Definately socialization is important, especially with dogs that AREN'T a lab or golden- genetically programmed to love everyone (and it's important for them too!) I have two breeds known to be aloof with strangers- a collie (strangers does not include kids, but no, colllies are not supposed to be lovebugs with everyone) and a corgi (a Cardigan- they're also known for being somewhat aloof compared to their Pembroke relatives) and with my guys, it's VERY important that they ignore strangers and be comfortable with a stranger handling them since it'll be happening in the show ring or in an emergency (Mal is a service dog in training) or even just a kid running up and huggin (Mal has more problems with this than Indy does). It makes a HUGE difference in obedience training- I have a dog tha tstands confidently (and okay, he bounces but it's "ooh, scratch my butt more!" bouncing, not 'eek, don't pet me, I skitter away from you" bouncing) for the stand for exam and for conformation- he's got one leg (with an 99) on his Rally Novice title, achieved before his first birthday and he should finish that title this fall.
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Re: Oh yeah (more info)
Date: 2007-08-20 06:40 pm (UTC)