HUMANISING.....dogs!!!!

[CAYLA]

Humanising dogs....is this causing behavioural problems within the dog world, we hear so many people refer to their dogs in a child like manor, ......we seem to think that dogs have the same mental process/ability that humans do

Some owners dont like to discipline their dogs incase they hurt or upset them

I personally dont think of my dog this way...they are a companion..and intelligent one at that, and I enjoy them being around me, and its hurts when they are gone

....but thats it they are not my children, they are an animal and a potentially dangerous one at that....one capable of serious damage/death in any given situation.

Whats everyones thoughts on this subject

 

[Starbucks]

I'm a bit of a soft touch, BUT I have the most happy, friendly dog ever. If she's pissed me off, she knows about it. Dan and our housemate will nag at her - everything she does is wrong in housemates eyes, and she takes no notice whats so ever!! I'm normally a happy mummy and if I tell her off for something she knows she has done wrong. end of.

Not sure I would treat kids much different - worse if anything!

 

[CAYLA]

So u have respect from your doggi....so u must be consistent with her discipline as well as being a soft touch...and it works cos she is a well bahaved doggi.
I hope u are the same with Alfie

 

[Starbucks]

She is a good girl. I personally don't mind her coming and (she does jump up) having a fuss or sitting and having a little bit of my dinner.

Those are the only naughty things she does though - oh and pull on th lead, but she's perfect at coming back to me etc. and just being a friendly, happy girl!

a collie came round to ours the other day (with drunken owner) and tried to bite, Star, me and Dan!! now that is a naughty dog!

 

[CAYLA]

Lol...well I dont encourage my dogs to jump up...they are all large breed and I would not like them to jump on other people.....I read a reply on another forum once....someone was having problems with their dog jumping up and nearly knocking them off their feet

And the reply was.....well its cos he loves u and he is telling u he is soooooo excited to see u he cant contain his excitement....there is nothing wrong with that....

to me this is unnaceptable...but maybe I spend to much time correcting dogs behaviour in order to give them a better quality of life and into a home or avoid pts

thats mainly why I was asking other peoples opinions

 

[Skhosu]

I have very humanised dogs...they are treated like children, but only one of them would ever consider biting, and she is an old lady from when we were midgets! The others would die if they thought you were cross at them.
Well, the terrier for the first time in her life had a bone, and for some reason decided to growl when she was moved on, resultne sorry terrier out the door by the scruff, back in 5 mins later as happy as larry with the bone removed. Primitive instincts, but she is a 'toy', veyr cuddly but we are not averse to saying no!

 

[Starbucks]

We don't encourage it at all, but other than really telling her off for it (where i would feel a bit mean cos she's only saying hi) I don't know what to do??!

We normal say "GET DOWN!" in a firm voice and then give her a fuss - is that right?

 

[Onyxia]

To an extent I dont think it hurts either human or dog- it's the morons who think their dog is a baby that I cant stand!
Dont belive for a second that the dog is happy,how can it be when it is never allowed to BE a dog?

I guess my view is there is nothing wrong with it sometimes,as long as out side silly half hours the dog is a dog and treated like one.

 

[Starbucks]

Thinking about it, my mums dog Buffy (the one who had the tumor) is the most human, clever dog I have ever met. BUT she is clever enough to know when she is in the wrong, and even if she isn't listens to us and does as she's told. Apart from if she's being told - "No Buffy, we aren't going for a walk!" Then it's just whinge, whinge, Whinge!

 

[CAYLA]

[ QUOTE ]
We don't encourage it at all, but other than really telling her off for it (where i would feel a bit mean cos she's only saying hi) I don't know what to do??!

We normal say "GET DOWN!" in a firm voice and then give her a fuss - is that right?

[/ QUOTE ]

Nope...by fussing her...u are effectivly giving her what she wants "attention" als speaking to her is another form of attention.....when u come in from being out...u need to make your presence low key...no fuss...just open the back door and let her out for fer business and if she tries to jump up...turn your back to her....if u come home and go mad with her...she assosiates your arrival with the over excitable behaviour....of which she joins in.....she is not neccesarily saying hi there....she is just displaying the behaviour she has been hyped up and encouraged to display o your arrival.

