Calling all DOG PEOPLE!!!

[RavensGryf]

I’m so super excited here, that trust me... if I were able to do backflips I’d be doing them!

TLDR? I don’t blame you. Just read the bolded parts .

Some of you know I’ve been wanting a dog for a couple years now, but had reasons to wait. Still isn’t the absolute “best” timing, but it’s definitely doable. In life, when is it ever perfect?

Events transpired (won’t bore you with the story) that led me to think that getting a dog now (rather than later) wasn’t too bad of an idea. Basically our neighbor had a purebred puppy he was going to give away for free. He ended up keeping it.

Yes, I did look at Craigslist for a young rehome. Found and called some, but my s.o. and I couldn’t agree. Although this will be my dog, not his, I still didn’t want to get one that he just couldn’t get excited about being step-dad to!

To be honest, about adopting or rescuing a dog... we were most hesitant because of the BIRDS! Obviously we’ll exercise extreme caution with any dog, but starting with a dog who is already grown, and possibly with bad habits, it just scared us too much. Another excuse to get my dream puppy right?

I’m getting my puppy on the 10th of next month!! My DREAM dog (I can’t believe it)... a blue Thai Ridgeback!!! A boy .

I think maybe it was meant to be? I didn’t even need to be on a breeder’s waiting list! Even though a rare breed, the cost was less than many popular purebreds! I think maybe that’s because there’s not a huge demand, I don’t know. Temperament, characteristics, and looks were a good match to what I want. Extremely short hair, what they call a velvet coat, so hardly sheds... YES!!

I have several favorite breeds that I’d been interested in for quite a while. Upon doing my research as well as talking to several real owners of each breed, I sadly had to be realistic and cross most off the short list. Too this or too that. Of course individuals vary, but I think anyway, that I made the right decision. I feel good about it.

I wanted a female at first, and it was a very difficult choice, but all other things equal, superficially the little boy was even more gorgeous.

Ever since I was a kid, I’d been fascinated with dogs, and was interested in learning as much as I could about dog breeds, and more recently, about dog behavior. But it has been years since I had a dog of my own to raise and train.

Since I had plenty of time before I was actually ready to bring a canine family member home, I researched a ton, and became prepared about as much as you can without being hands on. I realize that my ‘substantial book knowledge’ about dogs is nothing in comparison to actually having the animal there.

So... that brings me to finding a good trainer. I’ve been calling around and asking questions about their techniques, searching Google, and reading Yelp reviews. Nothing yet.

I am looking for a balanced approach to training, ‘respect training’ through both positive reinforcement and correction. However, I’m VERY surprised to learn that shock collar training is really popular! Did you know that?! I thought most people would be against it? Trainers who use that method have rave reviews! Actually it’s called a remote collar or e-collar. They claim it’s not a painful “shock”, that the voltage isn’t high enough to be painful, and the trainers will maintain that it’s in no way cruel. They claim it’s a very effective, “quick and easy” way to train your dog and make him behave.

I’ve also read about the “cons”. Besides subjecting your dog to an unpleasant sensation, it makes the dog do something out of fear of the correction, instead of doing the behavior out of respect and obedience toward the owner. That also doesn’t do anything for educating the human into becoming a team with your dog, it just lets you be lazy and press a button so your dog comes running lol.

Did I mention he’s coming to California from Hungary?!

 

[LordTriggs]

oooooo a puppo!

Can't wait to see some pictures

I believe I know the collars you speak of. My mum got a similar one for her westie, instead of being remote controlled though it was designed to deter barking as when out on a walk he would bark constantly as he walked, it would instead of shocking vibrate very strongly whenever it detected the bark and it did work wonders for him. He's still happy and barks when he wants but no longer spends an entire walk barking.

I've seen some training where the trainers use their own 'training dogs' so when the trainee does something unacceptable the more mature dog does the telling off and show them how to do things, for the shepherd it worked wonders. The westie much preferred to nip their ankles

 

[Flboy]

My daughter and hubby use those collars an they are great!

 

[Taprock]

Congratulations!!

We did use a “shock” collar in training out boxer for recall. He was just to fast to use a line and still be able to catch him. Ours had two buttons, one for a tone and one for the shock which was adjustable. We called him, gave the tone and if he didn’t respond the shock. He caught on in one training session. Carrying sausage in your pocket also helps!

 

[GaleriaGila]

I know ZIP about dogs, but I'm very excited for you!

 

[SilverSage]

We use an E collar with a vibrate setting. I always laugh when people suggest it will make my dog fearful; he sees it and goes NUTS with joy because he knows it means ADVENTURE! We use it to “turn his ears on” lol. By that I mean when hiking, etc if he sees something like, say, a cat, he can get so focused on it that he doesn’t hear or register us calling him back. That’s dangerous, so a quick vibration can get his attention where yelling doesn’t work. No punishment involved, and it means a LOT more freedom for him because without that extra little insurance policy he would need to be on leash a lot more and that would be sad.


