Diesrespectful Dogs

[MShaw]

I would have to say that by disobeying you behind your back, they're not being very respectful at all and don't deserve full roam of YOUR house! I'd crate them or contain them to a room until they prove that they will respect you whether you're in the room or not.....

Sounds like some smarties though haha

[Kawakaze]

Oh yeah they real smart dogs. The labrador is the ring leader, he has taught my rottie all his little tricks. I keep my dogs as extra members of the family, so i dont want to crate, them they have too much personality and i get endless amusement from their antics.

Training classes are un needed, the dogs will come, go away, fetch, sit, lie down, stay, shut up (a good one), in, out, drop, paw, other paw and heel.

Im happy throwing duvet over the sofa. If the dogs are in a crate they cant attack a burglar (we had 6 attempted break ins in 3 months!)

[MonicaBH]

My dogs are also members of my family, and as such, they have their own "rooms" (i.e., crates). Not only do crates protect your furniture and doors, they give your dogs somewhere to go for down time.

Training classes are ALWAYS needed. Unless you yourself are a professional dog trainer, there's always more to learn. Classes are also a way to socialize your dogs with other people and animals.

And generally, the sound of big dog barks is enough to deter most thieves...

[Shelby427]

Originally Posted by Kawakaze

Oh yeah they real smart dogs. The labrador is the ring leader, he has taught my rottie all his little tricks. I keep my dogs as extra members of the family, so i dont want to crate, them they have too much personality and i get endless amusement from their antics.

Training classes are un needed, the dogs will come, go away, fetch, sit, lie down, stay, shut up (a good one), in, out, drop, paw, other paw and heel.

Im happy throwing duvet over the sofa. If the dogs are in a crate they cant attack a burglar (we had 6 attempted break ins in 3 months!)

Ok, well this is concerning. Crating is one of the best things to do, not only is it the safest place for puppies and dogs who can get into things, it's their den. My dogs are members of the family as well, and yes, I use a crate for Hudson - for his own safety. It's not cruel and just because I use crates does not mean I don't think of my pets as family. So please don't use that excuse for not crating.

Training classes are always needed, just because they can do a few tricks does NOT mean they are trained! Training classes are way more than just teaching the dog how to sit and shake. And to be honest, if a burgler were to come into your home, I highly doubt your dogs would attack. I would never expect my dog to attack. If burglers really wanted to do damage, they could.

[wamack]

My GSD opens doors too, namely to the guest room because in his mind the no bed rule only counts for my bed. I put a baby gate up in front of the door, and although he could likely break it down he respects it. I also baby gate them into my room at night, they seem to feel less trapped than with the door closed. Have you thought of those door knob covers for toddlers? I bet that would work. He'd probably still try for a little while, but to no avail and would end up giving up.

[Kawakaze]

Shelby427. I dont know where to begin, which part of my dogs doing everything i tell them to means they arent trained? If i was in the dogs shoes i would probably jump on the couch given a chance, its the smart choice, its the only fault they have. I dont want a working dog, i want soft pets, what else is there to learn them? As the crate, I am aware a lot of people use them, but I dont find it in any way natural and i think my dogs have a better chance of defending the house than they would if they were locked up in a crate. And before you jump to any more conclusions i dont want my dogs to attack anyone, and any aggression earns them a swift telling off and 30 minutes in the yard. but when i am working at night i would rather the dogs attack than any harm come to any of my family.

[Kawakaze]

I forgot to mention my dogs are also bi-lingual. They respond to English and Dutch commands.

[Shelby427]

Originally Posted by Kawakaze

Shelby427. I dont know where to begin, which part of my dogs doing everything i tell them to means they arent trained? If i was in the dogs shoes i would probably jump on the couch given a chance, its the smart choice, its the only fault they have. I dont want a working dog, i want soft pets, what else is there to learn them? As the crate, I am aware a lot of people use them, but I dont find it in any way natural and i think my dogs have a better chance of defending the house than they would if they were locked up in a crate. And before you jump to any more conclusions i dont want my dogs to attack anyone, and any aggression earns them a swift telling off and 30 minutes in the yard. but when i am working at night i would rather the dogs attack than any harm come to any of my family.

Is your dog trained in protection? If not, your dogs will probably not attack. They will probably hide and look to YOU to protect them. If you want to protect your house, get an alarm system. Even if you want "soft pets" TRAINING is still nothing but a positive experience! (and I don't get how you want a 'soft pet' yet want them to protect the family - it takes a very special dog to be trained in protection) It's bonding for you and your dog, it teaches YOU how to communicate with your dog, and sooo many other things.

What else is there to teach them? SO MUCH MORE THAN SIT AND SHAKE. Can you walk your dog off leash? Does your dog have a 100% recall? Can you put them in a 30 minute down stay? Besides just these, there's so much more your dog can learn and it's so sad that you don't see it that way.

[Marcino]

Originally Posted by Maxxx

You could try laying alum foil on the couch. Some dogs are scared of it. I know cats are.

Ooohhh... now I wasn't aware of this. In my case it isn't the dog thats the problem... it's the stupid cat. I'll give this a try

As for the dog, our boy likes getting up on the couch during the night too. If we leave the remotes, the news paper and other stuff scattered on the couch, he won't jump up.

[Kawakaze]

Shelby, yes i do have a perfect recall, yes they will walk off leash. My last dog was soft as hell, never even growled at anyone, one night a guy tried to break in, the dog (without any training) silently waited until his hand has in the window and proceeded to take a chunk out of it, i only know abou this from the open window and blood stains, which were very useful to the police! Dogs protect their pack, you might think your dog would hide from an intruder, im pretty sure they would defend you until its last breath, one of the great things about dogs is undying loyalty. I am taking your advice, i have found a local trainer who covers things such as tracking, which never interested me before but it could be fun. The good thing about this forum is (i think) no two of us have the same attitude and approach to our animals.

[TrinaJ]

Originally Posted by Kawakaze

The chair thing that Bruniesmum suggested is working perfectly, i also threw an old duvet on the floor for them.

TrinaJ, you are lucky, check my profile and see what happens to cushions after Smokie gets hold of them

OMG i just saw the picture!!! Smokie is gorgeous!

[Leige]

Sounds to me like when the dogs were pups they were allowed on the couch at one time or another and now since they have grown and shedding they are not. Good luck on breaking them of something that they were allowed to do and now not allowed.

[Kawakaze]

Leige you can flame me if you want. The fact is the labradors were rescue dogs, one was beaten silly every day and the other was totally untrained. The dogs have never been allowed on the couch. The problem is now solved, as the dogs are crated at night.