Re: Biddable Labradors. Yes, you did, you did. Cupar will make Dawn look like a truck load of Tasmanian Devils
Re: Biddable Labradors. I have a feeling people with biddable dogs do as much training if not more than those with more difficult dogs they just don't realise it. We don't train as some do here, we initially teach sit in a formal way. Then wait comes naturally as we say wait and block access through doors until we are through them, we teach leave as we put down food and hold the collar then we let go and do it with hand in front of face usually within a couple of weeks we have a dog that doesn't dive into it's food and leaves on command, knows not to dash through doors etc and stays when told. We then say isn't she good we haven't had to train her at all. We don't train to a high level just enough to have a good mannered dog that fits into our life. The idea of formal training times etc all seems alien to us and a lot of hard work to get to the same end our approach gets to more informally.
Re: Biddable Labradors. [quote author=Julie1962 link=topic=8643.msg122127#msg122127 date=1415355103] I have a feeling people with biddable dogs do as much training if not more than those with more difficult dogs they just don't realise it. We don't train as some do here, we initially teach sit in a formal way. Then wait comes naturally as we say wait and block access through doors until we are through them, we teach leave as we put down food and hold the collar then we let go and do it with hand in front of face usually within a couple of weeks we have a dog that doesn't dive into it's food and leaves on command, knows not to dash through doors etc and stays when told. We then say isn't she good we haven't had to train her at all. [/quote] I think there is a lot of truth in that. I would describe Poppy as a biddable dog - she is very sensitive to us and our voices and body language, and always wants to please us (except when in hard hunting mode, then sometimes she forgets all about us... : ) In some ways, she almost seemed to train herself - for instance, when I come home from work and back my car into the driveway, she sits down in front of the door, and waits until I switch the engine off before running over to me... we never trained her to do that, or not consciously, at least! HOWEVER, I do also think that very sensitive dogs can go both ways. They can either become very 'good' and well-trained - or they can be completely ruined by harsh treatment.
Re: Biddable Labradors. Nope - I have two crazy crocodiles, and I love them both! Tatze is my pet Lab (18 months) and Gypsy is a Guide Dog Puppy (5 months), so only with us for a year. She has a really naughty half hour every evening. I call her 'naughty nose' then! Tatze still has her 'remote stealing' moments too! Oh - and she has a liking for leads, harnesses and collars (as in eating them - whole!!)
Re: Biddable Labradors. Just how are you going to be able to give up that adorable pup at the end of the year? It is a very noble thing you are doing, I admire you hugely.
