Morning

I follow multiple dog trainers and all of them contradict each other on all subjects.

1. Scatter kibble for enrichment / don’t frustrate a hungry dog.
2. Tire them out physically / don’t turn your dog into an athlete that needs extra exercise.
3. Expose them to triggers / don’t expose them.
4. Use high value treats / don’t, or soon you’ll be treating them with steak.
5. Be the alpha / “alpha has been debunked for years.”
6. Don’t let them dig or bark / “let a dog be a dog!”

I could go on.

May 14 at 4:55pmIvory for iOS
Show threadJenni4d ago
@Morning1 yeah many different school of thoughts. I feel like also it comes down to the individual dog or breed for what makes sense. Not every dog will react to the same thing
Show threadMorning4d ago

@jenni I was just thinking that. You’re right. There is no one-size-fits-all approach.

Like with Rio for example, positive reinforcement-only did not set boundaries and he needs boundaries.

Show threadJenni4d ago
@Morning1 they have been bread for way too many different things for the same stuff to work. I had a sheep guardian dog for a while, they were bred to take decisions themselves. Usually with him you had to have a discussion about everything 😅🙈
Show threadMorning4d ago
@jenni haha yes it reminds me of this, which is also totally Rio who is mostly shepherd.
Show threadSkylarkguy3d ago
@Morning1 Yeah ask 10 trainers you will get 12 opinions on a subject. I'd agree that every dog is different. Scoter is a bit of a brat sometimes, it mostly comes out when she doesn't get enough hard go time...the worst is when you tell her to do something and she pauses, glances away then does it any way. The latest is coming into the garden and getting the zoomies over the newly planted stuff...grrr
Show threadMorning3d ago

@Raven_coyote Very relatable lol.

Rio knows I don’t like it when he smacks his paw on my arm very deliberately. It was cute at first, but then he keeps pushing and pulling and I get bruised. I tell him no, and no matter how many times he’s gone into temporary doggie jail (his crate), for smacking my arm again, he 100% does it again. 😂

He also lightly nips if I take a toy away. Never enough to hurt but enough to be rebellious and make a statement!

At least he’s a cuddle bug at night.

Show threadMorning3d ago
@Raven_coyote oh and I also see the behaviors more on days he’s had less exercise and attention.