Stark needs something to do!

[GatorDog]

Aiden is also in preparation for retirement (once I get my puppy) and he will be happy just being house pet and companion. I noticed so much of a change in behavior when I took all the stress and pressure out of Schutzhund and training in general, and stress for Aiden just means asking for obedience at a level that makes him uncomfortable. I still train with him because he is my only working dog and I have paid my dues for the year, but now that we go out and just goof around, he is much more willing to participate.

That being said, he is also much happier with no pressure to do anything at home either. He goes for walks and swims and hikes and loves it and never has to worry about any performance events, and I can tell that he likes it much better that way.

[elisabeth_00117]

Alexis - was Stark and Aiden separated at birth?

[GatorDog]

Originally Posted by elisabeth_00117

Alexis - was Stark and Aiden separated at birth?

Lol they very well might have been Aiden was also pretty reactive to people, and while he's better now, I would never be able to consider any TDI type events with him, so once he is retired, I will be comfortable with him just being the lazy guy that he truly is.

Does Stark like tracking? I'm debating on continuing with Aiden or not.

[carmspack]

don't know any dogs that don't enjoy a good run - bike with the dog , or look into carting.

I had an old "Flagler" with sulky-cart wheels. Did a lot of parades - like the Beaches Easter Parade, used the cart for shopping , hauling kids around. In winter switched to sled and took dog and rig to the kids public school and gave all the kids a once-around the school yard .
Dog Carts large dog exercise carts for sale by Canine Carriages dogs pulling carts - Google Search

this cart is an improvement overmine , the small third wheel at front stabilizes , distributes weight .
Google Image Result for http://www.things4yourdog.com/files/1701467/uploaded/50030-2_full.jpg

[Rerun]

yeah, I personally am in the boat of some dogs are happy being "just pets." Not all dogs want a job, or a sport. If he gets to participate in other doggie adventures like hiking and couch patrol, then let him just be happy doing what he does best.

[Rerun]

Originally Posted by carmspack

don't know any dogs that don't enjoy a good run

I do!

My 5 yr old male GSD would just die if you tried to make him go for a jog or biking. He's a complete love bug but a very lazy dog. Not a sport dog at all and no interest in running in the least. Physically he's in great condition but he's just not an "active" dog. Now my 2 yr old Malinois would run with my bike all day if I let him. He loves biking.

[Liesje]

Train him some tricks and get the trick dog titles! I've been polishing a few of Nikon's so we can send them in.

[elisabeth_00117]

Lies, where do I do this? Isn't there some site you send video's in for? He is really good about little tricks and such and helping out my cousin who has MS. We do "helpful tricks" with him all the time.

[Neo93]

What about Treibball? I know you said he didn't have ball drive, but some dogs like the herding the ball aspect of it.

[wildo]

Ah! Neo93 beat me to it. I was going to see if anyone recommended Treibball. Seems like the perfect solution- herding in your backyard. I also agree with the trick training (which ultimately should end up as distraction training) but it sure must be hard to trick train with a dog that is not food or toy motivated. How do you reward him??