Hi,
I am new to this board, I have read alot of the posts with different behavior problems, I have a solution, get a SMART breed. I have had Pugs and American Bull Dogs and I thought it was just me not doing something right with potty problems puppy agression and the like, I now have a 12 week old Golden Retriever puppy and what a delight, Believe it or not he has never gone potty in the house, he learned just about day one that he is not allowed in the living room, he is learning commands like sit, and down with record speed. I do not believe it is ME but the BREED. In the future I will only get a SMART BREED. Just my opinon.

Ah well, I've always followed the advice my grandpappy taught me long ago ----
Ya gotta be smarter than the dog to train it!
Overall "breed intelligence" has nothing to do with trainability. The two are completely separate from one another. In fact, the more intelligent a creature is, the less likely it is to do what YOU want it to do and more likely to do what IT wants to do.
Bulldogs and pugs are not instant obedient dogs. It is easily possible that your style of training did not suit their mindset and personalities. Nothing bad about either you or the dogs, just a poor marriage.

It's nice to hear how fast your 12 week old puppy is learning.... but please don't confuse a puppy's eagerness to learn with adolescent or adult behavior. Just like human children maturing into adulthood, behavior changes during growth --- All dogs do this! Advocating a "Smart breed" to solve every owners' behavioral difficulties, imo, is extremely naive and simplistic.
Good luck and enjoy your perfect puppy.
toodles

Hi Eog, nice to see you back! How`d the hols go?
Christine, Spain

My Obedience trainer friend will disagree with you greatly. I help out at her training classes.

The biggest problems people have are with the smart dogs. Most people are just not smart enough for them.

Most people who come to class, despite what they say really want a placid dumb dawg, they pose little challenge!!!!

That is why so many border collies, Labradors, GSD, etc are in need of new homes, people think a well trained dog comes ready made. theyhear that these are intelligent breeds, who excell at performance events, and think great. What they forget is that an active mind and body need training, of which many owners are incapable or unwilling to provide.

Could not agree more with you Brainless. Labrador rescue is full of very clever dogs!

Welcome back Toodles! Lovely to see you again.

Best wishes, John

gawd----youre all right, -sharpei are the cleanest breed going!!!! dont think the brains are in gear though :D

Aahh -that's where I went wrong :rolleyes:
and all this time I thought it was me ;) :D
liz
nice to 'see' you back Sara :)

Hiya Brainless , Maybe you could give some ideas of keeping my 7mth pointer entertained. Flynn is certainly not dumb he keeps me on my toes all times. He loves playing hide and seek, treats hidden in his kongs etc , frisbee in the park etc . I am constantly thinking of games to keep him stimulated. Hes cute and great fun but as you say he is a smart dog and if he is bored starts to cause havoc!! Our training classes start mid Jan.
Any ideas would be greatly appreciated.

As well as keepiong them occupied it is essential to teach them to settle quietly, otherwise they seem to think your presence equals constant play. After a walk or play session, call a halt, give a chew toy, and encourage to settle somewhere close by where you can supervise. If he moves, then gently get him back to the relaxed stay, use a lead if needed.

A young dog can become hyper from overtiredness. Having to relax on command is good discipline and self control.

Sounds like you are doing fine with ideas of things for him to do. I would also say, don't be pushed into a rigid routine with the play and walks, as then you will get no peace if you have to cancel, and not knowing when some things are going to happen keeps them on their toes.

share lodgings with claire b