How to teach a dog to 'respect your space'
Another suggestion was when walking on a leash to nudge his bum with your foot, not hard just a touch. I am unclear on why I am to do this as it results in nothing on Leonard's part, he just stands there and looks up at me like, "whadaya waaant?" And wags his bum. Sigh... What to do? - |
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bruuruu wrote: I tried this with Leonard and got a different result. Leonard lays down falls asleep and then lays there and doesnt move. You aren't supposed to ask the dog to move it is supposed to just move. He is a big guy to drag around on a leash, won't this hurt him? I don't want to drag him around by his neck Sorry this made me smile, not such a easy task when he wants to relax. I probably wouldn't use this method. When Monty is all excited for his walk and is barking, air snapping and body checking, I make him sit until he calms down. |
Thanks for the chuckle.  As for tieing him to your waist: he falls asleep because you just made his job easier for him. Now YOU can't go anywhere without him, so why should he bother to watch you or even stay awake?  My dogs WISH I would tie myself to them. As it is they have to sit on my feet or sleep draped across same to make sure I don't escape when they aren't looking. Never mind that at least one of them has to check on me in the shower at all times, lest I slither down the drain without them I guess.  Tell your instructor SHE needs to go back to school if she expects to help you train the true geniuses of the dog world. He's already five steps ahead of her   Kristine |
I'm confused on what you mean by "your" space.... |
| Heeheehee. Thanks for the laugh. Sorry can't help you with ideas except to say I've not met a sheepie who respected personal space and to mention that Tiggy's nickname is Barge a**e because she is. We all get knocked out of the way humans, cat and dalmo when she is determined to get to where she wants to be or to get us away from where she thinks we shouldn't be. Vance was right expect the unexpected embarrassment with a sheepie. They can also unexpectedly back you up beatifully when it suits them. Like the time when Tiggy was only 7 or 8 months old and we were at a basic obedience class. We got there late so Tiggy couldn't have her usual 'play' before class and she was not happy with me. So every time she was supposed to stand she lay down on the grass and had a little rest. The instructor was a little 'bossy' shall we say and came over at the end of class and asked me in a very loud voice if 'I knew what I was doing'   I explained that Tiggy wasn't interested in standing for me today as she would prefer to lie down. She told me that was nonsense as lying down is submissive and dogs won't do that by preference when there are other unknown dogs around. She took the lead off me and walked Tiggy and then said loudly and firmly 'STAND!' Tiggy looked at her and if I can interpret Tiggy's expressions she said 'and who the hell do you think you are anyway?' and promptly lay down. I was doing my best not to high five the air and do a victory dance. After 3 repeat performances the instructor handed back the lead and walked off in a huff. Have fun!  |
| Glad I wasn't the only one that found this amusing. Who needs a leash tied around with a sheepie, I can do without. I have said I think the way I will go is tripping over a sheepdog and smacking my head open. I had a dinner party recently and everyone had a good laugh at Langley right on my heels where ever I went. Laika is way more independent as long as I am in the same room Just watches me with her eyes. |
AnInnocentEvil wrote: I'm confused on what you mean by "your" space.... Yeah, I don't get it.  You've surrendered the entire concept of "personal space" upon getting a sheepdog. I'm pretty sure it's in the contract somewhere. This was brought up years ago. viewtopic.php?f=16&t=30335 I have trained our dogs not to jump up on people, and they don't. I am also good at "walking through the dog" (as Brad Pattison called it), the girls will get out of my way if I need to get through, like I'm carrying 20 bags of groceries in from the car (Kim is terrible at it btw  ). But aside from that, your space is their space. |
| As if your post wasn't funny enough... AnInnocentEvil wrote: I'm confused on what you mean by "your" space.... Foz is always cutting me off and standing in my way. Sometimes I just pretend he's not there and I "bump" into him. Then he moves |
