A dog is only as good as the person who owns it?

[x11]

Originally Posted by harmony

It takes two basic words to train anything, so what is your point?

i not sure i get ya? what two words?

my point is there is no valid basis to look at a dog and say its a good dog or not a good dog without adding some qualifiying statement about exactly what it is good at or bad at. there is no universal/absolute good or bad that i am aware of?

its like defining left and right out in the middle of space - kind of has no meaning without a reference to what left and right is.

seems simple enough to me?

[butch33611]

And just like that, This thread is done.

Seen any good movies lately?

[RocketDog]

Originally Posted by Lucy Dog

Nature vs Nurture. It's not all nurture.

I agree with this. However.....

Every dog I've owned so far (4) has been excellent. One rescue, 3 purebreds. Also, I've had 4 cats. Again-- all extremely friendly. People remark on this all the time. I constantly hear "Well, YOUR cats...but they're not normal". What does this mean? My vets say to me every time I go in how much they love my animals because they're "so good". (X11, I'm talking in a general temperament/behavior way). My one vet, who only has cats as personal pets, consistently jokes --her exact words--"If I ever get a dog, you're picking it out for me! You have the nicest pets!" Now, she references "picking out" over "training", so I assume she's thinking genetics. But then why haven't I had a bizarro pet yet? Trust me-- on some I did not know what I should've, although I've always used common sense.

The thing is, I totally see genetics-- and I agree. But am I just that lucky to pick out 8 animals that are awesome? Or have I unknowingly "helped" in some way? Honestly, I've never had a fearful animal. Ever. Or aggressive.

Interesting thing to discuss. And I see (and believe completely) others who DO have genetically fearful or aggressive animals, so I know it exists but I sure wish my "luck" would extend to other areas.

Like the **** $550,000,000 powerball lottery tonight, sigh.

[RocketDog]

It's too late to edit but to my opening paragraph I should clarify: "extremely friendly (appropriately so) and well-behaved/highly obedient.

[KatsMuse]

No poll...and vague.

I've seen good dogs with bad owners.

Kat

[Lilie]

Originally Posted by butch33611

And just like that, This thread is done.

Seen any good movies lately?

Yes! I saw a good movie!

But wait....'good' is really just a state of one's own mind. Therefore, my answer would just be, "Yes, I saw a movie. It entertained me."

[harmony]

I use yes and no for my kids, good and no (sometimes bad) for my dogs but not in english for my dogs, they are spoke to in german.

If I get time later I could give some good examples Could you see me letting my kid act like some people do their dogs or even teach them wrong things. It has nothing to do with fear or aggression even that is teachable.

[pyratemom]

I definitely think that a dog will be as good as it's trainer, not including genetics of course. There are some things you can't train out (genetic prey drive, bad nerves, etc) but for the most part if you work at it enough different ways until you find what works a dog can be trained. The key is that every dog cannot be trained the same way and you have to use what works with each dog and every dog is not capable of the same things.

[Liesje]

Genetics, then foundation, then training. That is why some dogs turn out awesome with really crappy owners, and why some dogs are just basket cases even with the best/most experienced owners. Of course, assuming that the dog's genetics are sound, then yes it's up to the owner maximize on that.

[arycrest]

Originally Posted by Lucy Dog

Nature vs Nurture. It's not all nurture.

I agree with this!!! While I feel there are many behaviors that can be modified with training, I don't feel that they all can be addressed and modified.