And the POLL SAYS......

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Permalink Reply by Julie B. on November 13, 2009 at 11:38am

I see you took my out of order survey thoughts from the puppy biting discussion. Thanks!

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Permalink Reply by Karen & Jack on November 13, 2009 at 11:56am

Karen break, Mommy Lynne fix!

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Permalink Reply by LynneNJ on November 13, 2009 at 12:01pm

Anytime! Have Fun!

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Permalink Reply by Denise & Abby on November 13, 2009 at 11:41am

that was too easy!! Naturally it's all of the above - the exercise so they don't get frustrated and then do naughty things because of so much pent up energy... good training so they have some manners... proper breeding for obvious health issues ... love, patience and consistency just like a child - they thrive in these situations. There should be another also - bounderies, so they know what they can and cannot do.

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Permalink Reply by LynneNJ on November 13, 2009 at 11:54am

So vote!

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Permalink Reply by Karen & Jack on November 13, 2009 at 11:57am

I said "all of the above", but I also say (to quote the Bible):
"...the greatest of these is Love".

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Permalink Reply by Allyson, Peri & Taquito on November 13, 2009 at 12:31pm

I think love, patience and consistency is top. But of course Peri gets plenty of training and exercise. And came from good breeding.

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Permalink Reply by Adina Pearson on November 13, 2009 at 1:24pm

I voted for all because I think there's a kernel of truth in all of them...but I'm not sure what role "love" plays in the love, patience, consistency trio. Love is an emotion...patience and consistency are actions/behaviors on the part of the owner. I think most of us on DK LOVE our dogs...so that's not missing from anyone's repertoire. But love and affection alone are not very useful in directing/changing behavior. I can love my dogs and still have horrible behavior from them. I can love them and overfeed them because I can't stand the begging look in their eyes. I can love my dogs and spoil them and let them do what they want without regard to their manners, etc.

Also I don't think a "Great Trainer" is that necessary for a puppy...just some basic guidelines and follow-through. Adequate exercise is good...but not sure about "tons." And I would say proper breeding is important, of course. I think also that temperament and age influences puppy behavior...most puppies have a lot in common, generally. With individual variation on specific behaviors like nipping.

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Permalink Reply by LynneNJ on November 13, 2009 at 2:09pm

I agree that there is probably some part of all of them that make a well behaved puppy, however, I think that sometimes love is the most important part of it. Too many people get the dog from high priced breeders, pay for trainers, take the dog for walks and throw a ball and still think it's something wrong with the dog. I can't even tell you how many fosters I have had where the dog was returned to the shelter or rehomed because the dog was wild and they couldn't control him. They paid a lot of money for him, went to trainers, used a crate and couldn't understand why he wouldn't settle down. What they didn't do was LOVE the dog.

That isn't a problem here on DK, because I think all of us do love these critters, maybe to distraction sometimes, but patience and consistency has to be connected to love to make it resonate with the dog. He has to WANT to please you and that is his love to you. That's why I don't believe in certain types of training where they stress punishment or the "me the pack leader" business.

Another choice on the poll should be time, too. Especially with a puppy, it is like having a baby, it takes time for them to learn and be a "proper" dog.

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Permalink Reply by Allyson, Peri & Taquito on November 16, 2009 at 9:22am

I agree with this 100%! Peri is finally getting to that "want to please" stage. We have worked so much with positive reinforcement and lots of love and patience. She looks at us with so much love now. This is a new development over the past month. She actually came running when I called her at the dog park on Saturday.

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Permalink Reply by pamela on April 27, 2010 at 10:23am

i have to comment about the "proper breeding", being the "human companion" of a rescued doodle & (2) "properly bred" corgis. the doodle is definitly the most entertaining (lol) & he & the male corgi tie for "best" behaved & smartest while the verry well bred female corgi is dumb as a post, doesn't listen to a thing but she is cute & the "perfect" corgi look.

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