Whenever someone tells me they have " tried everything " with their problem dog -I can guarantee they have NOT .
There is a mentality that says dogs are incapable of learning , incapable of self control . It's not true .It's not true you have "tried everything".It's not true greyhounds can't recall or disengage from a chase ,that collies can't learn not to herd the traffic, that your american staffy can't stop barking at the neighbours.
If you were foolish enough to add a terrier to as home with pet rabbits without thinking that through , you get what you deserve - BUT - it IS possible to own both successfully - if you want it badly enough.
Your dog absolutly CAN learn to control it's impulses. What is true is the singular lack of committment most people have to get the dog to that point .
Between not committing to changing what they do, not putting forth the effort to do so, and relinquishing any attempt to do so to the belief that dogs can not be taught to govern their own actions , is the mentality that strips our rights as owners to live with our dogs in meaningful ways.
It is so easy to lower our standards because the solution looks like work and smells like effort - but every time we do that it diminishes the value dogs bring to our lives.
Instead of breeding away from working qualities because people want the look of a breed without the drive, select a breed that suits your lifestyle if you aren't going to do the work.
If you choose a breed with a working history remember that even if your dog may not have the same drive as a working counterpart , there are enough genetic remnants to make life interesting for you ! People are amazed when they tell me what breed their dog is and I can tell them what their unwanted behaviours are . Care enough to research the breed and it's behaviour tendancies before you get it . There are consequences for every action. Choosing the wrong breed for your lifestyle , choosing the wrong individual once you settle on a breed ,not making an effort to to help that dog succeed, isnt a " dog problem ". It's an OWNER problem !
I can help you explore that too before you get that dog .
Instead of getting frustrated at an animal for your bad choices you can make it work when you select a trainer who can teach you how to develop and channel drive, redirect , focus, or , if necessary, suppress drive .
Stop blaming the dog. Stop listening to people who generalise based on an incomplete model of untrained or poorly trained dogs .
If your dog is expressing it's genetic heritage and you just cant take it anymore- look for someone to help you understand how to fit that square peg in that round hole.
The only thing seperating you from the dog you want to have - is TRAINING
When you ready - I am here .
