[nagdu] cooperation vs. force

[Hannah Chadwick]

Julie,
I really like the way you train your dog and I must say, I definitely look
forward to your many thought-out responses. 
All the best, Hannah and Princess

-----Original Message-----
From: nagdu-bounces at nfbnet.org [mailto:nagdu-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf
Of Julie J.
Sent: Thursday, March 01, 2012 6:02 AM
To: NAGDU Mailing List, the National Association of Guide Dog Users
Subject: Re: [nagdu] cooperation vs. force

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


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