Re: agility...and behavior

[Ilene Cook <asorosgd@ameritech.net>]

Linda Shipman wrote:
> 
> I am in full agreement with Gina and Ilene.  Monza's behavior is
> very age appropriate.  Encourage the behavior you want, but do
> not expect it at his age.
 
Ok,
 Linda brought out some very good points! I HOPE this in no way
discourages Lyn or anyone else from wanting to train your dog. As Linda
said, at this point encourage the behavior! As I sit here battling with
a seven month old and a NINE month old for my vacuum cleaner bag! Life
is so much fun for Goldens! That is what makes them the favorite breed
of many. I like to see goofy and happy to too laid back, even though
with the two youngsters I have right now it is trying my patience. 
 I am lucky enough to have a "pack" of dogs, and I look to them for
wisdom in this. The younger rowdy ones are ignored at their behavior at
this point. They obviously consider them "youngsters at play" which is
what they are. When they start putting their foot down to their antics,
so will I! 
 With Lyn, I know she is anxious to get started with Monza. I feel that
Tracking is the way to go right now. With Lyn's job and the area where
she lives, he could be a valuable asset to her community. She is also
limited to good trainers because of the remoteness of where she lives. 
Serious tracking people start their puppies very young. This is
something that he could do. He can pull to his hearts content,  he is
old enough to start this, and most important he is learning young a
service that he can excel at!! Although the type of Tracking Lyn would
need to train for is rescue, he could benefit from early tracking
training just the same. He still would be learning a purpose and a goal.
If Lyn could learn the basics to start this, Monza would have something
to work on this winter while his "mind" is maturing.

                        Ilene

-- 
Ilene Cook
asorosgd@ameritech.net
http://asoros.tripod.com/asoros.html