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manners

1K views 8 replies 5 participants last post by  sprorchid 
#1 ·
I always thought I was doing the right thing teaching my girls manners and etiquette. While walking, if we encounter others walking their dogs, my girls will sit quietly and wait to continue our walk. They do not engage the other dog. I taught them that if another dog has something in their mouth it belonged to them. There was no such thing as tug a toy. Although Olivia and Isabelle will play with each other they will now not engage in play with other dogs--even the ones who come into our home for a visit. Olivia, who is 10, has slowed down considerably. Her idea of a great good time is sleeping. Unfortunately, Isabelle, who is only 3, follows Olivia's lead. What have I done? I'm so fearful that whenever something happens to Olivia that Isabelle will not bond with another dog. I guess the purpose of this post is so others don't make my same mistakes. Manners are great but not at the expense of losing the joy of playing with others.
 
#2 ·
There's nothing wrong with teaching dogs manners. It's actually critical. The problem with not socializing with other dogs can come back to haunt you though,especially later if you want to introduce another dog. I think you have to let the dog decide whether he wants to interact with a certain dog , but you should always encourage it for this exact reason. Dogs need more than one another and or a littermate to be socialized properly. It's never too late to start, just harder with time passed.
 
#3 ·
We have actually begun giving Isabelle opportunities to socialize with other dogs. We only allow her to interact with dogs who are gentle and respectful. This is done either in our home/yard or the homes of friends. Unfortunately there are no dog parks here at the beach. She has been with 2 Shih Tzus, a cat, another Havanese, a standard Schnauzer and a petite Bichon. She is just much more interested in the people accompanying the dogs. We even went so far as to take her to a pet psychic. The only thing we asked of the psychic was to find out if Isabelle was happy. It was unbelievable what the psychic said: Isabelle realizes that Olivia needs more attention and she is fine with that; she doesn't like to be around boisterous dogs; she misses Hannah (our deceased Golden); she is afraid Olivia will leave her like Hannah did (that one is heartbreaking). Seriously, how could the psychic even know about any of this? We will keep trying to get Isabelle to engage in play but I'm beginning to think that she is just one laid back little girl.
 

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#4 ·
a doggie pyshcic!? that's kind of awesomely weird!!

Reading your descriptions, it really sounds like your hav is content. They don't HAVE to like playing with EVERY dog, everywhere. Tillie will typically tolerate other dogs out on walks or at a pet store, but she doesn't really 'engage' and want to PLAY with them.
She's a people dog. and if I were to get another hav, I'm sure eventually she WOULD play, but she may not... Tillie LOVES, adores people. with dogs, all I ask is that she tolerate them, she doesn't have to "play" with them if she doesn't want to. :)
 
#5 ·
doggie manners I deem important are:

1) not putting paws on humans

2) not displaying dominant behavior to new dogs (or dog friends) like paws on the back, stare downs, etc.

3) not playing 'rough' or playing at the appropriate level of the dog they are with.

4) Not harassing human or canine (incessant barking or growling to get what he/she wants).

5) polite butt sniff/greeting - ollie tends to be 'all up in there' if you know what I mean with female dogs esp. and I notice when big dogs greet ollie, they often give him a LONG sniff, I'm talking more than 2 minutes. Ollie is patient with it,and when he's had enough he'll let out a quiet growl.

6) not pulling on leash, and waiting nicely/quietly if I'm talking to a human.

just some of the manners I expect from my dogs.
 
#6 ·
doggie manners I deem important are:

1) not putting paws on humans

2) not displaying dominant behavior to new dogs (or dog friends) like paws on the back, stare downs, etc.

3) not playing 'rough' or playing at the appropriate level of the dog they are with.

4) Not harassing human or canine (incessant barking or growling to get what he/she wants).

5) polite butt sniff/greeting - ollie tends to be 'all up in there' if you know what I mean with female dogs esp. and I notice when big dogs greet ollie, they often give him a LONG sniff, I'm talking more than 2 minutes. Ollie is patient with it,and when he's had enough he'll let out a quiet growl.

6) not pulling on leash, and waiting nicely/quietly if I'm talking to a human.

just some of the manners I expect from my dogs.
that's a great list!!
 
#9 ·
So, anatolians are tall enough to take things off the top of the fridge. no joke. yes, kitchen, bar, dining table, top of the fridge.

I'm single, but my youngest, anatolian boy, Oz, MAJOR counter surfer and paws on humans (play but not cool), so I have baby gates up in key places. also, he likes to thru the recycling bin, which would be fine if he put the items back in the recycling bin.
 
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