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Originally Posted by ck85abc3  Where is the scientific data that shows, at least to some degree, that human behaviors cause aggressive/vicious dogs? And that it is not the genes?
Or is that not what you meant by "so much good information out there for people to use."
Because, every time I look for this information, all I find are studies that use data from emergency room visits and "reported" dog bites. Of course if that is your data and you refused to realize it's flaws, you are going to conclude that a dogs genes cause aggressive/vicious behavior in dogs.
Also, I guess I have a question about dog training. I was always told on here not to ask a dog to do something if you cannot reinforce it. So when I tell my 8 1/2 month old to sit, if he doesn't, I make him sit by pushing on his butt. This is wrong? |
I guess by trying to be too brief and I didn't explain myself well enough. Yes genes to have some input on the dog personality/temperament but the environment that it's brought up in has a very strong impact. Case in point how many owners of small dogs will not let their pooch interact with a large breed. This can back fire and cause future problems. Neither knows how to behave in the presence of the other. Ignorance is not bliss in this case. My step mom carries her Yorkie everywhere. It has learnt throught the years that whenever there's perceived ground level danger, he will be swept up and protected by Mom. Mom never realized the damage that she has done and she says that she hasn't brought him up to be vicious/nervous. The dog is now 10 years old and I've been working with it for two years and with the help of my girls. He very slowly learning that large dog aren't necessarily evil. Accordingly I don't want my girls to think that all little dogs are aggressive that's why they have friends of different breeds/sizes. I've lost track of the number of times where we crossed pathes with owners carrying their pooch when a large dog came by. I can go on with examples of how owners carelessness/ignorance has had an impact on the dog 's temperament.
"so much good information out there for people to use": this site for one, the numerous books, professional trainers, your vet, breed and kennel clubs, etc. All I was trying to state was, with all the resources available to us, it would be nice if all owners took the time to be responsible and educated. Maybe BSL wouldn't be an issue as it is today! I'm tired of seeing the number of issues that could have been eliviated if the owners only knew the future outcome of their handling. All dogs are born with a blank slate. It first learns from mom, then her owner(s), next it's on to its own owner and lastly the public.
As far as the sit goes pushing on the back causes damage. Your pups skeleton is still growing. More effective and much safer ways are 1) with a hold a treat just above the head and slowly bring it back producing the sit; 2) if you prefer hands on start from the base of the tail (No pressure) and bring your hand under its bottom tucking in (similar to when someone come from behind and pushes the back of your knees causing you to "sit"). If you're trying to reinforce an already known command, take hold of the collar with one hand and tuck with the other at the same time as you saw the command. On leash a quick pop up (without lifting him off the ground) should also give you the wanted "sit". Repeating the command several times before you get the desired action will only teach your dog that he can do what he wants when he wants to! Insist on it right from the start. At 8 months, is going through the adolescent/defiant stage. Patience is the name of the game. You may have to back up a few steps in your training. Keep requiring the proper response and you'll notice once he's outgrown it that he'll better behaved than ever.