Dutch Shepherd Forum

Yesterday we took our 9 month old DS Tundra to my mom's for the first time. She has a lot of acreage and a creek and my 9 yo daughter wanted to take her to play.

Tundra is my 9 yo's dog and they have a very close bond.

Well, my 9 yo left from there with her cousin for a sleep over. We started to leave about an hour later. Tundra REFUSED to leave the porch. I leashed her and tried bribing her with treats and eventually had to pick her up and carry her to the car. This has NEVER happened! Tundra has always been great on a leash and has a huge need to please so I'm at a loss. She would walk two steps then turn around and go back to the front door.

My husband said maybe she didn't want to go because she thought we were leaving without my 9 yo. Is that possible?

BeccaG wrote: ↑Sat Apr 15, 2017 4:19 pm she didn't want to go because she thought we were leaving without my 9 yo.

BeccaG wrote: ↑Sat Apr 15, 2017 4:19 pm Y
My husband said maybe she didn't want to go because she thought we were leaving without my 9 yo. Is that possible?

Its exactly what happened. These dogs are one human dogs, they may hang out with others but when it comes down to it, there is only one human for them. Thalie will NOT do or go anywhere with anyone else but me. Even my kids cant put her outside if i am in another room, Thalie will NOT go. This is the problem with these dogs as family dogs. She is bonded now to your daughter.

I take that back, it is not just with these dogs, my parents have a basset, and she will only go with my father. My mom tries to take her for rides and walks but she wont go.

I think its awesome! Olivia (my daughter) wanted an adventuring dog to go on hikes, etc. It does my heart good to know she got just what she wanted and that Tundra will look out for her!

yes, it is pretty awesome, just make sure you and your other family members do some training with Tundra so she learns to listen to everyone. I made sure I did that with Sadie. I am still Sadies human but she listens to the kids too.

Definitely!

Good read. Cute story. I bet it warms your daughters heart to have the devotion of her dog. Good luck in getting her to respond to you too. I'm glad I read this. I have an 8 year old daughter and our new dog will be my primary care. However I will make sure to include my daughter and of course my husband in her training.