Breed Character

[mijke]

Originally Posted by michaelundinaeichhorn

Though I absolutely agree with all of you, I would like to remark just one thing, I know several wolfsdogs that are far away from being shy but have their tails down in the showring (though not up to their nose) because they just don´t like the situation and show discomfort but not fear with that behaviour. Wolfdogs have a much more impressive bodylanguage than other breeds and I made the experience that some of them seem to show fear when they just don´t like the situation. In my experience there are dogs that love shows and dogs that hate them, the last I can understand very well because after a whole day on a big dogshow I am pretty fed up with all the crowds and noise and would without any doubt carry my tail down if I had one

Hi Michael,

It was just a general example to illustrate that CsW with such shy behaviour in west European countries can get Excellent on shows..
I am well experienced enough to see if a dog behave like this because they don’t like the situation (other breeds can do the same), or if they are really shy and afraid. And I did mention the last kind of behaviour.

I also know when a owner is not a real alpha for a dog, a dog can behave like this in show or other new situations (where they feel uncomfortable).

I know owners who have problems in daily life with the dominance of their dog for example to other dogs (the owners have to less control and the dog can manage what he wants)
I did see the same people on the first time on show where the same dogs were walking with tail under their belly, the dogs did behave very shy when they were touched and it was not possible to show their teeth.

These owners did not understand at all that this behaviour has in basic to do with the same problems they did have at home with dominance. They do not realise that when they are a real alpha, these dogs do not need to solve all the things by their selves.

And I think this kind of real pack leader things are also a problem in West Europe, why CsW’s shows insecure and shy behaviour.

Mijke

[Mirkawolf]

Originally Posted by mijke

And I think this kind of real pack leader things are also a problem in West Europe, why CsW’s shows insecure and shy behaviour.
Mijke

This off topic discussion is becomming more interesting, than the original topic itself

As a Czech living abroad, I want to share my thoughts on what Mijke said. I noticed on the many events for Czechoslovakian wolfdogs (shows, bonitation etc.) organised here in Belgium, people often do not communicate with their dogs, apart of commands and they seldom praise them (both by words or with food treats). (Please note, by "people" I definatelly do not mean only Belgians).

For me, this is very strange and I believe this also creates rather big part of the problem of shy or unsure dogs.

If the dog does not get told, when its doing well or bad, does not get praised for doing well - then how is he supposed to know the difference? And also, what kind of relationship it can have with his master, if all he hears are only commands?

Perhaps I am wrong, and people talk more to their dogs, when they are in privacy, at home and nobody sees them. But they should know, that it is very important to talk to their dogs and praise them, even if they are in public! Because for the dogs it is especially important to be praised or talked to, when he is in place he does not know and maybe does not feel secure.

I do talk to my dogs all the time. When we are on a walk, when we are at home, when we train, or when we wait at the veterinarian, it does not matter. My dogs understand many words, that are not commands - because I say them always in the same situation and the same way - so they learned to connect them with events that are happening or will happen. But what matters most, is the communication itself - the fact that I am actively paying them attention and they can respond and react.
I do not leave for a walk without treats, and I keep praising and giving treats, even if my older dog is already 9 years old and she "should" obey without treats. It makes her happy and smiling to be praised like a puppy, so why not to do it.

Another thing is, that really very few people here will do something (anything) with their dog. Many of them got told by the breeder (sad, but true) that there is nothing you can actually do with CSW! But again, if the dog and its master do something together and the dog gets praised for doing well, then their relationship is much better and the dog follows and obeys much more happily. Also the master gains more trust from the dog.
It does not matter if it is agility, dog trekking, biking, obedience or tracking, what matters is that they spend the time actively together.

Unfortunatelly, often I saw here, that "actively together" meant for many people (not neccessarily Belgians, again) bringing the dog to the place, taking him out of the car only for the obedience, working with him - only commands, no talk, no praising and usually no treats) and then the dog goes back to the car where it stays for rest of the event, till they go home... So - socialisation on such event - almost zero. Activity with the owner and improving relationship - rather zero again. The only effect is that the dog gets really psychically tired from this, but if it learned something positive, that is hard to say.

So please people out there, do talk to your dogs. Do praise them viciously, no matter where you are and who is watching you. Pay him attention, take him out of the car, be with him. It will pay itself back in happier, more self-confident dog!

[Nebulosa]

Originally Posted by Mirkawolf

This off topic discussion is becomming more interesting, than the original topic itself

Now it is "in topic"