So Shelties Require Special Handling When It Comes to Training?

I have been told by an experienced sheltie trainer and a top behaviourist that shelties respond to lots of enthusiasm and praise and easily 'shut down' if they are handled roughly.

Having experienced both the dominant training methods and the positive and enthusiastic approach I can tell you which one did and didn't work for my dogs. Being rough you just scared the crap out of them and they easily become timid. I originally tried the harsher approach with Tully (under guidance of a behaviourist) and it did damage that I am still trying to undo. It wasn't even that harsh when you look at CM's techniques but to hard for a sensitive breed like a sheltie.

You just have to watch the difference between a cowering dog from harsh words, and a happy smiling dog when they get a cheer and praise to know which technique is best.
 
most 4h clubs do not have professional trainers, just people who like dogs and want to volunteer in there community.

That situation you had is almost same thing that happened to my sheltie Belle. One of the advisors wanted to pet her when she was 10 weeks old, she grabbed the leash and pulled her towards her and scared Belle badly. Belle is 2 years old now and she still has issues with people she doesn't know, if they reach for her she barks and runs! She will only let people pet her if she decides they are ok, and she has to approach them.

Luckily/unluckily we now have 2 certified trainers for our 4h club. One does pet dog obedience only so they are pretty good about working with shelties and other sensitive breeds. The other is an ex military dog trainer, he currently trains dogs for personal protection. He tends to be more of the jerk the leash type of trainer. He did find out though that if you do that to a sheltie they will shut down and not work for you.

I would continue to take the pup to the 4h training, but tell the trainer that you want to handle the puppy yourself, and that you will train him the way you want.
 
While I agree that Shelties are unique to other breeds (as other breeds are unique in their own ways), it really comes down to NO dog should be trained in this manner, no matter the breed. Period.
Click to expand...

Completely and totally agree.

I am on my third training club because I didn't like the first two I tried - the first two both were run by volunteers, my current one is run by a lady who is highly qualified, has studied dog behaviour and psychology and is well-respected. Wish I'd found her before the two previous clubs :rolleyes2:

She doesn't even agree with shouting at dogs, the closest she comes is a loud 'oi!'. Yet despite perhaps some considering her a 'soft' trainer compared to the other places I went Cadbury has utter respect for and adores her - I think that pretty much says it all.

My advice is change trainers for your pup's sake, a bad trainer or class can cause more damage than you realise.
 
Thanks

I want to thank everyone for their comments and advice. I was reaffirmed in that I should continue to trust my instincts and that regardless of an instructor’s experience and knowledge I may still know better what is best for my dog.

I’ve also learned to take my time and not rush the dog. The information on the dog shutting down was very helpful. I will definitely watch for this. Jackson is a very bright pup. I think he was born knowing what the commands sit, stay, and leave it were.

I was horrified by the instructor’s treatment of Jackson, and very grateful for my daughter’s quick intervention. I will definitely be more vigilant about who handles my dogs. Unfortunately in this case I was new to the group and had not yet learned the instructor’s philosophy on dog training.
 
im in the same boat, Bandit doesnt respond very well to negative reinforcment, he'll have his ears down and wont do anything and just looks up me all sad like.
 
Crazy does the "shut down" thing too. The only time I give a loud voice is when he is doing something that can be dangerous, which is followed by a calm voice telling him "that is not a good choice"
 
Don't ever be afraid to question a trainer and his/her techniques. They don't know it all! Just because they have been training many years, etc doesn't mean they'll know what is right for your dog. I faced the same problem before with a trainer that was not only cocky but pushy and used methods which made Romeo fear my hand. Thankfully I wised up and stopped before being forced to put a prong around his neck. I only wished I spoke up earlier. What surprised me was that NO ONE ELSE questioned his methods, no one asked "is this really the best way? are there any alternatives?" Your dog relies on you to make the correct decisions for it!
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top