Re: [PyrNet-L] Re: more puppy problems

[ken arndt <karndt@epix.net>]

It makes perfect sense..I spent alot of time researching the breed
(my wife had a Pyr as a child). It seems that there are common
personality traits-some more extreme than others, And I was trying
to ascertain what is considered "normal" and what is "aggressive".
Is aggression a constant behavior?  what are the warning signs etc.
I will be the first to admit that I dont understand the "dog term"
agression. I had a LAB that would become aggressive towards anyone
passing outside of our fenced yard (barking, hair standing up).
Once the individual was in the yard he was a calm loving dog.
was this aggression? A dictionary would define it as so. I thought
he was protective. 
....Confused as ever
Ken


> 
> Ken, if you can't tell the difference between aggressive and dominant
> then you fortuanately have never dealt with an aggressive dog. Count
> your blessings. If you'd ever seen one or dealt with one, believe me
> you wouldn't have to ask. Your puppy sounds like a typical sweet
> natured puppy. She doesn't even sound like she's got much of a
> dominant personality or she wouldn't calm down easily when put on a
> leash, she'd likely object to it.
> True aggression is snarling, lunging, striking out and biting a
> human. And even when corrected, even properly, for this behavior
> these dogs get madder and more frenzied, fighting it the whole way
> and continuing their snarling and biting. That's aggression (to me).
> Under those same circumstances a dominant puppy would give in and
> allow themselves to be subdued, they may not like it, but they're not
> idiots and they know what's best for them. These kinds of dogs
> handled properly are wonderful pets. Some people like this
> personality because it's fun loving and outgoing. Most dominant dogs
> have the kind of intelligence that really shows. Then there's the
> type that I prefer, the submissive, easy going, tolerant dog. Chances
> are they're not going to engage in typical puppy nipping or jumping
> up on you at all, so there's no correction that needs to be made. The
> more of this kind of behavior my dogs (as pups & adults) exhibit, the
> more I encourage and praise it. They're just very laid back and watch
> things go by instead of jumping in to check it out right away. My
> Pyrs have tons of personality, it's just not right smack in your face
> all the time. I can take them somewhere and not worry about them
> straining towards another dog or person, very soft-natured, you tell
> them "noooo" in just a whisper and they immediantly obey. Most dogs
> (my Goldens included) need more of a verbal or physical (as in
> pulling on the leash) correction.
> Your dog sounds perfectly normal as far as how most puppies act. I
> could easily *handle and live with that sort of dog. I just,
> personally, prefer the gentler easier type of personality, especially
> in a giant breed. And especially given the fact that I've got 8 dogs
> who *have to live peacefully together. I couldn't have this many dogs
> living together if I chose the "typical" puppy. Does that make any
> sense whatsoever? <g>.
>   Mitzi Potter   OKC  OK
>   Pyrs-R-Us@popline.com
>   http://www.popline.com/quinnz/dogs.htm
> 
> On Thu, 23 Jul 1998 14:36:10 -0700, ken arndt wrote:
> 
> >After reading the past few statements on agression and dominant
> >behavior, I am totally confused. We have a 4 month old female Pyr.
> >She is a friendly, "relaxed" dog. However there are times when
> >she gets excited and jumps up on my family (chasing my daughter
> >around the pool). When the dog gets excited I usually put on her
> >leash and she calms down. She also nips occasionally(not flesh)
> >but clothing shoe laces etc.  Having raised dogs my entire life I have
> >associated this behavior with being a puppy.
> >My question is: What is the difference between true agression and
> >a puppy being a puppy. If I believe everything I read on this list,
> >a dog is to not to be a dog but a submissive order taking animal without
> >individuality or a personality.
> >I am now asking myself if there is something wrong with my dog.
> >I would love your input.
> >Ken