Sensitivity vs Softness

[Shavy]

Is there a difference between a dog being 'soft' and being 'handler sensitive'? How would you generally describe the temperament of both kinds of dogs? Do these traits sometimes overlap?

[Daisy&Lucky's Mom]

Bump this as I have the same question but didnt know how to ask.Thanks Shavy!

OK handler sensitivity means dog wants to please handler,That's good right?

Soft means maybe they need trained softly and might not bounce back as well from a harsh correction right?

Im assuming based on threads Ive read the two soft and handler sensitive might overlap?

Sorry Shay if Im hijacking .

Maggi

[Freestep]

I think a dog can be environmentally "hard" and still be very sensitive to the handler... think herding dogs, working in drive and impervious to everything except the sheep and his handler. And a "soft" dog can be incredibly stubborn. I have seen a good many Golden Retrievers like this. They are soft, submissive, and seem very compliant, but when they don't want to do something, they simply shut down and plaster themselves to the floor. To me a "handler sensitive" dog would remain attentive and responsive to the handler's command even when feeling unsure.

Other people may describe "soft" and "handler sensitive" differently, so it may be a matter of semantics.

But yes, very often the two traits overlap.

[Shavy]

Are soft dogs always fearful, or can a dog be both confident and 'soft'?

[Freestep]

I don't think being "soft" has much to do with being fearful. I see them as two different things, although they certainly can exist together. Hopefully others can chime in and give their perspective.

[Courtney]

Good post

I have heard the term "handler sensitive" can someone explain what that means and give an example?

[Freestep]

I view a "handler sensitive" dog as a good thing, as long as the dog is not environmentally sensitive. If a dog is sensitive to his handler, he is biddable, wants to please, is quick to respond, and always listening for the next command, and respects a reprimand. If the dog is environmentally sensitive, it may mean he cannot tolerate harsh conditions. Heat, cold, rough surfaces, water, anything scary, etc. Not the same thing as being handler sensitive, though the two can exist together.

A dog that is handler hard can take a firm correction without shutting down. This can also be a good thing. A lot of trainers like a hard dog, because they are resilient and can withstand a lot of pressure, and are very forgiving.

Ideally, what you'd want to see on the SchH field is a dog that is handler-sensitive but helper-hard!

[Courtney]

Freestep, thank you for the detailed post!

[JakodaCD OA]

I have an aussie who has always been "soft". Her being my first aussie, 12 years ago, I was not real prepared for a dog who was 'soft' and had to be most times, handled in a purely positive manner. She can be environmentally 'soft', afraid of gunshots, fireworks, t storms..But put her into a pen of a sheep and she turns into a maniacal bull You could blow off a cannon and she's not going to get off those sheep.

I was used to harder dogs, like my gsd's, who could take a correction if needed and move on, " Got it ,ok what's next?" I like a resiliant dog and a somewhat hard dog but I also want biddability which I've been lucky to have in all my gsd's.

Love my aussie to death, but I honestly do not want another 'soft' dog of any breed.

[GatorDog]

My dog is extremely handler sensitive. If I try and give a correction, be it verbal or with a prong collar, I get an extremely over-the-top reaction from him, and most of the time he would stop wanting to engage in any food/tugs used for training. With anyone else, he could take a beating and not even blink. I do not need to work him on a prong collar (after figuring that out) because he just wants to please me and is really afraid of being wrong. I even have a hard time engaging him in playing tug because he doesn't want to fight me. I'm his momma So typically, our training sessions involve the reward coming from someone else with the tug or bite pillow.

He is extremely hard in his protection work. He takes the stick "hits" well and isn't afraid whatsoever. So it really is just me that makes him that way. I've become a much "softer" and gentler handler because of him. And environmentally he is totally sound. The only thing he's sensitive about is me.