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[LordTriggs]

We use an E collar with a vibrate setting. I always laugh when people suggest it will make my dog fearful; he sees it and goes NUTS with joy because he knows it means ADVENTURE! We use it to “turn his ears on” lol. By that I mean when hiking, etc if he sees something like, say, a cat, he can get so focused on it that he doesn’t hear or register us calling him back. That’s dangerous, so a quick vibration can get his attention where yelling doesn’t work. No punishment involved, and it means a LOT more freedom for him because without that extra little insurance policy he would need to be on leash a lot more and that would be sad.


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might have to see if I can get some of those style collars for my mother. Her dogs love to run chasing deer and the ears do certainly get shut off. Well the Westie runs after the deer but the shepherd will look for him to bring him back. They're a silly pair

 

[SilverSage]

Yes; it’s important to have strong recall and with Ranger he will come back gladly... IF he notices you are calling him!

I truly believe that e-collars are a great tool, and just like a hammer they can be used to build up or destroy. If you are going to let someone else even TOUCH the remote, you need to be 100% certain that you trust them not to abuse your dog.


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[itzjbean]

Oh, how exciting!!! Excellent choice in breed. I am not that familiar with Ridgebacks but have seen them in the dog shows.

While rescuing is great, I am one of those people that sees so many more benefits in going through a breeder. You get exactly what you want and you pay for both health and temperament -- and the best part, no supporting backyard breeders.

Our two ragdoll cats both came from the same breeder, and our Doberman Pinscher also from a reputable breeder. They did cost a lot - ($600 for each cat, $1800 for Doberman) I have no regrets. I will pay more to know their parents were health tested, no inbreeding and a sound temperament.

I always had specific dream pets and if I was going to have them all be getting along with not only each other but birds and small children, I could not afford to have a pet who I couldn't raise myself and know they don't have past issues of abuse, neglect or aggression. Also I am such a huge animal person I just had to do it the way I wanted to.

We do not use an e-collar with Zuko the Doberman but he does have on a prong collar or harness during walks or he will pull every single time. we never used a trainer, just researched and common sense. House breaking was the main one, after that he began to learn tricks and learned to stay near us on trails outside over time. He's the best!!

Can't wait to see pictures!! Congrats!

My two boys - Zuko the Doberman and hubby!

 

[clark_conure]

meh...
parrots are superior.....

 

[T00tsyd]

I too resorted to a shock collar. I spent huge money on it after weeks of research talking to trainers etc. My dog as a new rescue, had such a high chase drive he was hardly off a lead and for weeks had trailed a line, However as a large and very fast animal he would be a quarter of a mile away before you could say whoops!

I trained him very carefully to the collar but not before I had tried it on myself. I only taught him to recall with it and in one session he got the idea. The tone and ultimately the shock, which to him felt just like a tickle through his coat at the lowest effective setting, simply reminded him of my existence when everything else had shut down when on high drive. As an essentially obedient dog once he realised that I meant it when I gave a command no matter the distance he didn't need it. He cottoned on in one training session and I used it just 4 times on shock when he simply didn't respond to anything else.

What did it do for him? It gave him his freedom. He could go off lead anywhere, no shock collar necessary and eventually he would return to my clapping hands or hand signal. I never shouted at my dog. I have seen barbaric videos of these collars used by cruel power drunk creeps, who should never have a dog, and in this country there are moves afoot to ban them. Like all training aids it's the idiots that give things a bad name.

 

[RavensGryf]

Thank you guys for your feedback on the E-collars!

Hearing from you, and seeing why and in what circumstances they’re typically used for, gives me a better underatanding of it.

I’m sure they are a good tool when used properly, and in the moments you really need it to train a dog who is determined to roam or chase otherwise.

Maybe it feels like the electrical stimulating device (TENS - transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation) that chiropractors and physical therapists use on us to relax muscles?

Of course there are always the idiots who will abuse it unfortunately.

_______________________________

Long story, but a breeder here who knows the reputable breeders for TRD (Thai Ridgeback Dog) who had puppies now, led me to 2 in Eastern Europe. He is coming from Hungary. I’m very happy with this breeder. Very professional, has great dogs, and awesome communication although the English is not the greatest.

Man, what a process.. all the paperwork getting from and to the correct place at specific times is quite the headache if you’re not familiar with it. With me knowing absolutely nothing about live animal international travel, the breeder’s feeble command of the English language, and surprisingly, my US customs broker being somewhat of a dingbat, it made for a bit of a hectic time as you can imagine! I think I understand it all now?

Dani and Jackie, your dogs are beautiful !

Breeder’s pics are on Facebook. I promise I’ll post some in just a little while .

 

[RavensGryf]

Pics are here . Puppy pics! - Parrot Forum - Parrot Owner's Community

 

[Flboy]

Thank you guys for your feedback on the E-collars!

