Good points Lillypup. Tai is extremely well socialised and very rarely objects to either sex, or neuters, to investigate his potential ! However, of course, naturally, there is the very odd occasion when he doesn't, and will protest. Unless he is under attack, I'm sorry, but I will not allow him to growl threateningly. He is a very large dog, wolfy looking, and to many people, very alarming and scarey looking. He is in actuality a complete and utter softy, the gentlest dog I have ever had, despite his size. In today's political climate with the anti-dog brigade being very much to the fore, I just do not want him growling, unless in danger. When being threatened, he doesn't need to, he can look very menacing and threatening when he is doing his Beta Enforcer impression. He pulls himself up to his full height, goes as a stiff as a Guardsman outside Buckingham Palace, and his tail goes as aloft and as erect as is possible. He stands there motionless, not uttering a sound, and 99 times out of 100, the situation is diffused. He doesn't always do this, it depends on the threat I suppose. They see things of course that we don't.

I think that is alot more down to the way you motivateyour dog as opposed to what you actually do.

I have been at a class tonight, and Siren and Laf (Collie and Lab) were on the ceiling....loving every minuite, we were clicker raining, doing nose work, chasing food....indispersed with some walking nicely next to me - ignoring other dogs etc.

Every dog I have had with me has loved working, but I have made it fun. It is never a chore. (I have worked with a Ute as well )

Sorry Tassle, I didn't describe that very well. What I meant to say was that Tai is a very independent dog, and would much prefer not to have to "do obedience". But he does with equanimity (spelling?) and good nature.

We had a lovely game tonight in the garden in the evening sunshine, during which two tennis balls accidentally got deflated! He loves a game, loves chasing sticks and balls, and would definitely prefer to be doing this than having to keep being recalled ! Because northern breeds have such a bad reputation for recall (most unfairly in my opinion), I try very hard to make sure that Tai will always come when he's called. This way, if we are taken unawares by sheep that have escaped from their field, or chickens who have got out onto the set-aside, I can get him under control instantly before he makes that "break" into hunting mode.

yes that is true,i have worked both collies and sibes,its all about what clicks for them, years ago when i went to my first obidience class they said to me 'what do you think you will do with that' pointing at my sibe pup 'it will never retrieve,they cant do that!' well... she learnt to retrieve,much to their surprise,passed her good citizens then i left and started agility with my collie (much to their annoyence )

Shocked to say the least......

Nat Geo (tv channel) was just advertising DW, and it showed a medley of clips....
One shocked me lots....
It was a small dog, sat on someones knee on the left. Someone else was sat in the middle, then CM on the right.
CM said "I'm going to take the bone" (or something similar).
He tried to take the bone, the dog went for him, and he reached over and quickly grabbed it's collar/harness, and literally threw the dog on the floor!!

its not recall thats a problem with northern breeds its the 'prey drive' combined with independence!
imo a 'recall' wont help you with hunting mode if tai is a 'huskamute'

i know it's hard. dylan is a large border collie, he's got erect ears and when he does the 'i'm not happy!' thing it looks pretty menacing too! i've learnt though, (for dylan, i'm not saying it would work on every dog) to let him say his piece. he has never, ever bitten another dog but believe me, it has sounded like he wants to. he's actually terrified of them, due to his lack of socialisation, and i feel if i was to step in, i would make the situation 10 times worse. if another dog has reacted aggressively to his behaviour, he backs off immediately.

if it works and your dog is not compromised or made to behave in a manner he's not happy with, then go with it.

yes that is true,i have worked both collies and sibes,its all about what clicks for them, years ago when i went to my first obidience class they said to me 'what do you think you will do with that' pointing at my sibe pup 'it will never retrieve,they cant do that!' well... she learnt to retrieve,much to their surprise,passed her good citizens then i left and started agility with my collie (much to their annoyence )

its not recall thats a problem with northern breeds its the 'prey drive' combined with independence!

Last trail Darcy ran on the scooter, just as she turned the corner, a fox ran out ahead and continued to run full speed ahead of her.

She ripped the trail, not only running in harness but on a prey driven sprint at the same time. Added a whole new buzz to her run, the lass was in her element

Prey drive, independance and a desire to run, your so right Tupacs2legs

Neither Darcy or the fox were harmed in this incident

Take good care.

Seoniad