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Originally Posted by JemarsSerena I take Serena to classes on MOnday nights. When I came to pick up the kids tonight my mother expressed concern for the kids with Serena. Serena is of great temperment mind you but we have issues around other dogs. The reason my mom mentioned anything is that Serena was trying desperately to go play with my mom's 11 year old Border Collie\GSD mix and I was working hard to prevent it. Even at 40 lbs, Serena can be a handful when she has her mind set on something.
So here's my question for you guys... I'm thinking about repeating basic obedience to give Serena more experience around other dogs. Bill |
Bill...remember Serena is just a pup...she's only 5 months old. I think time and patience will help her. She also needs to mature...I think that has a lot to do with it. She's still a pup wanting to play with any- and every-one around. Deja and I have private lessons periodically and class lessons 1x per week. I've noticed in the class lessons that it takes a bit longer to get her attention. My trainer told me that her age has a lot to do with her attention span, that it will get better as she becomes more mature and gains more confidence.
Personally, I think that if as an owner you feel both you and Serena can benefit from a repeated class, then repeat it. Moses had issues when Sasha passed earlier this year, and part of our solution was to re-enroll him in an obedience class that he had already passed. Some around me thought I was crazy, but it has helped him tremendously. He has gained confidence, he is more focused and he responds/listens much better. He needed to have the stability of something to work towards. My trainer agreed that this was one of the best moves we could have made for him...and he is excelling tremendously. In fact, he is being recognized as much as her own dog for "getting it right" and he eats up the "praise".
I think Serena will do great, I just think part of it will come with time as she gets older and becomes more mature. However, any negative habits you definitely need to "nip in the bud" now...and I totally understand the 40# and can pull stage...we have had a few times like this also. I'm telling you it's the Rottie Girls 2006 thing!
Good luck with your decision and keep us posted.