Stella has been declared "soft"

[ClaireAnnette]

First, I do not want to encourage aggressive behaviors in MINE as she needs to be a service dog. Also, of I had small children, I would be hesitent. But in my understanding, they can be taught 'speak' by saying this, and your treats/ click/yes word by catching them when they bark. The advantage is later teaching "no speak" to stop barking. I would do this and then, if ex comes around, barking occurs with no aggressive behaviors developed.
I have just started this, she does not bark a lot; so it will take us more time to get this.

This is not meant to conflict those that wish their dogs to learn protection as a skill. I just cannot have her protecting me from EMTs if I am ill. In my case, she needs to let strangers help me. I think it would be confusing to her and possibly counterproductive to teach protection skills in isolation and not in context of the complete training process. It is a LOT to learn to heel/side in a specific position, go at a slow pace, be able to support me if I lose balance,make ME center of her attention, learn to push buttons, learn to pick up things and bring them to me, open (and close) doors, accompany me and wait patiently for me in all environments, etc. This dog has to be able to go all places with me, so there is always socialization work. She must know about lots of things that might seem odd or frightening to a normal dog. So all this is more than enough without confusing it with a different type of training. Also, it needs to be 'fun' work for her as I do not want her stressed. So, I avoid anything involving 'frustration' or deception; I work hard to build mutual trust. So for ME I have to use a different approach. Again, nothing wrong with those that enjoy the protective activities and sport.

So, I try to encourage confidence without aggressive protectiveness. To be honest, by her looks, most people leave me alone. So why need more than that? I don't. I chose her for her calm temperament, intelligence, ability to adapt, and potential to help my needs.

[Christie M]

I'm not familiar at all with either of those sports, just know the general concept; what's the purpose for having the dog tug on the leash?

Sorry Megan, missed this.

Both sports are timed events and so driving the dogs to be faster and faster is the goal - while maintaining precision. Food is usually used in agility to teach behaviors, but toys are used later to speed them up and build drive. In flyball, you can bring a ton of speed on the return run by letting them know that a big tug game is waiting after the 3rd jump.

Some people walk out with dog on leash, and a tug over the shoulder. Some genius put the two together and created a simple braided, fleece leash that is also made like a tug - so you kill 2 birds with one stone. I love mine!

[debmac]

Christie,
Where did you find the braided, fleece leash? Sounds just like what I need.
Deb

[Choochi]

http://www.saltydogcanvas.com/leashntugtoy.aspx

Funny this is actually the exact same leash, same colours as what I have for Ripp. I used to use it a lot with her when she was younger and we were working on heeling in public spaces. I often use our leash as a tug reward, which generally means a leather leash for me. It's easy, it's right there, it's always right there and it works great. She goes extra crazy for the furry one, I mostly bought it as it looks super fun, I really don't need Ripp going extra crazy for her leash, plus it was just one of those things. I saw it at an agility trial, looked at it, looked at Ripp and thought I have to have this!

[katm4110]

I know what Stella is getting for x-mas!!!!

[Choochi]

That site also sells tug toys made out of rabbit and lamb fur, if you're still looking for some thing to help motivate Stella to play.

..or this cool looking 2 in one tug leash with rabbit fur woven in!
http://www.etsy.com/listing/33719093/fl ... rabbit-fur

or this one that can be used as a regular clip leash or a slip lead
http://www.etsy.com/listing/54094316/co ... v1_other_1

oh man look what you did! Now I want one of those!

[katm4110]

Oh my! Just messaged them about a leash and tugs... I'm an etsy addict.... now not only can I buy my daughter's hair accessories but stuff for Stella too!!!!!

[Christie M]

Marta - you are a genius! I got mine at a flyball tournament, but that is the company that was vending there! I have the slip style and just LOVE it! I use it for everyone. Well - OK - I don't use it in bitework But any other activity where I will be taking the leash off.

[katm4110]

Awesome I just ordered the slip combo and a rabbit fur tug... now what the heck do I do with them? My husband thinks I'm nuts and that still will be trying to eat her leash on walks now!

[Choochi]

Marta - you are a genius! I got mine at a flyball tournament, but that is the company that was vending there! I have the slip style and just LOVE it! I use it for everyone. Well - OK - I don't use it in bitework But any other activity where I will be taking the leash off.

Hardly but I do try... what did I do that's genius cause I don't even know! lol

[Schlussdibusti]

Marco wants one with cat fur

[debmac]

Love the leashes. Tess will be getting a couple in her Christman Stocking! The girl loves to tug and carry her lead anyway.
Deb

[katm4110]

I should save them for Christmas but I just know I won't be able to lol.... I'll be stalking the mail man waiting for them then give them to Stella the second they get here! I'm awful.... waiting until Christmas to give my kids their gifts is hard enough!