not trick or treat dogs! There may be some mysterious toy or treat out there that really strikes his liking, but for now, he might just be the kind of dog that is content with your attention and going for walks, or whatever you both normally do together. If you're really intent on teaching him tricks, is he responsive to your happiness? Some of the dogs I've met that aren't riled up with treats will learn tricks just for praise from the owners or to see their owners get really happy and excited when they do something right. my posts | my page | msg me | gift me | become pals [notify]

Behavior & Training > How to stop a dog from barking/lunging when he sees another dog on a walk (am I right? and...)

Shem 1260493     Barked: Wed Jul 25, '12 5:38pm PST  I'm asking this for a friend's golden doodle Shauntley, not Shem. Just for the record. The thread title is pretty much the problem. I'm helping her train Shauntley when I get to see them, which is only about once every few months. This is how I told her to go about correcting: When approaching another dog coming their direction, right when Shauntley either barks are starts to lunge, turn around quickly 180 and walk in the opposite direction with an "uh uh". Be calm and collected, don't show anger... just rinse and repeat, until Shauntley manages to reach the other dog calmly. I already emphasized socialization, but she's hesitant to bring Shauntley out to a populated dog place (outdoor mall, beach) for fear that Shauntley will bark her head off/make a ruckus and cause embarrassment. But the thing is that she doesn't have a constant backup of stranger dogs to practice with. She doesn't react the same way with Shem, because they're already familiar with each other. So wondering what're other options to train without the aid of stranger dogs? and note:, she's lunging and barking for desire to meet/greet/play, not aggression. And she's 2 years old. my posts | my page | msg me | gift me | become pals [notify]

Behavior & Training > Heeling on leash

Shem 1260493     Barked: Wed Jul 25, '12 3:32pm PST  I'd start reeling in the leash a few seconds before you know you're about to stop walking. Have the leash length short enough that she would naturally sit very close to you when she does, and click-treat her when she manages to sit particularly close and facing the right direction (if you guys are doing clicker training). It may take a load of repetition, depending on the dog, but she'll eventually get the point. my posts | my page | msg me | gift me | become pals [notify]

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