Posted on 07/02/2013 4:45:34 AM PDT by CSM
As many of my FRiends know, I was considering adopting a rescue dog named Buford. The foster brought him by yesterday and at the time he was generally just checking everything out. He is a coon hound and all nose! He is a very beautiful dog, so I'll try to post his pic in the following post. The Vet estimates his age to be between 3 and 4. He is about 75 lbs, but seems much stronger than that!
He seems to be a very smart dog and he does like to be around people. He makes it very evident when he wants attention, which is quite frequently. He has already figured out how to open the screen door and go outside and he knows how to let me know that he wants to be let in. Overall, I would rate his personality as very sweet, but very independent (almost to a point of stubbornness.) I suspect that with patience, this aspect of his personality will adjust as he gets more confidence that we are a pack.
However, there are some behavior issues and I need some advice/help. I had previously raised a dog from puppyhood, so it was much easier. I figured that an older dog could still learn, but I also figured that some instincts would have kicked in. I had no idea that Buford had absolutely NO training whatsoever.
The first issue that has been difficult is his "house training." He continually wants to "mark" his territory indoors. It is easy enough to stop that immediately and take him outdoors. Then he will mark territory outdoors, which is good, however almost immediately upon returning indoors he will find a spot and fully urinate and I am unable to stop him to get him back outside. I need some advice as to how to turn this situation around. The biggest challenge for me is his size and strength, it is much easier to stop a puppy mid action and get the puppy outside. This stronger dog, with stubbornness, simply won't move!
Secondly, he actually wants to climb onto tables, not just "surfing," but to actually climb onto and stand on. He hasn't been successful yet as I have been able to keep him off the tables, but he actually wants to climb on the coffee table to get over to me. I will continue to work on this one, but I am wondering if anyone has any hints for a faster resolution than just patiently teaching.
Thirdly, I don't think he has ever had a name. He doesn't seem to respond to his name and he seems to have no interest in learning a name. However, he does respond to whistles, finger snaps and he has already learned my firm "no." What is the best way for him to learn a name?
Finally, he has absolutely no patience. For example, if he wants attention and you don't immediately pet him then he paws and then will jump up on me. Of course, my pushing his chest down has become easier and easier and he will soon be over that "jumping up" problem. Another example is when I was having my dinner. He was very persistent in trying to get to the food on my plate, so I pinned him down with his leash so that he was forced to lay down and he fought that hard for about 5 minutes, finally he gave up and laid down at my feet nicely. However, I need to figure out if it is possible to teach a dog patience.
So, to summarize, where I need help is: 1. House training an adult dog that has never had any training. 2. Eliminating table climbing! 3. Teaching him a name. 4. Teaching patience (might be eliminating his desire to dominate his new pack)
Thank you Friends for any help you can provide. I will also be consulting some good training books that I used for my previous dog. If anyone wants a great source, check out "Great Owners, Good Dogs."
Patience and persistence pay off. It may be easier to raise a puppy but more gratifying to gentrify a rescue. Kudos and Merry Christmas to you and Buford!
I am not very good at dog training, BUT I take my yorkie to classes with instructors that are amazing.
They know how dogs think and can train their dogs to do - or not do - just about anything they want.
I’d suggest enrolling Buford in a class or getting personal training with a good instructor.
In comparing teaching my cat and dog tricks, my dog wants to please me and will do just about anything to do that. (The cat just wants treats). So I would think a good trainer would know how to stop him from demanding attention or getting on tables. My dog is ridiculously easy to train compared to my cat. And he gets dejected if I’m not pleased with him. The marking thing - I have no idea if that’s something that can be unlearned - but a diaper is an option if it is not.
“We have had no issues with marking or jumping. He has already learned that when he wants attention, he comes by me and sits. I’d say that is very good progress!”
That was quick! Excellent progress ;)
good for you. My own dog calls us “big doggies” (or so I think :-P) — and I see that you watch the Dog Whisperer as well. I think it’s a marvellous training program. I used it for my first dog and she’s so well behaved I don’t even walk her with a leash now and I know if I tell her stop and sit, she’ll do it, even if there is a tasty morsel or a cat or bird to chase. It’s better for her and for me (she gets the freedom and I know she is happy yet will listen when she absolutely needs to)
I’m sorry for the confusion. I grabbed my original thread from a year and a half ago and just updated it. I found it interesting to see the progression of Buford’s great progress!
;-)
Great picture! Thanks for sharing.
Hahaha, yep, Buford is past the eating babies stage and now just loves to lick kids to laughter!
I have to reuse that one every year.
He ate the hat seconds after and refuses to pose for another.
:)
Oh good, I’m so glad Buford has a happy home.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.