First, with Elliot who's just way-too-kind about horny humping.
Next, with Jondi who will not be so kind.
And finally, if he doesn't get it, with Birdy who we're quite sure will be very scary and make a lasting do-not-hump impression.
All these life's lessons will come in handy with a new dog intolerant girl who's on her way to our program in two or so weeks.
Using dogs to teach others dogs so they can teach the dogs, and then hopefully teach other dogs. They do great work and they only charge kibble, so how can you lose?
So true about dogs teaching other dogs. The most difficult puppy I raised was our collie, as we had no older dogs at the time. Now he and our no-nonsense-cat are helping a new rescue, a 4yo Dobe, to settle in.
ReplyDeleteIf Chunk could learn not to get his hump on 24/7, I'm sure Danny will get the message soon! If I recall, it was an older lady that gave Chunk a far more lasting "no mounting!" lesson than Elliot was able to deliver, so bring in Jondi and Miss Birdy!
ReplyDeleteAnd yay for dogs teaching dogs! I can't wait to see the wonders the barn pack will work on the incoming girl!
Ah. The lessons of life. You can't lose when dogs teach other dogs the ways of the world.
ReplyDeleteI have a question, Donna. I tried dogs teaching dogs method with my resident dogs and the foster dog, and I realized it didn't help their relationship build positively. Of course I never waited till it escalates into a fight, and I gave time outs every time, but still, I saw the resident dogs started to keep away from the foster who didn't have a good play manner. Do you see this happen with your dogs? Did you ever feel the "teacher" dogs who have to give corrections are under stress extending beyond the play session? Thank you!
ReplyDeleteHi Maiko - You're very right in that you have to be sensitive about your personal dogs' abilities and limits when tossing unruly and/or unsocialized dogs at them. If they don't appear to be having fun or if the foster is disregarding their signals, the schooling isn't working and the teacher dog could come to resent the fosters. It sounds like you're reading your dogs body language well and they're telling you that they aren't up for the job. That's okay. Maybe you have other dogs in your circle of dog friends who can pick up the slack -- or, maybe you need to commit to only accepting foster dogs that already have decent social skills.
ReplyDeleteI'd love to see videos of Dan's etiquette lessons. It's really helpful to see when the humans decide it's time-out time.
ReplyDeleteIn fact, I'd be thrilled if the BAD RAP Barn folks made a few videos about play time body language and vocalization in general. It would be great to hear the experts explain what they see when they watch the pups play.
Love this blog - thanks for all you do at BAD RAP!
Hi Megan - Thanks for the request. Here's a video series of stud-muffin Chunk learning to not to hump and then, how to play.
ReplyDeletehttp://badrap-blog.blogspot.com/2010/11/schooling-former-stud-muffin-it-takes.html
Thanks so much! I love Chunk and his blog :). These videos, especially the one with Sally, are super-helpful.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for your response, Donna. Somehow my close doggie circle is full of dogs with 'tudes. :-D I will look for shelters or rescues who would let me do thorough, step by step, dog to dog intro sessions. I think the problem was that foster dog was not showing his true color at the initial session. I suppose I can also look for the third dog who would be a good teacher dog like Eliot, when time is right. Thanks again.
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ReplyDeleteVery nice.I love your blog...............
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