So what’s with obedience training?

[dandandat]

So you hear it all the time, that it’s a good idea to take your dog to obedience training. But my question is, what will this training do for my Sammy that she doesn’t already do?

Sammy is a 16 month old Female Basset that has never been to an obedience class.

She knows how to sit on command, she walks nicely on her leash, while I have never taught her to heal she does understand “come here”, or “go over there” or other location commands that are good for us. She knows how to fetch and her sent related games.

It took as a while to get her reliably house broken, but once I taught her a scratched door seldom remains closed, it turned out her biggest problem was that we weren’t picking up on her silent clues.

She is defiantly not on of those dogs you see at agility tests on TV, but I doubt an obedience class will turn her into that, or that I would even want to work at it enough to get to that point.

If I had to pick two obedience related problems Sammy has, is one) she is stubborn but I have read every where that Bassets are notorious for being stubborn even with obedience classes. And two) she jumps up on us and others, which is our own fault because he aren’t consistent in correcting her, many times its just cute since she is a small dog.

So I guess my question is what do they do at formal obedience classes that I can’t do at home. Keeping in mind I don’t really need a supper obedient show dog but just one to be part of the family.

 

[Sweet72947]

The one thing I think obedience classes are really good for is socialization. Your dog can learn to obey your commands around other dogs/people. But if you can do that at home, that's cool too.

 

[dandandat]

Sammy gets to be with a lot of people, as for dogs she sees two others on a regular bases:

A Cocker Spaniel who use to be my dog until I moved out of my parents home when I was married, we thought it best to leave her there as it was her home. Her name is Molly and she is also a obedient dog. I’d say she is more obedient then Sammy because she doesn’t have the stubborn side Sammy does. They get along well, except for the fact that Molly is older and doesn’t want to keep up with Sammy’s puppy energy some times.

The tables are turned however when Sammy is with Peanut, my Aunts dog. Its what looks like a toy Doberman, but I don’t think that’s the correct bread. Since it’s a toy sized dog it has a lot more energy then my lumbering Sammy. Peanut is not obedient at all, makes me wonder if they forgot to put a proper brain in that small dog or if my aunt is just bad at keeping her dog in line (its probably the latter).

She also gets to play with cats/kittens from time tot time. Strays that have made grandparents shed their home. The cats have gotten use to the dogs sniffing around and some times participate in some good old fashion chases.

 

[Sweet72947]

Seems like you have all your bases covered. Obedience classes are probably good for novice owners who don't have as many opportunities for socialization and things, and to help them learn HOW to train as well as WHAT to train.

 

[Dekka]

Its a good idea for 95% of people and dogs, but you may fall in that 5% that is just fine without. That isn't to say you and your dog wouldn't have a blast trying something like a tricks class, basic agility, or rally O. Many people take a class, just for the ejoyment of doing something fun with their dog. (kinda like couple who take a ball room dance class together, its not that they need it, but that is fun to do together)

 

[DanL]

I always felt like OB classes, especially beginner ones, are more for the handler than they are for the dog. They teach you how to read your dog's body language, how to perform basic tasks with consistency, and give the dog a great socialization outlet. Not everyone needs it. I like taking Gunnar because it gives him interaction with other dogs that he would not get at home. When you start working more advanced things like off leash, it helps to have an instructor to give you feedback on what you are doing right and wrong.

 

[Mayasmydobe]

sounds like you and your dog are okay without the class


and by the way, the "miniture doberman" would be a Miniture Pinscher. Not related to the Doberman Pinscher at all

 

[adojrts]

. And two) she jumps up on us and others, which is our own fault because he aren’t consistent in correcting her, many times its just cute since she is a small dog.

.

Why would you correct her for a learned behaviour?? When a dog jumps up on anybody, especially a dog raised in a home, its not the dogs fault. So correcting her isn't fair.

 

[noludoru]

And to add to Adojrts... Bassets are NOT small dogs, they are large dogs eith small legs. Compare your pup's body size with a lab or something, and then compare her body size to a Chihuahua. Big difference, yes?

 

[Psyfalcon]

Why would you correct her for a learned behaviour?? When a dog jumps up on anybody, especially a dog raised in a home, its not the dogs fault. So correcting her isn't fair.

What definition of "correcting" we're using here? If the dog jumps, even as a small puppy, isn't just calmly saying no, and placing it back on the floor correcting?

 

[Doberluv]

It's far more effective to not reinforce jumping by speaking to or looking at or touching, pushing the dog off.....any attention at all. It's far more effective to ignore that attention seeking behavior and praise/treat when the dog stays on all fours or sits. Consistancy and good timing with rewarding the wanted behavior and ignoring behavior which is an attempt to seek attention will teach the dog much better and in a way he understands. Calmly saying "no" and touching the dog are nothing but reinforcing or rewarding the jumping up and makes it much more difficult for the pup to understand and learn.