| Personal space? Sheepdogs? HAHAHAHAHAHAHA Love all of the posts here. Oscar walks so close behind me that he is often stepping on the inside of the backs of my shoes! That is, of course, when he isn't running back and forth in front of me. Is it me, or have there been a larger share of uncool dog trainers out there? My trainer was always patient and helpful, to my face anyway, and always trying to come up with creative solutions for Oscar when the same-old, same-old ways didn't work. What is with the eye-rolling and general dismissiveness? To me, that means they are not doing their job. I agree with Kristine. Leonard is simply outsmarting your trainer. As for personal space, the only thing Oscar understands is physical touch. He is big, and his head reaches my upper thigh, so I move him with my leg when I need him to get out of my way. If he is in my way, and not focused on me, I simply touch him lightly on his back end to get his attention, and motion for him to "move it". We also worked very hard on the down-stay. Oscar is a champion down-stayer, even when I am out of his sight. If I take a long time, he often falls asleep.  The down-stay allows me room to maneuver when I am carrying things back and forth or don't want him following me up and down stairs. It also taught Oscar that the world doesn't end when I leave the room. Laurie and Oscar |
Oscar's Mom wrote: Personal space? Sheepdogs? HAHAHAHAHAHAHA Is it me, or have there been a larger share of uncool dog trainers out there? My trainer was always patient and helpful, to my face anyway, and always trying to come up with creative solutions for Oscar when the same-old, same-old ways didn't work. What is with the eye-rolling and general dismissiveness? To me, that means they are not doing their job. I agree with Kristine. Leonard is simply outsmarting your trainer. One of the things I really like about our trainer is that she is always looking to learn about new methods and techniques. She is very cognizant that training is not a "one-size-fits-all" kind of thing, and she's willing to tailor what she does to best suit the individual dog (and owner). She is a bit talkative, though. She actually did an agility run once with duct tape over her own mouth (with the judge's permission) so she would shut up and give her dog just clear visual cues. She said it was their best run of the day.  |
Jonsey wrote: One of the things I really like about our trainer is that she is always looking to learn about new methods and techniques. She is very cognizant that training is not a "one-size-fits-all" kind of thing, and she's willing to tailor what she does to best suit the individual dog (and owner). She is a bit talkative, though. She actually did an agility run once with duct tape over her own mouth (with the judge's permission) so she would shut up and give her dog just clear visual cues. She said it was their best run of the day. Thanks for the visual Just hope my instructor doesn't hear about it lest she get any ideas... KB |
Mad Dog wrote: Jonsey wrote: One of the things I really like about our trainer is that she is always looking to learn about new methods and techniques. She is very cognizant that training is not a "one-size-fits-all" kind of thing, and she's willing to tailor what she does to best suit the individual dog (and owner). She is a bit talkative, though. She actually did an agility run once with duct tape over her own mouth (with the judge's permission) so she would shut up and give her dog just clear visual cues. She said it was their best run of the day. Thanks for the visual Just hope my instructor doesn't hear about it lest she get any ideas... KB LOL, I've been meaning to talk to Sue.....  I have learned, I run pretty silent. I actually did get my mouth taped shut in 5th grade once. My mom was SO mortified at ME that I was obnoxious enough that the teacher had to do it. Of course these days the teacher would get sued.... Space respect.....yeah, good luck. I aim for enough respect that there is no jumping and head butting, etc. Otherwise we share our space.  |
"Daddy what's this 'personal space' you're talking about???" |
| Yea, he is good about not jumping up (unless he is in class and has a hotdog waving in his face appArently). We don't let his go through doors first and he is only allowed on the bed/couch if he has an invitation. He likes to lean on me, follow me around everywhere and watch everything I do. I enjoy this; but the teacher told me that this was a really big problem I had to fix ASAP. I really enjoyed all of the posts, they were awesome. Not going to fret about making Leonard something he is not. I love him and his lack of awareness of personal space. He has decent manners, actually great manners for such a young boy. He just loves being as close to his people as possible. That was a big part of my decision to get a sheepie. What does a stranger know about it?  "What? You mean I wasn't supposed to follow you into the shower? But you were so far away!" |
