AndyAmine. Posted December 12, 2010 (edited) No it doesn’t have to mean that but unfortunately a lot of people over do it and lately a lot of people will watch an episode of the Dog Whisperer, start thinking they are some kind of neo Dr.Doolittle and move too quickly and or too far screwing up the dog even further. When done right its more about building a genuine trust, a clear position and last but by no means least a job, every dog NEEDS a job and NILF can help fill this position (the term 'job' is very broad and can be as simple as interactive toys/treats) of course this goes hand in hand with positive re-enforcement. Making sure your dog takes on the right 'job' or role is very, very important and when they take on the wrong job things can go bad and or very annoying very quickly. The jobs are often related to pack position. Although yes, domination does come into it to a degree because thats one of the things involved in asserting ones position in a dog pack but domination doesnt necessarily involve being mean, which can cause resentment or out of control behaviour when the animal is out of your sight/control. (this can even result in un-obvious things too like soiling the house when your out of sight) I know what you're talking about though, I certainly dont agree with Ceaser Millans level of domination particularly the sensory suffocation thing he does such as the rolling over thing, or the poking thing etc (unless the dog is already pretty far gone in his training and or its a breed that need a firmer touch due to less sensitivity) Also yes I agree, just like people some dogs are plain assholes. Edited December 12, 2010 by AndyAmine. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Slybacon Posted December 12, 2010 I know i need to be firm with my dog. There is a time and place for it. Its not so much that its "dominating" as much as its showing him who his leader is. They respect their mother because their mothers don't take shit. You need your dog to view you the same way. I use positive reinforcement to learn good traits, but he always gets a firm word and put in time out for bad behavior. Time out actually does him the most pain. Smacks serve only to his enjoyment and I rarely resort to this. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
dworx Posted December 12, 2010 (edited) Zen I wasn't baiting you, I actually agree with a lot of what you're saying and alot of Internet conversation is lost in perception. Instinctive training isn't about who is boss but who is leader, there is a difference. It is how dogs naturally socialise. Staffies are also dogs of personality I currently have three and they all crave affection. Oddly enough the first staffy I ever had was beaten up by a kelpie - owned by my uncle. I am not calling anyone a low life. I live rurally so don't have any large dog parks and I am only guessing it is a park for anyone but one where dogs are allowed? All I am saying is these dogs aren't the monsters the media is having people beleive. I think if you were to own one you would quickly change your mind in regards to the breed. edit again to say the two comment above say pretty much what I am trying to say, lol. Edited December 12, 2010 by dworx Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Slybacon Posted December 13, 2010 The American Staffordshire Terrier is a unique breed in the family of dogs. Its history is rich and well documented and he remains one of the few unspoiled breeds retaining the courage, intelligence and tractability that have won for him wide acceptance as one of the most adaptable and capable of all dogs. Through the years the Staf has only secondarily been a show dog. Breeders have traditionally considered the character and soundness of the breed to be of ultimate importance. After all is said and done, the best Staf is the one that possesses the traditional Staf capability and attributes. If that dog can also win in the show ring, then the owner and breeder are indeed fortunate. The show winner without these characteristics is no Staf at all no matter what his outward appearance might be. In this regard we are especially proud of the obedience Stafs as representing one aspect of our breed's adaptability and intelligence. The future of the American Staffordshire Terrier depends above all else on breeders who are unwilling to use any dog in their program that does not meet the high mental and physical qualities implied in the following description given in the 1940 Year Book. 'Today the Staffordshire has emerged form his gladiatorial background as one of the finest of all dogs. He is proud and noble of bearing, he combines power with grace and agility, he is bright and alert, and his courage is not surpassed in any other animal on earth. He is intelligent, outstandingly amenable to training and discipline, and adaptable to almost any conditions. He is superbly gentle with children, intensely loyal and affectionate, and a wonderful watchdog.' Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Zen Peddler Posted December 15, 2010 Its like maltese - im sure you guys hate them - but they are sooooo cute once you have one, like a puppy that never grows up. very dependent though... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
dworx Posted December 17, 2010 Actually i have never had one but have met a few and I liked them, I just don't like Chihuahua's. They really have a mean streak, i can see why they were used to run through the cornfields and get them birds.. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Evil Genius Posted December 17, 2010 (edited) Well dworx, there are some certain chihuahua sub-races that can be very annoying and aggressive. But this is usually the fault of the owners. I once had one which developed into the reincarnated antichrist after my ex took care of the training. After that i got another chihuahua which was the nicest dog i ever saw. Im still waiting to encounter another dog so warm and friendly. But everytime the dog stays with my father, it becomes difficult and starts to bark and whine till he gets what he wants. And as soon as i´m around again, he´s going back to normal in a U-Turn. I guess it just depends on the training skills of the owner. I dont dislike any certain breed that is around. If a dog is sympathic, i can picture me keeping it. But i can see why some people dont like chihuahuas. They are very fragile. In case the Zombie Apocalypse should take place, they´d be the first ones to be eaten. bye Eg Edited December 17, 2010 by Evil Genius 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
dworx Posted December 17, 2010 (edited) Fragile??? EG No offense but every Chihuahua I have seen has been vicious, and I agree it is the owners fault. The dog?? is only being protective of owner. They are the only dog to have bitten me, but what I have said is also a bit tongue in cheek.. but, I don't like their attitude. lol. And too tough to be eaten in any apocalypse.. Edited December 17, 2010 by dworx Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Evil Genius Posted December 17, 2010 Just found a pic of my sweetie on my harddrive. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
dworx Posted December 17, 2010 Holy shit do you live near a nuclear plant????lol Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Slybacon Posted December 19, 2010 My AMSTAFF puppy took out the best of breed in the baby puppy class on the weekend. He missed out on best of group (all the terriers combined). Very good show for his first time in the ring Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
dworx Posted December 19, 2010 Congrats on the win... Here is the latest on the Aussie Amstaff case... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Slybacon Posted December 19, 2010 The Puppy bitch in the OP is now sold. Thanks Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Slybacon Posted December 20, 2010 (edited) Cruze first time in the ring Edited December 20, 2010 by Slybacon Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
