How do I train my dog to be more independent?
of all the training venues I've been around there is one that in my opinion teaches independence better than all the rest. That is Tracking. Or some call it Search & Rescue. Dogs must learn to take the lead and to question or challenge an owner who may be sending the wrong signals. AKC Tracking is becoming more and more popular. Google training groups in your area and see if you can find a good tracking group to visit. If you like their methods and accomplishments, go for it.
Why are cats more independent than dogs?
My guess is that it has to do with dogs having developed more of a "pack mentality" across the board. Few cat species hunt in large groups; a few do in small family units while the mother is teaching her kits or kittens, but most cats seem to be solitary except for breeding season. So, the solitary existence of a(n) (average) feline forces it to develop and exhibit more independence. Hope this helps. Good Luck to ya!
Dog breed that is fairly independent?
I really want to get a dog but between work and school our family is gone about 10 hours a day on the weekdays. Because of that, I need a dog that can be ok by itself for that long every day. What options are out there for me? Also I want a dog that will really be affectionate when I get home (if those two characteristics are possible in the same breed), follow me around, sit on my lap, etc. Thanks for the help!
What is your definition of an *independent* dog?
I was at Petsmart the other day. Cruising the discount area when a woman starting talking to me. (I must have this invisible sign I cannot see but other people can that says *TALK TO ME*. This happens everywhere I go.....) Anyway, she started a conversation about her dog. I was listening but not really responding because she didn't give me a chance until she said *He is very independent*. That is when I asked her what is it about her dog which makes her describe him as such. She said: He has an automatic water/feeder and a dog door. He eats/drinks/goes outside....... I asked her how does he act when you are home? She responded with something about him not needing or wanting much affection and is very aloof to people. Even his owners. The dog is a mutt. She thinks he is a German Shepherd/Lab. About 2 years old. Came from a shelter. She has had the dog for about a year. It just got me wondering. Is this an *independent* dog? I have never given it much thought, but afterwards I started looking at my dogs and none of them are *independent* if I use her interpretation. What are your thoughts?
Are female dogs more reserved & independent while male dogs are more clingy,goofy and affectionate?
That is true with many dogs, but every dog is different. My male dog definately loves human attention and will get any he can get.He will stand/sit with you until you stop petting him or talking to him. My female, loves attention also, but its on her own terms. If she wants to be petted, she will come up to you, if not then we don't bother petting her at all because she doesn't like it. If she doesn't want to be petted anymore, then she will walk away.
How can I work on a reliable recall with my independent dog?
Breed matters.Some breeds are easy to train as they were bred to look to humans for direction; the herding group and some of the gun dogs for example. Other breeds were bred for a specific task that humans can’t do very well. A bloodhound on a track could care less about what you want. The dog has one goal in mind and that goal does not involve listening to you. No one that I know even thinks about training a Bloodhound to come on command.I had a Ridgeback, who to say the least was not interested in listening to my commands. The only two commands that he would reliably follow were sit and stay.The only recall training that worked with this dog was to use a 30 foot leash, tell him to stay and then walk out the length of the lease. I would then call him and start to pull the leash in. Sometimes it worked; sometimes it became a game of tug. I actually got the best results when I turned my back to him, for whatever that is worth.I’ve had Coon Hounds and now have a GSD. I would never let a Coon Hound off leash unless I was hunting. The GSD is on leash only when the law requires it.The only commands that are imperative for a dog to follow are sit, stay and leave it.Age is on your side.Just because your dog isn’t following a recall command now; doesn’t mean she never will. My Ridgeback was a lot more mellow at 5 years old than as a pup. While, still independent he was more attune to me and more in control of himself. Yes, a squirrel might get his attention, a quick stay usually did the trick.
How long does it take for a puppy to become independent from its mother?
around 8 weeks not to much earlier or else it is likely that it will cause health problems for the dog in the future