A note on dogs

[dieselkanic]

1911 is 100% correct. Dogs are pack animals and not being with a pack of some sort makes for an unbalanced dog.

I would suggest aquiring another dog so that he can have a pack experience.

BTW
I spent many years training dogs. They are not hard to figure out.

There's an old saying. One boy is pretty good help, two boys is about half a help, and three boys are no help at all. Dogs are kind of like boys.

 

[1911Tuner]

Happy am I for ya...but for every dog you've had, I've got a scar that came from family pets that were left alone too much...and turned. Slated for euthanasia, I step in and work with the dogs until they've become resocialized and have learned to trust people again.

So, I'll stand by my statement. If the dog is to be left alone for long periods...16-18 hours a day for months and years on end is a long period for a dog...then the dog needs the company of another dog or two, plus whatever time you can spare. Dogs that aren't part of a pack are miserable dogs, and it's not only bad for the dog...it's cruel..and you miss out on the full dog experience. Both dog and owner lose something.

There's an old saying. One boy is pretty good help, two boys is about half a help, and three boys are no help at all. Dogs are kind of like boys.

Don't know what types of dogs that you've worked with...but if you could see 3 or 4 Border Collies work a herd of sheep, you'd be amazed to watch the dogs work together. It's like a well-rehearsed ballet.

Can't argue about the boys. I'd rather manage dogs.

 

[Jamie C.]

It's been my experience that pups are easier to teach and train if they have other dogs around too. Dogs learn by watching, both people and their pack mates.

It also takes some of the load off the owner if there's another dog there to help expend all that energy that young dogs have. I know I certainly would have my hands full with our youngest one if the other 6 didn't help keep him worn out.

Here's an article for anybody interested, covering some of how and why of a dog thinks and behaves:

The Secrets Inside Your Dog's Mind



J.C.

 

[dieselkanic]

Happy am I for ya...but for every dog you've had, I've got a scar that came from family pets that were left alone too much...and turned. Slated for euthanasia, I step in and work with the dogs until they've become resocialized and have learned to trust people again.

So, I'll stand by my statement. If the dog is to be left alone for long periods...16-18 hours a day for months and years on end is a long period for a dog...then the dog needs the company of another dog or two, plus whatever time you can spare. Dogs that aren't part of a pack are miserable dogs, and it's not only bad for the dog...it's cruel..and you miss out on the full dog experience. Both dog and owner lose something.



Don't know what types of dogs that you've worked with...but if you could see 3 or 4 Border Collies work a herd of sheep, you'd be amazed to watch the dogs work together. It's like a well-rehearsed ballet.

Can't argue about the boys. I'd rather manage dogs.

Yes I've seen border collies work. I've also seen catahula, australians shepherds, and mutts work cattle, sheep, goats and one demostration I saw they herded ducks. I know people who train dogs, they train them one at a time, not in bunches. All the working dogs are shut up when they are not working, I suppose you'll cry over that too.

My dog is often alone for 12-16 hours and like I said, never a problem. I think you're trying to take your experience with abused dogs and apply it to all dogs. I don't think it works that way.

Regards.

 

[JT sport]

1911Tuner and I have disagreed on one topic in this thread, but on this one he is right on. A solitary dog does not equal a pack. Dogs are pack animals. Lacking a pack of some sort is unnatural for a dog, and you can be sure he knows it.

For a domesticated dog a human pack is preferable to a dog pack, for socialization if for nothing else. A pure dog pack will tend to get into trouble that could be avoided.

Do you and your dog a favor and bring him inside.

 

[Fred Fuller]

OK, we're done here.

lpl