I agree with the others about classes. I never took my past dogs to classes and they learned everything just fine. They are indeed great for people who need help with training advice and great socialization. And they're good practice for the dog to learn to do things in distractions. Plus, they're a lot of fun. But if you've got all your bases covered and are satisfied with what you have with your dog, there's no reason to go to a class.

PS..I don't believe hounds are more "stubborn" for one minute. They simply have different things which motivate them...things in their environment. And a little more of a challenge because of it. It is just the way they are. Steps have to be taken to counteract some of that....setting up the environment so the dog can learn better, working with a somewhat hungrier dog, using a higher value motivator or an unusual one that you might not have thought of....lots of things. Dog behavior has nothing to do with our values or morality.

 

[adojrts]

It's far more effective to not reinforce jumping by speaking to or looking at or touching, pushing the dog off.....any attention at all. It's far more effective to ignore that attention seeking behavior and praise/treat when the dog stays on all fours or sits. Consistancy and good timing with rewarding the wanted behavior and ignoring behavior which is an attempt to seek attention will teach the dog much better and in a way he understands. Calmly saying "no" and touching the dog are nothing but reinforcing or rewarding the jumping up and makes it much more difficult for the pup to understand and learn.



PS..I don't believe hounds are more "stubborn" for one minute. They simply have different things which motivate them...things in their environment. And a little more of a challenge because of it. It is just the way they are. Steps have to be taken to counteract some of that....setting up the environment so the dog can learn better, working with a somewhat hungrier dog, using a higher value motivator or an unusual one that you might not have thought of....lots of things. Dog behavior has nothing to do with our values or morality.

Agreed!! well said (much better than my stumbling attempts lol).

Lynn

 

[dandandat]

What definition of "correcting" we're using here? If the dog jumps, even as a small puppy, isn't just calmly saying no, and placing it back on the floor correcting?

I don’t know in what way Adojrts took my use of the word correction. But what I meant was putting her back down on the floor and telling her no, or not giving her attention until she gets down on her own. Perhaps Adojrts see’s correction as synonyms with punishment, I’m not up on the dog training lingo.

 

[dandandat]

And to add to Adojrts... Bassets are NOT small dogs, they are large dogs eith small legs. Compare your pup's body size with a lab or something, and then compare her body size to a Chihuahua. Big difference, yes?

Sammy is a small Basset, she is about the size of a cocker spaniel, shorter and perhaps a inch longer. A little heavier do to the bone mass. But you are correct, Sammy has met some big Bassets at the vet.

 

[dandandat]

PS..I don't believe hounds are more "stubborn" for one minute. They simply have different things which motivate them...things in their environment. And a little more of a challenge because of it. It is just the way they are. Steps have to be taken to counteract some of that....setting up the environment so the dog can learn better, working with a somewhat hungrier dog, using a higher value motivator or an unusual one that you might not have thought of....lots of things. Dog behavior has nothing to do with our values or morality.

Well, I am not a doggie sociologist or philosopher so I wont quibble over the correct terminology to describe that the dog is more motivated by outside influences then wishing to please their master as compared to other doges that have a larger drive to please their masters. You can write that in a paragraph – I’ll just call it being stubborn.

 

[ToscasMom]

And two) she jumps up on us and others, which is our own fault because he aren’t consistent in correcting her, many times its just cute since she is a small dog.

It is not cute. You think it's cute and half the people she does it too pretend it's cute. She's not as small as you think and one day she will knock a small child down and it might not be cute at all.

You also discuss that your dog is "Stubborn". I take this to mean sometimes she obeys and sometimes she doesn't. This alone tells me you need obedience training. When i took my dog to training, it turned out that I was the one who needed to be trained on how to train my dog, how to make her very obedient. Why would that be important? Well, I had already made a dozen mistakes with her that I didn't even know were mistakes till I learned how to train my dog. I thought I was doing just great and my dog was just stubborn. Sound familiar? Secondly, if your dog is not obeying your commands with strong regularity, one day she might run out into the road and you will tell her to come back and just maybe she won't. Hopefully, a car won't be in her way. The truth is, that unless you learn how to be your dog's leader according to who she is and who you are, there will always be the potential for problems. I looked at professional training as security for the safety of both me and my dog.

 

[Dekka]

Well, I am not a doggie sociologist or philosopher so I wont quibble over the correct terminology to describe that the dog is more motivated by outside influences then wishing to please their master as compared to other doges that have a larger drive to please their masters. You can write that in a paragraph – I’ll just call it being stubborn.

