Giving an inch etc.

[LindaM]

I can see that some of you are very experienced with these dogs so a question

If I give Lukey extra hugs or am more lenient with him he thinks we have swapped jobs so to me (and I may well be wrong) he then thinks he is in charge and he will lay across walkways into room wanting me to step over him, etc and the more I fuss him the more he will take the proverbial.

At other times he might hear an outside noise then move to lay across a throughway to an other room but move when I walk through so I don't step over him nor have to ask him to move. I see that behaviour 'as working with me'.

So, assuming they are all like this - oh dear I could be in trouble here - be kind if I've been wrong

'What do you do to get the balance back'.

Lukey would go on taking the proverbial etc. and become well not unmanageable but difficult. I do find if I put him in a down/stay for 10 mins he will 'relax' and not think he has to do so much 'looking after' or 'taking the lead'.

My close (now departed) guide dog owner friend used to say when her dog was in harness she behaved differently and that was her 'cue'.

I'm reading this back and wondering if I am making any sense - oh well

Linda

[Moobli]

I think you have answered your own question There is nothing wrong with giving Lukey cuddles and extra treats etc ... but if you feel that is making him more difficult to manage then, for now, I would stop with all the extra fuss and see whether that makes a difference.

I tend to try to get my dogs to do something (anything - it could be a sit, down, quick stay etc) before they get a treat or a fuss. Then they are earning it, if you see what I mean.

Other people may feel differently, but I don't really agree with the whole "dominance" theories. If a dog were lying across a doorway, I would just step over him; if he were to go through a doorway in front of me - no bother; and I don't eat before my dogs etc.

Dogs in general need leadership, and so long as you have boundaries (and stick to them ) and are consistent, then you shouldn't go far wrong.

Try making Lukey do something before he gets his treats or his fuss - and then he will feel he has earned them

[LindaM]

Thank you Kirsty, I will try looking at it another way i would like to make life a little easier for myself

[LOVEGSD]

I agree with Kirsty, I would just step over Diesel I don't believe for one second that by him not moving he's trying to take over the world.....

I make both my boys work for any treats, be it food or a toy, they both do a sit/watch for their dinner and are expected to be calm and not grab the dinner as I put the bowl down. I also ask for a sit/stand and watch before they are let off the lead at the park too.

I just think by encouraging them to be calm and think before tearing off helps hugely.

[LindaM]

Thank you Lynn

[LindaM]

I am just thinking that perhaps it is me that is too challenging. Anyhow I shall try another way of doing things and see how it goes. He is a good boy really it's me that doesn't know what to do, he knows all about being a dog

[LOVEGSD]

Linda he sounds like a delight tbh!

We've all had to learn hun, we all had to start somewhere and we will all continue learning...keep us updated on how things go if you decide to do things differently....oh and I think we're probably overdue some Lukey pics

[LindaM]

Originally Posted by LOVEGSD

Linda he sounds like a delight tbh!

We've all had to learn hun, we all had to start somewhere and we will all continue learning...keep us updated on how things go if you decide to do things differently....oh and I think we're probably overdue some Lukey pics

Thank you, you are kind I am going to try things differently and will try to get some pics up also - I have to rely on others to do some of it for me on the PC

[Kealagirl]

IMO all dogs are different, my 4 are certainly all different, and I have to treat my spaniel very differently to the others. Everything he does (well almost) he has to ask for permission ( give me eye contact). ie getting in the car, eating his meals, when I take off his lead in the park.

I have had to put this control in to him as he is slightly psychotic lol and needs a clear leader in his life. If I let my guard down I am likely to encounter confrontation. He is an extreme example, but it doesnt hurt them to have rules and some dogs prefer it as it take the stress away from them having o take on a leadership rule that they maybe can't cope with.

I would happily step over my dog as others have said. Only other thing I could maybe suggest is to give Lukey attention and fussing over when you decide not when he comes to you looking for it (as he is dictating when you give it to him)

[LOVEGSD]

Originally Posted by LindaM

Thank you, you are kind I am going to try things differently and will try to get some pics up also - I have to rely on others to do some of it for me on the PC

Great, can't wait to coo over him then