[nagdu] cooperation vs. force

[Cindy Ray]

I would say that many, though certainly not all, trainers will say that to keep them confined when you aren't there is as much for their protection as for your own well being. I suspect, too, that this depends on the dogs. Our dogs are confined at nights and are confined when we are gone; they expect it, though go to their kennels when asked to do so and are praised for having done it. I would like to find room for one more crate in order that I didn't tie fisher. We try not to leave them for hugely long periods of time, and they are only required do be there at night or during the day if we are both gone. I feel they have to be corrected when they have done something they should not, but more than that they must be hugely praised when they have done the right thing. Maybe I am misunderstanding what you have said, but I would say that we have a great relationship with all of these dogs.

Cindy

On Feb 29, 2012, at 10:58 AM, Julie J. wrote:

> All the recent messages on this list and others concerning corrections, tie downs, muzzles etc. have me thinking.  Although I'm not absolutely opposed to corrections, confinement, muzzles or any other sort of punitive measure that comes to mind, it does make me wonder how the use of these affect the relationship with the dog.  To me the relationship I have with my dog is the most important thing.  If that is built from trust, cooperation and mutual respect then everything else will be fine.  I want a dog to want to be with me and work with me not out of fear of a punishment, but because he genuinely enjoys my company.  I want him to feel empowered to think for himself and to try new things.  I feel that too much use of punishment based interaction will hamper the ability for him to do these things.  I want him to learn self control so he can manage his own impulses out of a place of  confidence in his own choices rather than me micromanaging his life.
> 
> I'm not explaining well.   I guess what I'm trying to say is that I think freedom of choice on the part of the dog is an important thing.  Too often I have fallen into the trap of micromanaging too much of my dog's lives, not allowing them any amount of freedom.  I regret that.  It is something that I have learned with Monty.  To truly trust a dog you have to give them opportunities to mess up so they can show you that they won't.
> 
> Julie
> 
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