The reason stubborn is not a good way to think of your dog is that it buts the problem on them..As in my dog is stubborn. See that makes it the dogs fault, so the solution is difficult. If you say I need to work at motivating my dog, the solution is within your grasp.

Hounds are not stubborn. They are hounds, not border collies, there is a big difference.

 

[dandandat]

It is not cute. You think it's cute and half the people she does it too pretend it's cute. She's not as small as you think and one day she will knock a small child down and it might not be cute at all.

Your probably right. I never said I was right in letting her do it. And I have blamed my self for it not her.

But now I have to say something. I have been on this sight for two days some of the posts I have read have been hostile toward me and condescending and I donot understand where its coming from. Is that how things are around here, should I find a nother place to post?

You also discuss that your dog is "Stubborn". I take this to mean sometimes she obeys and sometimes she doesn't. This alone tells me you need obedience training. When i took my dog to training, it turned out that I was the one who needed to be trained on how to train my dog, how to make her very obedient. Why would that be important? Well, I had already made a dozen mistakes with her that I didn't even know were mistakes till I learned how to train my dog. I thought I was doing just great and my dog was just stubborn. Sound familiar? Secondly, if your dog is not obeying your commands with strong regularity, one day she might run out into the road and you will tell her to come back and just maybe she won't. Hopefully, a car won't be in her way. The truth is, that unless you learn how to be your dog's leader according to who she is and who you are, there will always be the potential for problems. I looked at professional training as security for the safety of both me and my dog.

No I am talking about this

Basset Hound Club of America

The Basset Personality

Despite a deliberate, unhurried manner and captivatingly clownish demeanor, the Basset Hound possesses great intelligence and what may often be viewed as stubbornness may more appropriately be attributed to an innate ingenuity. In fact, the Basset excels at getting his way, from “demanding” a tasty morsel at the table to hurling his hefty 65 pounds into your lap! His overly long body, short legs and delightful wrinkles become a kaleidoscope of amusing expressions, all cleverly orchestrated to win us over. And win us over he does. Gentle and sociable in nature, the easy-going Basset Hound is loyal to master and family, devoted to children and mild-mannered and friendly towards other animals


PERSONALITY & PHYSICAL TRAITS OF
THE BASSET HOUND

Calm, good-natured and affectionate. Gets along well with people and other dogs and pets. Good with children. Loves to be a lap dog. Not a good guard dog.

Sensitive and stubborn nature. A Basset takes punishment and reprimands to heart. Can be stubborn and conveniently “hard of hearing.”

Pack mentality. A single Basset may not do well left alone for long periods. For working owners, the company of another dog is the next best thing to having you there.

A scent hound. The Basset was bred to trail game. His keen nose can lead him into dangerous situations such as the path of a speeding car or an unfenced swimming pool. The Basset is safest in a secure, enclosed area.

Relatively low activity level. Prone to obesity. Healthy, trim Bassets have good energy levels, but they are also content to snooze away the afternoon in a patch of warm sun. Although this laid back nature makes them desirable house pets, their weight must be kept in check. A daily walk with your Basset is recommended.

A large, hefty dog, possessing more bone for its size than any other breed of dog. Although Bassets are low to the ground, they are not small dogs, with most ranging from 50 to 65 pounds. The average person will have a difficult time lifting an adult Basset Hound.

A smooth-coated dog. A wash-and-wear dog who may be bathed as frequently as needed. Bassets are either tri-colored (a combination of black, white and tan) or red-and-white (a lighter red-and-white may be called lemon-and-white). Coat colors are distributed over the body in no particular pattern.

Growing puppies have special needs. Until they are a year old, Basset puppies should not go up and down long flights of stairs or be allowed to jump on and off elevated objects such as couches, beds or porches. The joints of this heavy-boned breed are still forming and excessive stress or strain may cause permanent injury. After a year of age, these activities, within reason, are usually not harmful to your Basset.

Short legs may mean a needed boost! Many, but not all, sturdy, low-slung Basset Hounds may require assistance getting into a car. The unique, low-stationed Basset does not excel at jumping.

Long ears and droopy eyes need cleaning. Nails need trimming. The long ears of a Basset do not allow good circulation of air and are prone to infection. Owners should clean their dog’s ears once a week. The Basset’s droopy eyes should also be kept clean of debris and nails trimmed once or twice monthly

If the word stubber is good enough for the Basset Hound Club of America, i think it works for a guy just looking to have a four legged freind.

 

[DoggyDaze]

...
and by the way, the "miniture doberman" would be a Miniture Pinscher. Not related to the Doberman Pinscher at all

Or a Manchester Terrier maybe?

 

[Dekka]

JRTs are described as stubborn and difficult to train in their breed standard...but that doesn't make it so. And of course your dog would be your friend? (I wouldn't describe my friends as stubborn...not if I was their friend)