[Dailydrool] need suggestions

[Dan Hickey]

Claudia

I'm not too sure I think highly of your instructor's methods, but she's
not totally wrong either. I'm also not sure it's possible to steal
puppyhood away short of serious abuse. There are times when it's
appropriate to greet and play with other dogs and times when it's not,
even for the youngest puppy. Your dog NEEDS to understand you may and
will set limits and make decisions of which actions are appropriate.  If
you are having problems with being firm, first why weren't you my mommy?
Second you may never get the behavior you desire.  I have done extensive
training with Diamond and early on we came up with two important
commands. "Diamond SIT!!" is the signal we're going to work. Sniffing,
marking, playing all stop. I get a sit and I get attention. On the other
side we have a release word, "Diamond O.K.!!" which says we are done and
the decisions are now his to make. Between the two is work time and he
pays attention to me. Scent hounds like Bassets and Bloodhounds were
bred to be independent hunting partners who make and execute their own
strategy (really very smart). Obedience training forces them into
relying upon you for all the decisions (micromanaging their actions).
This is contrary to their instincts so requires significant extra
effort.

Dan Hickey