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- #11
SpotTheCat
Herding cats
I haven’t found a breed of terrier I like the look of yet, thank you for the suggestionI hated using treats. I hated using negative reinforcement. I hated using pure clicker training.
Turns out that just like what Geena says, it all depends on the dog and what it will respond to.
My first GSD responded extremely well to clicker training. She had a sensitive tummy and treats were a no-go; at that time I never even considered negative reinforcement. I stopped at the point where I could put her in a sit-stay-eyes at the very busy dog park and she wouldn't budge until I said OK. She died very young (she was 6) and I swore I'd never get another dog; 6 years later I rescued a BC from my abusive neighbor, and couldn't fathom the thought of negative reinforcement for him. Border Collies are notoriously intelligent -- this one never responded to treats or clicker, but boy did the collar work wonders. He's right beside me as I type. He'll stay after placing up on a fire hydrant until released; he's also pretty good at flyball.
My point is, a happy, well adjusted, well-trained dog is a commitment, not unlike children. Each one is different and requires a different approach to achieve a good outcome. Don't limit your choices out of hand.
Oh, and might I suggest a Terrier? Not the big kind; the smaller breeds. I sheltered one- it was a Cairn/Highland mix- for a while, it was a stray that almost literally knocked on my door one day. He stayed with me for about 6 months until it was clear my BC was not OK with it (he went to my neighbors). Boy that little dog had some heart!!! Killed a breeding pair of possums, chased away a momma skunk & her young'uns (got sprayed a couple times in the process), and helped get rid of a pair of moles in my backyard (used to live in upstate California).