[nagdu] cooperation vs. force

[Julie J.]

Robert,

My answer to most dog problems is more training! *smile*  I believe that 
a healthy dog with normal intelligence can live with humans in a 
mutually peaceful way.  I do think there is some give and take, but that 
doesn't mean that either party should have to completely bend to the 
others will, just meet in the middle.

So in Mark's case with the chomping of the tie down's...I would first 
decide what in the world I was trying to accomplish by using the tie 
down.  The answer to that seems to be to keep him from chewing on other 
things in the room.  My next question would be does he actually chew 
things in the rest of the room?  The answer to that seems to be no.  So 
I'm back to my first question, which does not seem to have a logical 
answer at this point.  I would then move to the question, what would 
happen if I didn't use the tie down?  Mark has also answered this 
satisfactorily.  My conclusion is that there is no need for the tie down.

You asked what if Monty developed the habit of chewing on inappropriate 
things?  I find this kind of amusing, thinking back to all the things he 
destroyed as a puppy and young dog! *smile*  I used a combination of 
approaches.  I praised him for choosing appropriate things to chew on.  
I gave him treats for bringing me inappropriate things instead of 
chewing them to bits.  I put away the most tempting things until he got 
to a place where he had learned more self control and could handle it.  
I used verbal correction when he went for something inappropriate and 
followed up with praise when he made a better decision.  I also used the 
crate when I couldn't directly supervise him. It took time, but 
eventually we got there.  He is now trustworthy free in the house alone 
for several hours.

I understand the freedom of choice shouldn't extend to destructive 
behaviors or things that could be dangerous.  I never meant to suggest 
that.  I am suggesting that freedom of choice should be the goal.  
Teaching a dog what things are appropriate to chew on, or where it is 
appropriate to relieve, or whatever shouldn't be a lifelong 
micromanagement issue.  I think sometimes we needed to teach something 
in the beginning of the relationship so measures were taken to prevent 
the problem.  But then we get stuck in this place of micromanagement and 
don't allow more freedom as the months and years go by.   I just noticed 
myself doing this yesterday at work.  Monty lays under my desk in my 
office.  For the first little while he would get up, fidget or try to 
get attention from me.  After a few weeks he settled into the routine.  
I kept the leash tucked between my leg and my desk chair so I could 
better monitor what he was doing.   These days he mostly sleeps.  He 
doesn't try to get up and run off.  He will sometimes move about to get 
comfortable, but I wouldn't call it fidgeting.  I still have that leash 
though.  I have to wonder why?  I started taking him to work with me 
over two years ago.   It seems that he has proven quite thoroughly that 
he is fine under the desk without my micromanaging him by holding on to 
the leash.  Yet I still do it.

Anyway I have to go and get some things around the house done this 
morning.  I look forward to hearing others thoughts on this topic.
Julie