Some peple do like this....and I am by no means saying...dont do it.....but be prepared for your dog to jump on others like this..inc family members that might get pretty peaved

Praise her whaen she gets back in from the garden...with a quick pat and good girl....low key.

 

[CAYLA]

Yep....I have mad hours with my dogs...roughing them up and playing hide and seek, however in the next breath I would never expect my dog to display agressive behaviour towards me for being disciplined....so im consistent with my reaction to certain behaviours.
But the baby treatent is a big no

 

[Starbucks]

NOTHING is low key with Star, and everyone else can feck off!! I want my dog to be friendly, happy and I'm pleased to see her!! Is that wrong??

I understand that for the "perfect puppy" you need to do certain things but I don't want Star, Alfie, Badger or any babies I might have to be perfect - boring!!!

I will tell my doggies and ponies off for stuff that will hurt them/others but for stuff like being friendly, the person who it annoyed can feck. right. off!

 

[CAYLA]

Yeah...thats my point...if u are happy with the behaviour then its fine....however others are not...they let the behaviour esculate to far.....until it gets out of hand.
I doubt Alfie will knock anyone down...he is a midget

 

[CAYLA]

[ QUOTE ]
NOTHING is low key with Star, and everyone else can feck off!! I want my dog to be friendly, happy and I'm pleased to see her!! Is that wrong??

Only u can answer that

 

[prose]

I do spoil Stella rotten, truth be told, but she is a great dog. I'm very strict about her coming up on the sofa only when invited, and she never gets table scraps. If on leash, I make her walk to heel most of the time. She knows I'm the alpha around these parts, because she often rolls over in submission when I walk over to her (something she never, ever does with other dogs).

I once read that alphas (among their own kind) make the best pets because they are smart, laid-back about their status, and biddable. Stella is confident and sassy in her own skin, and I love that about her

Seriously, though, how can I not kiss this face a hundred times a day?

 

[CAYLA]

She is gorgeous.....but u sound like me...you are consistent and she knows what is acceptable....like ANIMA says there has to be a balance and surely a happy well behaved dog....is a happier dog in general.
Some people have very little control in all areas.....and their dogs run rings around them.

 

[Starbucks]

Naww, was expecting to get a telling off then!

I just adore my dogs so much, if people slate them they are well in the bad books!

Buffy is a total pain in the arse - jumps up, pesters for her ball, needs attention 24/7 but I love her so much and she is so good. She is totally street wise and would never hurt a sole!

wanted to ask you about summat actually.. will PM you...

 

[Skhosu]

lol, so cute! Ours know what to do, they know 'go away', to bed etc. and yes, they bark at incoming traffic. Personally I like this, big country property, 3 large dogs (plus yappy terrier!) is good security but they are soft as butter. Save one, who would if a stranger went to grab her possibly bite, the huntsman tried it once and didn't again! She's the old lady, a bit senile but still 'protects' the house. At least electricians etc. won't try to come in if we're out!
I think as long as they are well behaved in company, i.e civil to guests (once they stop barking at the cars) and aren't aggressive then it is up to the individual how to treat them. Ours are a lab and retriever, one bigger and then a cute one, 4 altogether. Yes, the cute puppy gets hoiked around and allowed on the sofa, but she enjoys it, she now refuses to move from the lorry if it looks like a day out. She doesn't get dressed up or anything silly, and has plenty of running around in the muck, they all do!

 

[prose]

Cala, you would despair at some of the small dog owners over here. At the tiny dogs park (20lbs and under, but due its location, attracts the 10lb and under crew, many of which arrive in handbags) bad behaviour is often seen as something to giggle about--you know, the snarling chihuahuas and the nippy Yorkies.

