Training...grrrr!!

[TeacakeTilly]

We are getting our 5-yr-old rottie very soon She has already clearly had some training but I want to take her to training classes so I learn properly and to bond with her. DH thinks it's unnecessary but is humouring me at the moment.

She is staying with FIL when we go on holiday. He has had dogs for years but I don't want him to let her off the lead a we'll only have had her a few weeks (holiday was booked before we were getting a dog) and while I think she'll be fine staying with him I don't think we can trust her I be good at recall yet. I want to properly train her, doing recall training on long lead for a while, and think she should only be let off the lead if/when we are absolutely certain she will come back when called.

DH seems to think this is all a bit daft, that she doesn't need proper training, scoffed at my idea of agility to keep her stimulated (response was 'it's a dog!'). I'm annoyed as I think it's important - he may have owned dogs and I've just spent lots of time with other people's, but I want to do this right and I think his laissez-faire attitude is potentially asking for trouble with a dog that strong! I also think it's important we give her the same message and use the same commands or the poor thing will get confused!

DH just wants to carry on like he always has with his dogs. He even thinks buying her a toy is a bit daft. Gah!!! Any advice? How can I convince him - or am I going ott?

I remember your previous thread when you were considering her and another dog - so it's definite now? :)

I think you're right, you may need to reinforce some training (doesn't have to involve going to classes unless you want to though) and it should be fun for the dog as well. Rotties are a working breed (though you wouldn't know it by how lazy some of them are :)), they do need some stimulation.

Definitely be careful about the recall to start with, it's normal to need to re-teach this. Even if a dog has had good recall for a previous owner, you need to be confident that she'll come back to you! I would ask FIL to keep her on the lead.

Toys are a good idea, mine love playing tug and chewing, make sure you get tough ones though! I don't have experience of agility for Rotts, can't imagine my big clumsy boys doing it tbh (can more imagine them crashing through the course knocking obstacles out of their way actually :)). I'd be a bit worried about too much jumping etc because of their heavy build and risk of joint problems, but maybe OK if you don't overdo it.

I'd be a bit about your DH's attitude actually. Yes 'it's a dog' which is exactly why training, toys, mental stimulation, bonding etc are important!

The issue here is with your DH, not with the dog. It's imperative - for the dog, for your sanity and for your marriage, that you both get on the same page with this.

It really isn't fair on your new dog to have two adults in the house with such different approaches. Does DH like reading? He could try "In Defence of Dogs" which gives an excellent overview of current academic thinking on how dogs learn, socialise and interact without being too heavy or too "preachy". I'd also recommend "Don't Shoot the dog" - helpful for thinking about training, especially clicker training.

I would INSIST that FIL keeps dog on the lead. Newly adopted dogs, even if their basic commands are good, are always at their most vulnerable to running away just after adoption, and she won't know the area around your FIL. If you have ANY doubt about FIL not respecting your wishes, then I would make sure dog was either with a professional home boarder or at kennels where at least you know dog will be safe and secure.

Your gut reactions are spot on - your dog is going to have a great time with you. Stick to your guns your DH and FIL need training - sorry can't help train men

at train men!

I thought that about agility too - I'm only considering it as I have a dog trainer friend who suggested it. Will research thoroughly first though! I NEED DH to be in the same page as me. Will try to steer conversation at the rescue place into recommending it so he can hear it from someone else...

(DH thinks he knows it all whereas I'm quite happy to accept that I don't - but I don't agree that he does either, hence the training!)