Nervous, fearful working Mali

jae · 02-10-2013, 04:57 PM

Often, I hear "The dog has it, or it does not"
Viper is a Mali that is very fearful, has poor nerves, but is already trained to work in a correctional facility. CM helps him socialize, but leaves me wondering: Would it be fair to keep him working for his original intent? It gets much worse than a skate park in a correctional facility, and this dog does not seem to have the nerves necessary for that work. Seems to me this is just another training and social issue to be worked through.

See the first 25 minutes.

Dog Whisperer 7x11 Viper, Diesel - YouTube

Mary Beth · 02-10-2013, 06:15 PM

Yes, I think it would be fair to have Viper do the work he was trained for because Viper is now healed - he is free from his fears, he is no longer living in fear. Very inspiring video.

KSoloniewicz · 02-20-2013, 02:32 AM

What an awesome transformation for that dog, its quality of life will be so much better! and I definitely think that he should be used for work, its something hes great at and must enjoy. I think that after being rehabilitated that he's good to go, I dont think CM would bring him back if he wasnt ready. I'm sure with the more exposure, the better he'll be

Mrs.K · 02-20-2013, 08:09 AM

Nope. Would not use him.

He has made a great transformation and everything shown in this video are methods I used on my own boy, however, just not the type of dog I'd use for work because to me, it's just not a reliable enough dog. If he's put into a situation that triggers his fear, how far is he going to be gone and how much is he going to bounce back?
Sometimes the dogs we bond with and love the most, are the ones not cut out for the job and it's something, everyone has to come to terms with.

Work him in obedience, tracking or even nosework. But not on a real job. Too much of a liability.

StephenV · 02-20-2013, 09:37 AM

Sweet boy. He seems much happier just hanging out with his pack mates. When he returned to his work environment I saw signs of nervousness: pacing and circling, eyes darting, returning to Cesar for comfort, waiting at a door to leave, etc. He may be able to return to doing the work he was trained for and tolerate being taken to strange noisy places, but I never saw him loving it. And notice they arranged it so he returned with his pack mates, to make his exit more enthusiastic, otherwise he might never have gotten out of the vehicle.

02-10-2013, 06:15 PM	#2 (permalink)
Mary Beth Elite Member Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Pierre, South Dakota Posts: 1,280	Yes, I think it would be fair to have Viper do the work he was trained for because Viper is now healed - he is free from his fears, he is no longer living in fear. Very inspiring video. __________________ Sting Chance von Gaard AKC GSD 2/8/2006

02-20-2013, 08:09 AM	#4 (permalink)
Mrs.K Crowned Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Posts: 8,461	Nope. Would not use him. He has made a great transformation and everything shown in this video are methods I used on my own boy, however, just not the type of dog I'd use for work because to me, it's just not a reliable enough dog. If he's put into a situation that triggers his fear, how far is he going to be gone and how much is he going to bounce back? Sometimes the dogs we bond with and love the most, are the ones not cut out for the job and it's something, everyone has to come to terms with. Work him in obedience, tracking or even nosework. But not on a real job. Too much of a liability. Last edited by Mrs.K; 02-20-2013 at 08:17 AM.

02-20-2013, 02:32 AM	#3 (permalink)
KSoloniewicz New Member Join Date: Nov 2012 Location: Southern Maine Posts: 22	What an awesome transformation for that dog, its quality of life will be so much better! and I definitely think that he should be used for work, its something hes great at and must enjoy. I think that after being rehabilitated that he's good to go, I dont think CM would bring him back if he wasnt ready. I'm sure with the more exposure, the better he'll be

02-20-2013, 09:37 AM	#5 (permalink)
StephenV Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: North Florida Posts: 471	Sweet boy. He seems much happier just hanging out with his pack mates. When he returned to his work environment I saw signs of nervousness: pacing and circling, eyes darting, returning to Cesar for comfort, waiting at a door to leave, etc. He may be able to return to doing the work he was trained for and tolerate being taken to strange noisy places, but I never saw him loving it. And notice they arranged it so he returned with his pack mates, to make his exit more enthusiastic, otherwise he might never have gotten out of the vehicle.

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