I’ve been considering the possibility of introducing a second dog into the “pack”, but have had some (minor) problems with Pocket- mostly guardiness, that I would really like some extra opinions on. Here's a rundown: My sister’s dog used to live with us- for about 7 months- a male staffy/boxer who...

Our approximately 7 month old female German Shepherd mix loves to run/chase other dogs at the leash free park. Quite often, 5 or 6 dogs will chase one dog in particular, before changing up and going after another in the running group. Our girl will sometimes be chased, but most often is the chaser. It...

[quote user="DPU"]dealing with underlying condition such as a SA dog[/quote] That brings up a great point. It's one thing to talk about dog behavior in terms of impulsiveness (dominance) and deference (submission), when the dog is psychologically healthy. When a dog suffers from particular...

[quote user="spiritdogs"]They do as I ask in the hope that they will reap a reward that they want. Because I consistently reward copiously for good behavior and allow poor behavior to extinguish, they defer to me pretty much automatically.[/quote] Yes, exactly. We all exercise control over...

[quote user="corvus"]I've found with him that if you try to insist on things, he gets naughty and plays up. He likes to have a choice. The trick is making the right choice attractive.[/quote] Yes! This is where things can get artful and interesting ... in the difference between making a...

[quote user="FourIsCompany"](and of course, I decide which requests are available for the dog's choice.)[/quote] Yeah, that's how it is for me, too. I'm very thoughtful about what I ask for. For example, if I call "here" Ixa can come or not, she just needs to stay in proximity...

[quote user="Ixas_girl"] I don't understand this discussion about "choice", unless, of course, people's dogs really are permitted to choose to defecate on the rug, chew the cat, and scrounge from the plate. [/quote] Oh sure there can be a choice. The dog can sit (or lie down...

[quote user="spiritdogs"]Insisting is fine - I insist that my dogs comply with all my requests. [/quote] Then you are dominant over your dog. As you say, you assert your will kindly. Gold star for you! [quote user="corvus"]I don't always insist on compliance with a request. If...

[quote user="mudpuppy"]the "requester" [/quote] I don't think you can say "requester", unless you are implying that the dog has a choice. Again, if dogs had choices, they'd probably be doing things in your house that you don't appreciate. Watering down the control...

[quote user="FourIsCompany"]It's not about who goes through the door first, it's about an orderly exit through a small portal. [/quote] I agree. Much of our energy spent with our dogs involves teaching them impulse control. Circumstances like leaving the house, greeting, meal time,...