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Old August 30th, 2009, 01:24 PM
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Bailey_ Bailey_ is offline
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Location: Edmonton, Alberta
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Robiguy View Post
Thank you for taking the time to read my lengthy post and to offer observations and suggestions.

To my knowledge, the full litter--all 6 puppies--were removed from their mother at 6 weeks of age.

I see your point about volunteers not necessarily knowing how to adequately socialize pups.

If you were asking about pinning Pete to the ground to discourage the excessive jumping... My wife has done this with some kennel pups (about 6 months old) who had not been socialized and who were rather too aggressive in their play and greetings with people. One in particular responded well only after she pinned him to the ground and held him until he relaxed/submitted. She did this for 2-3 days and then the jumping behavior completely stopped.

We have tried doing the same with Pete. Asking for submission by pushing him to the ground (not angrily or with mean intent) and gently restraining him there until his physical energy settles. We would then slowly release the pressure, us being totally quiet and calm, retracting and distancing us from him by several feet. It would seem to work at having an immediate calming effect, but as soon as either we or he would innitiate any contact with him, the excessive jumping/climbing behavior begins again--yet with great enthusiasm.

I agree with Pete's climbing on people as him trying to be dominant and in control of the situation. I have to admit that while I try to remind everybody that interacts with Pete that this behavior is to be discouraged, there is some inconsistency. You bring up some excellent points. Fortunately there is a dog trainer center with several behaviorists just a block down the street. I will be seeking out their help and expertise. Thank you very much again.
Glad to hear it!! The only thing I can reccomend is for your family to do your own research about what training techniques and methods you believe in - and seek out one of the behaviorists that follow those. Many train differently and have variying opinions about how to rehabilitate a dog, so make sure their thoughts coincide with what YOU agree with.

If you yourself are noticing inconsistancy with training, most likely so does Pete - which is why anything you and your wife have tried to do with him has not essentially succeeded long-term.

The few points I could advise you to start doing while you seek out the help of a trainer would be to stop talking to Pete - unless you're giving him a command.
Try to put him on umbillical when you're having guests over, and that way you cut the chances of Pete attempting to climb or jump on them.
Absolutley DO NOT let him initiate any attention or cuddling, until your trainer tells you otherwise.

Ensure that any physical attention you do give him is *very* calm. (Don't talk to him while doing so, and massage his chest in slow circular motions - not his belly, but the area just below his neck.)

Keep us posted as to your experience with your trainer! I have no doubt in my mind that Pete is in the best possible home. It's obvious how much you care for him, and you have a good knowledge of animal behavior which is really important for Pete's current situation.
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"If you are a dog and your owner suggests that you wear a sweater. . . suggest that he wear a tail."

Bailey (Labradoodle)
Tippy (Collie/ShepX)
Vali (American Bulldog)
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