| I love my trainer--she has taken the time to understand sheepdogs and has told me that she has learned so much more by working with Murphy. I cannot remember how to post youtube videos--having a brain lapse-- if I can remember I will post one here of her working with Murph! |
bruuruu wrote: Yea, he is good about not jumping up (unless he is in class and has a hotdog waving in his face appArently). We don't let his go through doors first and he is only allowed on the bed/couch if he has an invitation. He likes to lean on me, follow me around everywhere and watch everything I do. I enjoy this; but the teacher told me that this was a really big problem I had to fix ASAP. I really enjoyed all of the posts, they were awesome. Not going to fret about making Leonard something he is not. I love him and his lack of awareness of personal space. He has decent manners, actually great manners for such a young boy. He just loves being as close to his people as possible. That was a big part of my decision to get a sheepie. What does a stranger know about it? "What? You mean I wasn't supposed to follow you into the shower? But you were so far away!" Hahaha. Tiggy's not a fan of the shower because that's where I bathe her but despite that she still waits till I shut the glass screen. No doubt she feels safe to be on the outside and then she stands right outside and tries to lick any drips (or maybe she trying to get at me) by poking her tongue through the couple of millimetre wide gap. As soon as I turn off the water she backs up a whole two feet just in case I plan to ambush her and make her take a bath. |
Mim wrote: Hahaha. Tiggy's not a fan of the shower because that's where I bathe her but despite that she still waits till I shut the glass screen. No doubt she feels safe to be on the outside and then she stands right outside and tries to lick any drips (or maybe she trying to get at me) by poking her tongue through the couple of millimetre wide gap. As soon as I turn off the water she backs up a whole two feet just in case I plan to ambush her and make her take a bath. Yeah, I do notice the older they get the less likely I am to have wet-heads when I get out of the shower. Though, perhaps, too, they do eventually realize I always emerge But I still always have one or two guarding me while I'm in there. Kind of reassuring, actually Kristine |
| Sheepdogs are velcro dogs. Of course they're going to be in your space. Silly instructor. Eevee trained me to step over her As for the jumping thing, we like to turn away from the dog and ignore them until they stop and either sit, or are calm enough, and then we turn and pet them. If they get super excited again and start jumping, you repeat the process until they get it. It worked really well for Bailey. Eevee isn't much of a jumper though, so it's never been a problem with her. |
bruuruu wrote: Yea, he is good about not jumping up (unless he is in class and has a hotdog waving in his face appArently). We don't let his go through doors first and he is only allowed on the bed/couch if he has an invitation. He likes to lean on me, follow me around everywhere and watch everything I do. I enjoy this; but the teacher told me that this was a really big problem I had to fix ASAP. Did she explain why following you around would be a big problem? I would love to know why. |
bruuruu wrote: He likes to lean on me, follow me around everywhere and watch everything I do. I enjoy this; but the teacher told me that this was a really big problem I had to fix ASAP.  Definitely do NOT try to "fix" Leonard following you around and watching everything you do. That's a sheepdog. You'd be breaking his spirit. I'd be very skeptical about this trainer after this. I've abandoned classes before when I found they were not meeting our needs. |
Baba wrote: bruuruu wrote: He likes to lean on me, follow me around everywhere and watch everything I do. I enjoy this; but the teacher told me that this was a really big problem I had to fix ASAP. Definitely do NOT try to "fix" Leonard following you around and watching everything you do. That's a sheepdog. You'd be breaking his spirit. I'd be very skeptical about this trainer after this. I've abandoned classes before when I found they were not meeting our needs.Yeah I was wondering what the theory was behind such suggestion. Odd thing to say. Especially if I remember correctly she wanted her to attach him to her with a leash. |
spacegirl21 wrote: Did she explain why following you around would be a big problem? I would love to know why. The odd thing is that non-OES owners actually expect their dogs to respect their space.  I know this is a completely foreign concept for most of us, but is not necessarily a BAD thing. Just a very UNNATURAL thing for our dogs, who have us trained to cling to edges of beds so they can sleep well, step over them rather than make them move etc etc Kristine |
