Getting a guardian puppy - any chicken<-->dog communicables I need to worry about?

[Paz]

I will say she knows her name now. I've practiced saying it in different tones and even just using it in conversation to see if she reacts, and she does. She will only recall about 50% of the time and only if she wants to. It seems quite clear to me that she is strong willed. She clearly knows commands and decides if she wants to do them. Like "come" or "drop it". Treats, love, nothing seems to motivate her consistently.

Suggestions appreciated!

The stick and the carrot is the method you want to take with dogs. But wait 'till she's 5 months old. Or before she's 4 months old, you don't want to traumatise her.

 

[Paz]

Thank you. I have thought seriously about doing this, but have all of the same concerns you do. And I'd love to have a dog that would protect my goats, too. This is just about the most helpful thread I've seen since you and I are both novices.

If you want a protector, I recommend getting some type of a mountain dog, Piraneas mountain dog for example, or a Bernease. (Pardon my spelling)

 

[Aunt Angus]

If you want a protector, I recommend getting some type of a mountain dog, Piraneas mountain dog for example, or a Bernease. (Pardon my spelling)

That is my plan!

 

[Ilovemychicks08]

When we move i plan to get more animals i want a great pryness or bernese mountain dog.

 

[chickfused]

Had to travel for a few days, Copper apparently did well with the dog sitter. I'll have baby birds in a week - hope she doesn't think they're chew toys! (But Mom will probably have her ass if she does. They're under a broody.)

 

[Geena]

She will only recall about 50% of the time and only if she wants to.

At this age it's best to always give a small treat and lots of praise when you call them, you want the recall to be very enjoyable. Also it's better not to call pups at all under situations where you think they may not respond. Reason being is you don't want them to get the idea that they have a choice about whether to come or not. Only recall her while on lead and you can pull her in if needed, or when you are sure she will come, otherwise just go get her. You need to lay the proper foundation first, I call, you come, every time. That way there is no confusion or conflict. You can work on proofing later, once she has the recall down pat.

 

[chickfused]

Thank you Geena! I read about the learned helplessness for this single command, but it was suggested to wait until about 6 months. Disagree?

 

[Geena]

Thank you Geena! I read about the learned helplessness for this single command, but it was suggested to wait until about 6 months. Disagree?

I'm not sure exactly what you mean by learned helplessness and waiting until they are 6 months? I start teaching the recall from day one as I consider it to be THE most important command.

 

[chickfused]

Thank you. This is very helpful. I was thinking just this morning that I should start teaching now.

 

[Geena]

Thank you. This is very helpful. I was thinking just this morning that I should start teaching now.

Yes, for sure! At this age make sure it's all positive, no corrections at all for the recall. Start from two feet away if you need to, make it happy and fun. You want her to associate the recall with pleasant things only for the first few months.