I appreciated reading your very frank and open thoughts regarding conflicting ideas towards rearing dogs.  You were not even judgemental - you recognised that the harsh response to your dog resulted in better behaviour.

Think back, I bet Honey was not 'slinking around' with her tail between her legs looking afraid.  I bet she was calmer, nicer and WILLING to listen and respond to the Breeders.  Honey (at last) had found PACK LEADERS!!!

This does NOT mean that you need to continually beat Honey or walk around with a cattle prod!!  Your Breeders HAD to RESORT to a quick and unpleasant lesson simply because she had gotton away with too much for too long!

I rear my dogs with Leadership, Authority and Praise, (which as nothing to do with any of the current philosophy) - They are confident happy and obedient dogs. 

Why do you think there are so many 'Behaviourists' - because people have lost the ability to understand dogs as pack animals.  (Sadly however, these 'Behaviourists' are not much better)!  The sort of advice that is given now simply goes round problems.  It makes sense to PEOPLE but it makes NO SENSE TO DOGS!!!

Ask your Breeders for some guide-lines of how you should interact with your dog at home, in order to gain your dog's respect. There are many simple ways that will surprise you, but it is simply 'dog language'!  You will then find a far closer bond between you and Honey begin to develop.

Try reading 'Understanding and Training Puppies' by Barbara Sykes
'Who's the Boss' by Val Bonney
Plus anything by Carol Lea Benjamin

These will help guide you.  If I lived in Auckland, I would be happy to explain on the phone some of the ways you need to interact at home - but hopefully your Breeders will also know.

All good wishes
Linda

Ask the breeders for advice - the same breeders who suggested Honey should never be allowed to interact with other dogs?

Sorry but i disagree. The problem is that there is nobody on hand to actually help Hsyini and show her what to do. It is simple to train a dog to behave and ot listen, but hard for first time owners of some breeds and next to impossible to explain over the net. Timing etc is crucial and you cannot do this over the net. Yes dogs need leaders and we all need to be sometimes firm and sometimes authoritative, to use a strong voice etc, but NEVER  to resort to beating a dog. There is no "had to" about it.

Lindsay

<<I bet she was calmer, nicer and WILLING to listen and respond to the Breeders.  Honey (at last) had found PACK LEADERS!!!>>

You could be right. So where does that leave the owner? She's not of that pack, so she'll be back to square one when she gets Honey home - unless of course she's prepared to beat the puppy too.