10 things your trainer won´t tell you

In regards to dog's name, it gets to be pretty big deal for many agility competitors because one often uses dog's name as a cue. There are couple researches done in regards how dogs process sounds and how they respond to various sound cues, I found it very interesting. For example Russians use Trrrrrrrrrr for weaves and people were saying that just about every dog nearby that ring will take notice:biggrin2:
Anyway, it probably of less importance for pet people however often names become self fullfilled prophecies:lol: What author is referencing in my mind is that for example pitts already carry a burden of stigma of the breed so calling such dog Daisy or Fifi is more likely to be calming sign.
I have met unfortunate case where people named their dog very offensive name slang in foreign language... unfortunately I understand that language and pet owners did not... what made them use it is unknown to me but I cringed every time I heard that word:eek2:
 
SheltieChe said:
... What author is referencing in my mind is that for example pitts already carry a burden of stigma of the breed so calling such dog Daisy or Fifi is more likely to be calming sign...
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Agreed, that is what the author is insinuating. I will concede the issue of the stigma of certain breeds and that aggressive and confrontational names for those dogs do nothing to deter the stereotypical leanings of other owners. However, the author offers his/her comments as if a calmer, nicer name somehow will positively affect that stereotype. What will ultimately affect that stereotype is consistent exposure to well trained, well socialized and non aggressive members of those breeds (as we all know that they can be). For the author to suggest that the name will do anything to assuage the negative feelings toward these breeds, absent training, time and a lot of work, is inane. A flowering weed in my front yard growing next to my Peonies is still a weed, even if I call it a "Rose".

If a name change would work, all sailors looking for a dog to train for life aboard a sailboat should name their pups "Mainsail" or maybe "Halyard". No onboard training necessary.
 
#4 definitely applies to our 4H kids! We can tell the kids that practice at home and the ones that only train with us every other week. We can also tell which dogs were not walked before class too. :lol:
 
Don't think my trainer would have a problem telling her students any of these things. She's blunt, but that's partly why she's so good!!
 
My dog is not my baby? Does that mean I can't feed Tara in a high chair or make her drink from baby bottles anymore? She's going to be severely disappointed. And NO MORE PACIFIER? Oh my goodness.
 
My Belgian's name is Rhiannon. She has never had problems identifying that this was her even when my grandson, then 2, would call RHI ON ON. For ease of calling she often gets Rhi (pronounced Ree) My horse, another critter that supposedly doesn't learn it's name unless one syllable, is Ariel. If you call her she comes immediately and Thomas - the gelding doesn't even lift his head. This whole name thing is so outdated. Call your dog whatever you want.
Treating them like babies - well I must admit, this can be a problem. They are dogs, don't enjoy high squealing "baby" voice noises that come from humans but do learn to deal with it. I suspect some dog's health issues are due to the over mothering, cloying modes seen on the part of some caretakers. If I accidently bump into my dogs, they might jump or even yelp but I just look at them and mutter sorry bud, didn't see you. I've seen people rush to the dog, cuddle it firmly all the while nearly crying oh, so so sorry. Dog is only able to understand that it's human is upset. My poor puppies are not welcome to sleep on the bed with me but do come up for a cuddle prior to sleep or snuggle on the couch while I watch TV. They have their beds and I have mine. We are both more comfortable. I have taken dogs to my bed when they are ill or scared but they happily go back to the usual routine when they are back to normal. It make it easier for them to deal with going to the vet's for testing or going to a hotel where I really believe in being considerate and not allowing your dog on the bed.
 
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I'm beginning to believe that you and I may have been related in another life :smile2:. I seem to find much in your posts with which I am in agreement. As far as name recognition, I have been intimately involved with 3 Yorkies (daughter's dogs), 2 mutts (childhood dogs) and 1 Sheltie. They have had names of varying lengths (short to long) and I never experienced issues with them recognizing there names (unless they didn't want to respond).

As far as treating my dogs like babies, I don't have an issue with that. But, I define "treatment like a baby" differently than others do (whether we're talking about 2 legged or 4 legged babies). I never talked baby talk to my babies ( 2 legged or 4 legged). For the most part, my 4 legged family members are not allowed on the furniture except specific furniture. No lolling around on the couches, no sleeping in the human beds (my 2 legged kids hated this). If I want them on the furniture, I buy them furniture. MY life and my family's life has always been busy. There is little time for coddling anyone. Everyone has to suck it up and keep up. There is time for cuddling, but it doesn't consume the day.
 
I have to admit, I detest baby talk whether for humans or animals. Don't know why but it sets my teeth on edge. It's cute when babies do it but adults??????
Oh dear, my old and crotchety gene is emerging! Must need some chocolate:wink2: or maybe a nap.
 
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