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Originally Posted by Rescuemomma  Exactly the problem! And big dogs people seem to be be shocked that they bark all the time when they leave them outside in the back yard 90% of the time *sigh*. Every "untrainable" rescue I've taken in, I've been able go train. Some take different methods - I had one collie that everyone thought was impossible, how did I get through? He LOVED tipping buckets LOL. SO I got a couple dozen set up in the yard and kept settjng them back up as he tipped them. After a few hours he was exhausted and I started working with him in that mindset and low and behold - the "untrainable" collie earned titles in multiple sports, and was one of the smartest and easiest dogs I've ever worked with once I found a way to really wear him out and get him into a frame of mind he COULD be worked with. You will never succeed if you only work with them in a hyper alert mindset. You have to find ways to get them into a frame of mind that can be rewarded. Eliminating a bad behavior almost never works without giving them an appropriate behavior to put in it's place! |
I have never shown a dog but have helped out family members that did. I also used to show and breed Himalayan cats. Having seen both industries I can say that many of the problems are the same. Breeding towards popular trendy looks that cause long term health issues in the animals is one of them along with collecting too many dogs/cats to be able to care for properly being another. There are bad eggs in every area of life I guess but I do kind of cringe when people (including myself) advise people to buy from a show/breeder. While there are many reputable show/breeders there are just as many who show/breed that have less than high standards. There are just so many things that need to be checked out that most people have no idea about. I never knew anyone who debarked their dogs but I can see how many would do it. When an animal falls that low on your list of priorities it is time to get out of the business. I left the cat show area when they decided to breed Persian and Himalayans with no noses. Very sad.