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This is a place to gain some understanding of dog behavior and to assist people in training their dogs and dealing with common behavior problems, regardless of the method(s) used. This can cover the spectrum from non-aversive to traditional methods of dog training. There are many ways to train a dog. Please avoid aggressive responses, and counter ideas and opinions with which you don't agree with friendly and helpful advice. Please refrain from submitting posts that promote off-topic discussions. Keep in mind that you may be receiving advice from other dog owners and lovers... not professionals. If you have a major problem, always seek the advice of a trainer or behaviorist!


why do we ask a dog to work?

   
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Jessica CGC

Will work for- food		 
 
Barked: Sat Nov 7, '09 3:59pm PST 
Like working for food, and giving them a job to do. Is this so we are established as "alpha dog"?

I do it because that's what I read to do, but I was just wondering why.
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♥- Tyler- ♥

Whippy- The- Whipador
 
 
Barked: Sat Nov 7, '09 4:07pm PST 
I do it to keep my dogs mentally stimulated, to strengthen the bond, and to improve on training and for fun big grin
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Shane

Alpha Roll- This!!		 
 
Barked: Sat Nov 7, '09 4:19pm PST 
Shane enjoys working for high value treats so I "let" him work as a reward for doing something he doesn't particularly enjoy, like holding still for baths or nail trimmings. He gets a reward and brushes up on his basic obedience at the same time!
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Mr. Kite- "Sumo"

being for the- benefit of mr.- kite.		 
 
Barked: Sat Nov 7, '09 4:19pm PST 
i don't think i am the alpha dog.
i do it because it makes me proud when they achieve,
because it keeps them happy and exercised,
we bond, and i like to keep them learning new things all the time
(stimulation)

i think dogs who were bred to do jobs need an outlet.
maybe not a "job" in our sense of the word,
but something regular and stimulating
they can depend on. if you get a BC and plan on
cuddling on the couch with him all the time-
you are going to have problems.
everyone will be happier if the dog gets the
mental and physical exercise that they need.

Edited by author Sat Nov 7, '09 4:24pm PST

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Addy, CGC

Let's go for a- walk!		 
 
Barked: Sat Nov 7, '09 4:20pm PST 
Everyone, including our pets, is happier if they get to exercise their minds as well as their bodies. Healthier, too.
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Jessica CGC

Will work for- food		 
 
Barked: Sat Nov 7, '09 4:38pm PST 
Thanks I knew the mind exercise, but I wondered if it had anything to do with "alpha" too, although I thought probably not.
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Mr. Kite- "Sumo"

being for the- benefit of mr.- kite.		 
 
Barked: Sat Nov 7, '09 4:43pm PST 
jess, it probably does to the "alpha" people...
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Jessica CGC

Will work for- food		 
 
Barked: Sat Nov 7, '09 4:48pm PST 
bol Sumo yeah. I used to be an alpha person before I knew any other way to think of dog behavior and training. But I was wondering anyway if you guys thought that at all with asking a dog to work. I always ask the dogs to sit before I serve dinner. I gave my other dog a "job" because I read that's what border collies need, then I just gave Jessie one too because she seemed to need it for that little pea brain of hers haha..
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ARCHX Asher,- RL1X, RL2X,- RL3

Learning is- changing what we- do
 
 
Barked: Sat Nov 7, '09 5:23pm PST 
Hmmm....Ash is probably thinking that he is the one in control, training me to give him food when he sits and downs and walks nicely laugh out loud

I give my dogs a job for many reasons, safety, physical exercise, mental stimulation and strengthening our relationship among them.
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Mr. Kite- "Sumo"

being for the- benefit of mr.- kite.		 
 
Barked: Sat Nov 7, '09 6:28pm PST 
jessica, i also ask the boys to sit before getting dinner.
i think of it as a way to reinforce the behavior.
sit=good things.
i also like the NILIF way of thinking.
and if nothing in life is free, then their
dinner isn't either. i think it's a good way
to set boundaries and encourage desired behaviors.


i've also heard people say that they ask their dog to
sit before dinner or don't free-feed because they want
their dog to know that the humans provide the food,
not that it grows in the dish.
i don't know if that would be considered "alpha"-ish or not.
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