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Location: n/a
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 912
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I wanted a family companion who would possibly be able to engage in some doggie sport such as riding alongside a bike, pulling a scooter, agility, shutzhund (sp?), obedience, flyball etc. I wanted a dog I would feel safe walking alone at night and that could act as a visual deterrent to attackers or burglers, but without strong guarding instincts or a history of aggression problems associated with the breed. I wanted a dog that could get on with other dogs, cats and children and that had flexible exercise needs as there are times when I am unable to move much and can't get out to walk, yet other times I would like to take my dogs out for hours at a time. I wanted a breed that was likely to develop a strong bond with its owner - almost a psychic connection if you like, of being 'tuned in' to my medical condition and level of ability on a given day. I prefer large breeds generally (not exclusively) as I like BIG doggie hugs. I'm not a fan of dogs who have been bred so far from that natural physique of a wild dog that they develop back, breathing or whelping problems because of their physical shape. I wanted a dog that could enjoy off-lead walks around the area in which I live and which could possibly be trained as a PAT dog. I wanted breed which showed an aptitude for training in general and a will to please. A tendency to dominate unless handled firmly was not a problem (- I don't treat my dogs like little spoilt babies or try to humanise them), but I didn't want a breed who was likely to become possessive over people or property. Shedding presented no problems and I was willing to spend a reasonable time on grooming, but didn't want a dog that would be TOO much work if they were regularly jumping in rivers or the like. I LOVE dogs that howl, but don't like dogs who bark excessively. Separation anxiety was not really a problem as I am at home most of the time and always planned to get more than one dog.
Northern Inuits fit the bill perfectly and I'm VERY happy with my choice of breed. I have ONE particular problem with ONE dog that CAN be trained out of him. I am working on this using positive methods, but feel the urgency of the situation requires a more open-minded approach to ALL methods of training, (as long as I'm satisfied that my dog is not hurt or made fearful by them). I MIGHT continue with the e-collar training in future as so far, this is the method with which we have had the BEST results given the time spent on it.