Hearing from you, and seeing why and in what circumstances they’re typically used for, gives me a better underatanding of it.

I’m sure they are a good tool when used properly, and in the moments you really need it to train a dog who is determined to roam or chase otherwise.

Maybe it feels like the electrical stimulating device (TENS - transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation) that chiropractors and physical therapists use on us to relax muscles?

Of course there are always the idiots who will abuse it unfortunately.

_______________________________

Long story, but a breeder here who knows the reputable breeders for TRD (Thai Ridgeback Dog) who had puppies now, led me to 2 in Eastern Europe. He is coming from Hungary. I’m very happy with this breeder. Very professional, has great dogs, and awesome communication although the English is not the greatest.

Man, what a process.. all the paperwork getting from and to the correct place at specific times is quite the headache if you’re not familiar with it. With me knowing absolutely nothing about live animal international travel, the breeder’s feeble command of the English language, and surprisingly, my US customs broker being somewhat of a dingbat, it made for a bit of a hectic time as you can imagine! I think I understand it all now?

Dani and Jackie, your dogs are beautiful !

Breeder’s pics are on Facebook. I promise I’ll post some in just a little while .

Oh for sure, they give a zap that catches the animal’s attention! I have tried it on myself at the highest settings, nothing like a stun gun! Even my kids(wimps), tried it! My daughter and hubby us only the beeps now, they also use the beep as a positive feedback! Dogs love the collars when they see them—means Adventure!!
OT, stun guns, my neighbor picked up a high end model for protection. Well, I asked to see it, put it on my arm, and pulled the trigger! I then handed it back to her and said, "wow! That is a strong model, should work!" Sorta ruined her day! Have to admit, have been around very high voltage most of my life and have developed some ‘unusual’ reactions to shocks!

 

[SilverSage]

Also, I know for sure you were talking to me, because my shirt today actually says I’m a dog person...

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[RavensGryf]

David I canr believe you did that with the stun gun! That's pretty funny though.

Lol Dani, now you need a shirt that says dog/bird person. Especially with Tsali on your shoulder .

 

[chris-md]

I’m so excited for you all Julie!! Just be careful, ridgebacks as a rule have high prey drive, keep extra safety protocols in place

 

[RavensGryf]

I’m so excited for you all Julie!! Just be careful, ridgebacks as a rule have high prey drive, keep extra safety protocols in place

Thanks Chris! Oh for sure. Double and triple safety protocols! As well as intensive training from the beginning. At least I have been sent from the breeder a video clip and photos showing TRD with and ignoring or co-existing with birds (one a cockatiel, one with a Congo grey and one dog with a timheh grey!).

I know... I am not even going to plan on it. I just want the training to be an ‘extra’ protocol!

Are you familiar with the Thais Chris? Distant relatives of Rhodesian Ridgebacks.

 

[SilverSage]

As to prey drive, my dog has loads of it. But he is very protective of “his birds” lol. I don’t post pics of them together here both because it isn’t allowed and because I don’t want people to assume it is safe without knowing everything that went into it.

When we got a Ranger we only taught him one thing; “no.” We only taught him his boundaries. He flourished just knowing what was allowed and what wasn’t. One thing we did not allow was him staring at the birds. It might seem excessive, but we didn’t even let him look. Sure, he could see them, but he wasn’t allowed to fixate on them, even in their cages, even across the room. He was not allowed to treat them
Like prey even in his mind. It worked extremely well. That won’t work with every dog obviously, but it did with Ranger. Over time (he is now 5 years old) he has come to view the birds as his family members and often times HE will alert me to a problem with them before they do.


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[RavensGryf]

That’s great that Ranger was taught the difference at an early age, between wild animals and the bird family members.

That’s exactly how I plan on training my pup. Obviously since he has eyes he’ll “see” the birds, but won’t be allowed to stare or obsess on. Also to get him to know that the birds are beloved members of the “pack”. I guess they pick up on that after being trained to ignore? Dogs are super smart, and I’ll do whatever I need to, to keep my birds safe.

Thais as a breed are an “ancient” dog. Interestingly, they’re not a “man made” breed, and have survived through natural selection in their native land for centuries. Therefore, they are hardy, and aren’t typically plagued with a plethora of health problems that many purebreds are through selective breeding for breed development. They were brought outside of Thailand to the rest of the world in the mid 1990’s. They are said to be relatively rare even in Thailand today.

That said, being an ancient dog with feral roots, they have strong instincts if left to their own devices. They are a strong, independent breed used as an all around all purpose working dog in Thailand. That means guarding, hunting, companion, etc.

TRD are said to not be a breed for a beginner with dogs. I am going into this with as much education as possible (for a couple years) and plan to get professional help as well. I am not “totally and completely” clueless, but I am aware that I need to take as much responsibility going into this as a newer bird person getting a large macaw and doing it right.