We don't often go there, but did on the off-chance yesterday. All hell broke loose between a bolshy Puggle and an even more ill-mannered Rat Terrier and the owners just stood there flapping and shrieking. I stepped in with the magic water bottle and the nonsense was over in seconds. If only people took the time to train their dogs properly. Doesn't take a genius, does it?

 

[CAYLA]

Lol...go girl...with old water bottle...I bet they where horrified...that their poochies got wet...off for a blow dry at the doggi salon after that..me thinks

I HATE....it when people carry their dogs....maybe someone will breed dogs with no legs next

The samller the dog the bigger the attitude...all human induced of course

 

[Starbucks]

Oh god, forgot to tell you - we went to a agricultural show the other for a wander, there were two king Charles spaniels... in a pram!!!! a pram!!!!!! Star went for a sniff and this woman grabbed one out of the way as if Star was going to eat it and did a big "tut"!!! Silly old bag!! poor little dogs!!

 

[CAYLA]

A pram

 

[Starbucks]

CRAZY stuff!!! The owner can't have been normal??

It was like a big old fashioned pram? I could have lamped her one when she tutted at my NORMAL dog!

 

[Onyxia]

[ QUOTE ]
Naww, was expecting to get a telling off then!

I just adore my dogs so much, if people slate them they are well in the bad books!

[/ QUOTE ]
OH had to pass "the dog test" before I would go out with him

If they hadnt liked him I would have turned him down...always been great judges of people, every friend/ex who has hurt me was hated by them.

Dont have one at mo(landlord doesnt let them in flats we live in,fair enough but thats the reason we want to move ...like yesterday!) but with past woofers and the next I ahve silly times with them.Aunts fawn dane(RIP big man) used to cheat at hide and seak and my little cousin had hours of fun dressing him up and painting his nails AND he loved every second of it lmao!!!!
BUT he would drop like a stone when asked,always listened to every command from my Aunt and definatly knew she was boss,then the childre THEN him and was a happy soul that everyone loved to be around.

I dont have anything against funky dog coats poividing the dog needs one to begin with,Prose's little Stella for example would freeze without her cost in winter...she needs one so why not have one that also looks good?
Same with collars.
Childhood GSD's were allowed scraps as a treat but ONLY after everyone had finished eating and providing they left us to eat in peace.Some people dont mind begging but it drives me nuts!

They did go nuts when anyone came home(my mother encoraged it) but were not too OTT and would sit and calm down when asked.

Like Cala said it comes down to balance and what the owner/family think is OK,as long as it doesnt bother you and isnt dangerous/out of controll then great

But treating a dog as a baby sub is a big no no in my book,they are dogs not toys to be dressed up and allowed to run riot.

Can tell it's late.....am rambling!
Cookies and milk to anyone who got through that!!!

 

[prose]

[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
Naww, was expecting to get a telling off then!

I just adore my dogs so much, if people slate them they are well in the bad books!

[/ QUOTE ]
I dont have anything against funky dog coats poividing the dog needs one to begin with,Prose's little Stella for example would freeze without her cost in winter...she needs one so why not have one that also looks good?


[/ QUOTE ]

Stella agrees with you completely

You'll be pleased to know, however, that I have no intention whatsoever of putting a coat on the new boy. Can you imagine--a Retriever mix in a big woolly jumper?

These boots of hers are a lifesaver. Seriously, have you ever heard a dog scream when walking on compacted ice? Admittedly, they look a bit daft, but now she can be out in the snow when it's -10c for an hour, instead of five minutes, and people no longer look at me and my shrieking dog, as if I'm some animal abuser

PS The "lifted paw" is her "kick the damn ball" pose, not because she doesn't like her booties, see

 

[Tia]

I have to say I absolutely adore my dogs. Dogs are my passion in life and mine are very special to me....however, they live outside and have 24 hour free access to outside, they are not allowed to sit near us if we are eating outside. I have very clear guidelines as to what they are allowed to do, where they are allowed to go and how they are allowed to do whatever.

