VERY sweet to his people. He tends to be a bit stand offish to strangers.
He's a whole new kind of teenager! I may be seeing the end of that stage....
I have lots of hope we'll get through this. Every thing I have read and every owner I have talked to says I will and will end up with the best dog EVER if I put in the time. I have definitely put in the time and I'm seeing some results. We have a ways to go but I have lots of hope!
I understand that! I love me a good dobe, but they are not exactly healthy. Such a shame ..
He definitely is! While he is arrogant, stubborn sometimes a straight up a**hole, he is also the sweetest most loving little turd. -
"Dolly" is a couple dogs back, crossed the bridge now ten years?
Dolly was a rhodie mix, from a local rescue due to becoming just to big and strong at a year for elderly owner. Never did find out for sure the mix- guessing an irish setter or more likely a golden due to more of a flag of a tail than the rat tail almost of a RR. She got to be good sized, for a spayed early female- 70#, and very sweet natured with family, friendly other dogs, fastest dog in the fog park could keep up with greyhounds in zoomies...
And of course safe with the kids, great protector...
until a bad experience on trail running off leash with BW, when a big Akita out of nowhere attacked...Dolly held her own until the other owner showed up- was fine, actually a couple cuts; but she was never the same with other dogs after...gone was the friendly dog, and now more wary- confident but standoffish: and the least whiff of knucklehead or dominance from the other and "the lion dog" came out, lip curl, snarl, and the rodie hackles went up----if the other dog didnt read the room an a$$ whooping was next in short order, if we were not careful.
So be on the lookout for that kind of inner strength in a pure RR...
But, enuff of that- many many funny stories on the happy go lucky, clever girl side.
What worked for leadership was lots of love, of course- consistency, clear guidance- like on teenagers...and the one thing I agree with Cesar Milan- go for walks or better runs in the woods. You will be the pack leader and these hounds thrive on the hunt. Any training tool that you can use that prey drive on will serve for OB and more tricks to teach- very smart dogs.
You are right anout independent: these are big strong drive dogs that will make up their mind whats fair and whats not.
I just love them, at the beach or off leash parks- they will give you that look- 90% of the time trot up to check you out and decide if you are worth it; Big leans into legs and butt rubs get smiles all around.
Sometimes they are busy and on the hunt, or they are on guard and got the owners back- so ya gotta respect that too.
A lot like dobies, and a purebred RR was my serious contender for next dog, in any hot environment ...until BYB Bonnie showed up...but thats another story, and journey.
BW and daughter are psychic and convinced Dolly sent Bonnie in time to heal BWs heart when her last rescue GSD mix passed, suddenly and of course that was tuff.
Most likely something to that...imho.
Universe is talking: No time spent moping around when you have a new doby or rhodyshark to teach, and in turn help ya how to love...again.
You can never replace the last one of course but the next one takes up its own track in your heart, and alongside in your life.
Just loving to read of your journey,
@GennyB
Brings back fond memories...
jeez dere Ole, who is cutting the onions...?
