The Mudcat Café TM
Thread #80388 Message #1465889
Posted By: catspaw49
19-Apr-05 - 07:20 PM
Thread Name: BS: Puppy Power
Subject: RE: BS: Puppy Power
If you do nothing else, read the book Melani listed above......"How to be Your Dog's Best Friend," by the Monks of New Skete. This book is all over the dog world and for good reason. You will never get closer to the inside workings of the canine mind and THAT will make you a better trainer.
We do things in play with puppies and dogs that will turn around and bite you later because we don't see it as the dog sees it! The Monks book will get you into the dog's point of view.
Any training you do or are involved with needs to have YOU as the other integral part. Never train a dog, train the owner.
The really intelligent breeds are often not as difficult to train as is often suggested. I've had Weimaraners for many years and if I establish myself as the alpha dog from the gitgo, things are fine. Witness my current pair.....Everyone says they need lots of exercise and field work and blah, blah, blah......We have two couch potatoes. They adapted well!!! Also opt for as much street training as possible. I can go anywhere with them without leashes and they'll wander along loosely enjoying themselves. But a sharp name called with "here" will bring them back to my side immediately.
Anyway....Have fun and enjoy the new pup!!!! And read that book!!
Spaw