I do not humanise my dogs - yes I love them, yes they know full well I love them lots and lots, but they aren't molly-coddled and I would reprimand them if they behave in a manner unbecoming of them (I hardly ever have to though as they are exceptionally good dogs) like jumping up...they are NOT allowed to jump up on anyone! I CANNOT bear dogs who jump up and I get incredibly irritated with people who allow their dogs to do this. Not a whole lot irritates me in life - but jumping up dogs most certainly do make me see red!

My daughter does not humanise them either.....however she does have a thing about dressing them all up in clothes

. I don't see anything wrong with this, I view this as teaching them tolerance of everyone's different ways of doing things.

I can't understand people teaching their dogs silly and useless tricks. I teach my dogs how to live safely on a farm, so perhaps their life skills are just tricks manifested in a different way? I don't know, but it gives me the creeps when I see dogs doing all these weird things for the sole purpose of a treat. I don't ever, ever treat my dogs - what they do for me, they do because they respect me.

My dogs are never fed by hand, except when they are given their chewies at night time and in the morning; all human food is placed in their bowls. They are fed raw meat and they have a constant supply of biscuits; that I suppose is slightly unnatural but I don't care, it saves arguments over food so suits me and them.

My dogs have free rein of the farm however they know they should not go further than the hay barn, and they just don't wander off up into the fields. They are good girls and always stay close to the house. I do not tie them up nor fence them in.

My dogs are very sociable with people and all other dogs - I have brought them up to be like this and I am very happy as 2 of my dogs are predetermined to be highly aggressive dogs......but they aren't! They are sweet and welcoming to anyone who comes to our farm. I do believe though that they would know if they were needed in an emergency - 2 of them are very bright dogs. The other is on a different planet - but hey she is happy.

I know that dogs do not think on the same wavelength as us humans.....but I could swear that my shepherd dog has not read the manual suggesting this!

I would have absolutely no qualms about shouting at my dogs if I felt they were in danger or if they were to endanger a persons wellbeing.

I am very very loving with my dogs and they are incredibly loving back - I spend an awful lot of time with them and they know me very well, probably better than any person in the whole world knows me.

I respect them, they respect me.

 

[Onyxia]

Awwww, too cute!
I know how much our yorkie suffered in the cold and ahve heard no end of horror stories form a friend in Rhode Island about how bitter winter is near you so dont begrudge Stella her winter woolies one bit!

 

[GinaB]

Stella looks so sweet in her little booties! I can totally understand why you have to put them on her.

My dog is very well loved, however she is also disciplined. She knows if she steps out of line she will get told off. Same goes with Tina, she is a big softie but if she does wrong (which isn't very often!) she will get told off.

I find it is now getting to a point that you can't tell your dog off in public as you get dirty looks and 'don't be so mean!'

I'm sorry, but if my dog needs telling off she will get one. You may be happy with a snarling yappy little b*gger dragging the arms off you but I refuse to allow any of my dogs to act like that.

 

[claire1976]

I don't humanise my dogs. They are dogs and thats that. They all live out, have access to shelter, water and tonnes of regular exercise. They are sociable to humans but will warn me if someone comes to the house. They are not allowed on furniture unless I invite them. They are all happy, well balance, healthy dogs living a dogs life!

 

[CAYLA]

This is basically similar to my dogs.....some of mine stay out...which I have had a few comments of how cruel it is...WTF...they are dogs

im not bunging little yorkies out...its a deerhound and Akita, they prefer it outside.
People seem to think because they are outside they are not pets and get no attention

jusst because they are not on my bed does not mean they dont get any attention
I also hate jumping up...my dogs have never done this...as they have never been encouraged to do so, I never feed titbits...just long lasting chews...raw hide, pigs ears, knuckle bones, but not all the time...just as a treat or it im going to be out for a while.
I could never be one of hese owners that spends all my time screaming at my dogs or chasing them cos they wont come back, there is no enjoyment in owning a dog like that

and If I do discipline my dog I never worry that I am hurting their feelings or feel sorry for them...that is just