Our 12 month old Dobermann Fred just loves other dogs, without a doubt we are second to any dog he meets. Is there any way I can make him a bit more stand offish (as I understand the breed should be) it's great he is so friendly and non-aggresive but he is not controllable when he gets in kanine company, especially at distance. This goes back to a post I made about a month ago regarding "come", I'm trying hard with food and toys but progress is not good.

thanks

Aldous

You need to have complete control of him at all times.

Keep him on a long extendable lead and start off by teaching him this way and then when you are confident he has the hang of coming back to you gradually build it up by letting him off. Keep treats at hand to praise him when he does well. The way I finally cracked it was by finding out what really interested him, ie some sort of game to try and keep his attention on you ie chasing a ball and teaching him to bring it back etc etc.

He is young and wants to investigate, but dont let have a bad experience by him running off to a 'not so friendly' dog as it can be very distressing for everyone involved. I know its really tempting to let him off the lead and let him have a really good run but not all dogs are as friendly and playful.

Our 12 months old Rhodesian Ridgeback has gone through similar behaviour. They have a reputation for being stand offish with people .

I'd say well done on finding a good temperament dog , and providing the environment to make hime confident and non aggressive.

I do understand your concerns with the running off and becoming selectively deaf. We have always attended training classes , and went through difficulties with getting Blaze to come when called - be persistent! We have found that as we live in a pretty remote area and often don't come across other dogs, our dog tends to get very excited and runs off to greet and play with the other dogs. Being a guarding breed and a fair size this can appear intimidating (though not to the dogs) . Our dog is very laid back and friendly - his excitement at seeing other dogs and desire to play takes him off, and he suddenly becomes deaf!!! We have conquered this now following advice from our trainer, it sounds like you may have tried some of this already but if not...

Take a favourite toy and get your dog interested in it when you see other dogs - so he thinks you are more exciting

We have also tried hiding , crounching down low or running in the opposite direction if our dog ignores us - he soon realises he can't see us or that we are runnign off and he comes back at top speed.

Start to 'hand feed' your dog all its food. Take the food out in a bag on walks and when you call him and he comes reward him. If he ignores you place what you woul have given him into another bag - he has 'lost' this food for the day. It took a few days for our RR to catch on , but then when we called he looked up straight away - he still has lapses sometimes and we have to go back to a week of long lining him or hand feeding to reaffirm the behaviour we want.

Put a long line on your dog - so you can get him to return when you call, and if necessary reel him in.

Try lots of games on walks, so that you seem interesting - ours loves a handful of food thrown in the grass to 'seek'. We also stop during some walks , produce the favourite toy and have an impromtu 'play' session.

Practice distance training in the garden or a fenced area

Our dog really ' tuned in ' to us when we clicker trained him, and he is also more responsive to a whistle than a voice when being called.

Hope something has been useful - and if you get any other advice that works let me know.

Nikki

thanks for your replies..looks like fred is on the lead for a while! it's a shame because i love to see him run but needs must..many thanks all

He probably will grow out of though, its all part of the process of growing up!!!

With mine after a few months of being on the long line and lots of training on his recall, when he was eventually let off, he become a lot better and knows he has to behave or its the long lead again.

Hope it goes well.

You have an intelligent breed there - honestly be patient and positive - it won't take long for your dog to work out there's reward in being good and coming when called, and that when he does he gets to go off lead. Whilst you have him on the lead or long line keep practicing by calling him. One of the other things we did with our Rhodesian Ridgeback was to say his name whilst walking on lead , he was rewarded when he looked at us. Same with the long line - don't leave it for the 'reel in' every time, call and reward when you get the response you are looking for - remember the more positive expereinces the better. A few months ago we thought we would never be able to let Blaze off with other dogs around ( and get him back) , but last night we walked off lead at a popular spot across some fields, he had a great time playing with other dogs and we were proud of 100% recall when we decided to move on ! BUT we are careful - if we notice that 'look' that means - 'I'm about to run for the hills' then we call the dog back with lots of excitement and get that lead on ! This helps minimise him ending a walk by running off. Also as I said before - have fun, play run and hide games with your dog. If Blaze wanders ahead we crouch in the grass or behind a tree , and he soon comes looking for us - we do lots of priase when he finds us.

Keep us posted with the progress, and don't feel bad about walking him on lead. OK running off lead is great for your dog - but being safe and alive is more important ( and essential with a larger breed) Remember that good distance control may save his life.

Nikki

HI Nikki we must have been to the same trainer as this is exactly what we were taught and it works:). Love RRs to bits but felt our household had so many people dropping in and out it would drive a guarding breed mad.

Guess your trainer must be APBC registered? We go to 'Hot Dogs' in Soham , East Cambs and love training classes - I find it really useful when Blaze is going through a frustrating phase - you don't feel like your the only one !!

Good call with the option not to have a RR just yet , it took us 3 years - researching the breed and waiting to be in the right situation. Blaze is adorable, but many people we meet in the street have no idea what the looking after this breed entails. Certainly a lot more discipline and thought needed compared to smaller breeds. You have to be very too strong mentally and physically!!! Our trainer actually said she was going to get an RR , but decided against it as it would not have been fair to have a guarding breed when people and dogs come and go at the house ( her dog training school is in a building in her back garden).

What breed do you have?

Nikki

We have an English Pointer who chose us. The trainer used to work for NCDL and I liked his response when I called and said " The dog is fine, I have a problem getting his attention". We had a home visit and he restored my confidence which had taken a hammering. My husband originally didnt want a dog but now loves Morse loads and we can have another dog when Morse is 3. Has to enjoy lots of exercise - maybe a Viszla if the RR is still not a good idea.

It's good to have more of trainers around which support the positive training techniques. In our search for a RR we saw a few breeders and some where clearly the dogs were disciplined purely by fear, it upset me to see a beautiful adult male RR physically trembling in the presence it's owner, and clearly not enjoying life. Needless to say we let those places well alone.

Spooky ! Pointers were one of the other breeds we shortlisted ( but living in a remote spot we wanted a guarding breed and gentle companion that could keep up with us on long walks and enjoy the outdoors. It's funny because RR's are said to derive from a bit of a mix of allsorts - african native ridged hunting dogs crossed with mastiff types, boxers, greyhounds, deerhounds - and pointers are in there . I can believe it too - Blaze has mastiff like muscle, greyhound speed and agility, aloof attitude of deerhounds and a natural hunting instinct and intelligence of the gun-dog breeds. He loves to 'flush' pheasants, ducks etc, and we crease up , because he does his best to 'point' prior to flushing - he stands still, controlled and lifts a paw - only his curled tail isn't so convincing.

I've only seen Visla's in pictures , and they remind me of a liver nosed RR.
If you consider an RR take a look at the Kalahari Kennels website site - there is loads of information there.