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Unique-Public-8594 t1_j1dm9qw wrote

Reply to comment by kateri29 in Dog training and socialization classes? by kateri29

Beautiful pooch.

Good on you for helping this pup.

I’d encourage you to choose a positive only trainer but it sounds like you get this already. Anxious dogs exposed to harsh, negative training often end up worse as a result (and dominance theory and pack mentality has been disproven). They might behave but their anxiety typically comes out in other ways or unpredictably.

Best of luck to you.

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kateri29 OP t1_j1dmpyn wrote

Thanks for your response! Yes definitely positive only training. He responds very well to being loved on and affection, once he feels safe and trusts the person. I’ve had him have a play date with a friends dog outside in a neutral space and he did great. So much potential just need the right training for this sweet boy.

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Unique-Public-8594 t1_j1du1vq wrote

He’s lucky to have you helping him gain confidence.

Is yours lab/border collie maybe? I have a lab/border collie mix, but mine is predominantly border collie and has 6 breeds in her.

I think border collie is known for being fearful.

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kateri29 OP t1_j1dxlcr wrote

I’m not sure what he is but definitely some sort of lab. I plan to get a dna test. He’s on the smaller side, about 35 pounds and don’t think he’ll get any bigger.

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Unique-Public-8594 t1_j1e0vqn wrote

The white patch on the chest, the smaller feet, narrow ankles, feet turned out, and fear all remind me of border collies.

Border collies tend to be easy to train.

The joke is that border collies may as well bring their math books to training so they don’t get bored while the class gets organized.

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kateri29 OP t1_j1e1i99 wrote

Sounds like he might be some border collie! He’s very smart and learns quickly.

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Unique-Public-8594 t1_j1e1qqc wrote

And labs… so loving. I’ve heard they are known for changing their behavior to suit your personality and needs.

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