Mad Dog wrote: spacegirl21 wrote: Did she explain why following you around would be a big problem? I would love to know why. The odd thing is that non-OES owners actually expect their dogs to respect their space. I know this is a completely foreign concept for most of us, but is not necessarily a BAD thing. Just a very UNNATURAL thing for our dogs, who have us trained to cling to edges of beds so they can sleep well, step over them rather than make them move etc etc Kristine LOL-- so there really are other ways to co-exist with a dog???? |
sheepiezone wrote: Mad Dog wrote: spacegirl21 wrote: Did she explain why following you around would be a big problem? I would love to know why. The odd thing is that non-OES owners actually expect their dogs to respect their space. I know this is a completely foreign concept for most of us, but is not necessarily a BAD thing. Just a very UNNATURAL thing for our dogs, who have us trained to cling to edges of beds so they can sleep well, step over them rather than make them move etc etc Kristine LOL-- so there really are other ways to co-exist with a dog???? Apparently, but I'm pretty sure they're less fun, less rewarding ways. |
| Trying to get a sheepie to "respect your space" is basically defying nature If only their need to observe every move I make translated more easily into doing what I wanted them to do. It is so frustrating because you know that in some sense they ARE paying attention to you at all times....but that doesn't mean they act like it |
| I'd forgotten about this post and respecting your space. http://forum.oes.org/viewtopic.php?f=16&t=30335 |
sheepiezone wrote: Mad Dog wrote: The odd thing is that non-OES owners actually expect their dogs to respect their space. I know this is a completely foreign concept for most of us, but is not necessarily a BAD thing. Just a very UNNATURAL thing for our dogs, who have us trained to cling to edges of beds so they can sleep well, step over them rather than make them move etc etc Kristine LOL-- so there really are other ways to co-exist with a dog???? I've heard rumors... Kristine |
| some trainers just don't understand sheepies! the 2 ladies who take our class are perfect-they have owened them so know them well. If Sprocket has other idea's they make a joke about maybe he wants to run the class etc rather than making me feel stupid 'cos he laid down on a sit. I always make him do what is required,it just takes longer. As for "our space" I thought it all belonged to the sheepies!!! on a serious note,Sprocket always stops in fron of me,lays where I want to sweep,sits in front of the fridge when I want to go into it etc,just like toddlers do,a small push with an "out the way" usually does the job.x |
| What's personal space?? I'm not even allowed to pee by myself, if I even try to shut the door and Ramsey hasn't caught up to me yet, he just sticks his big head in the door to block it until he is allowed in. Haha. Layla, my other pup, doesn't even get personal space! Haha. Significant other is under there.       |
| Brilliant I love this thread. Has really made me laugh so much. Personal space??? My space is Cloud's space. His job is to monitor Geoff and I 24 hours a day from about one inch away. Then report back to the OES mother space ship on us earthlings. Like all OES he is a velcro dog and we wouldn't have em any other way would we? |
| Love the pictures Bridget, especially the one in the pool, that would be awkward to get on and chilly. |
| Bridget, your pictures are PRICELESS! That Jersey weather looks great! We have not shut a door in our house since May of 1999, when we got our first OES. It's difficult to remember to close the bathroom door when we have company! Laurie and Oscar |
Benson has been reading this thread with great interest, and has decided to add her 2 cents: |
 I know I've gotten on board this post late but I love all the replies!!  I can relate to every single one with laughter, and I thought I was the only one experiencing some of this sheepie stuff. Look at his face, looks sweet, ha, right before he jumps off the couch and "zooms" around the house (when weather permits, he gets a good run outside with his balls). Can't catch him if I try. He does all the stuff and more mentioned in this thread! Wish I had a specialized "sheepie" trainer close by, someone who understands the breed for better training. We'll get by, one day at a time! Patience, patience, patience,,,,,,,,,  |
| I am going to be going to a training class that is starting near us Thursday and they own a sheepie so will be interesting. I have lots of questions!!!x |
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