Quote:
|
Originally Posted by susansmom We live out in the country where there are no rules against letting dogs run loose. Our new neighbor has a large mean looking German Shepherd that he hoped would be very scary and aggressive. However, as soon as they moved in and I realized that the dog was going to be loose and the owner was a jerk, I started courting the dog and teaching him to sit, come and stay, etc. The dog has no obedience training except what I've given him. I only work with him off and on and not because I care whether the shepherd can sit and stay but because I want him to be used to accepting me as an authority figure. I figured the only way that my Yorkie and I could be be safe in our own yard and on the way to mail box was if we could trust the shepherd because we sure can't trust his master. I don't really know if this strategy is effective, but it's the only one can think of. Maybe trainers can tell me. So far, so good. The shepherd is really friendly to us both, much to his owner's apparent annoyance. I think I was supposed to be afraid of the dog, not hugging its neck. |
Wow! What great thinking. I'm really impressed with your approach to what could be a very nasty situation. You're an inspiration
