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COBBERDOG TRAITS
Understanding Cobberdogs. An Honest Look at the Pros and Cons |
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The intuitive smarts this breed has, is as equally applied to what you don't want them to learn, as to what you do want them to. If you don't show your new puppy that you are his/her pack leaders FROM DAY ONE, the puppy will quickly take on the role of pack leader by default. Read on to find out how.
Undoubtedly the Australian Cobberdog is an incredible dog breed, because hundreds of thousands of owners across the world claim their Cobberdog is the most amazing dog they've ever had. But like most things that sound too good to be true there is a "BUT" lurking. |
If you are a 1st time dog owner, or especially if you are a busy parent managing special needs children, I strongly recommend that you arrange for a trainer to visit your home regularly for the first couple of weeks.
This breed attracts a lot of first-time dog owners, possibly due to the hype on social media. Sometimes they can expect a puppy to arrive already a ready-made Therapy dog from the breeder. This is an unrealistic expectation of ANY puppy, including Cobberdogs.
This breed attracts a lot of first-time dog owners, possibly due to the hype on social media. Sometimes they can expect a puppy to arrive already a ready-made Therapy dog from the breeder. This is an unrealistic expectation of ANY puppy, including Cobberdogs.
ALL puppies will try you out to see who is their pack leader, in the same way they worked it out in their first pack - their litter - with the only tools they have. Nipping, jumping, growling, bullying if it's in their nature, teasing, rough play and so on. They quickly learn to work out their place in the hierarchy of their pack and become experts at reading body language.
They finally have it all worked out by about 8 weeks of age.
THEN EVERYTHING CHANGES!
Their whole world is uprooted and turned upside down when suddenly they're taken away from everything they've known since they were born and plonked into a new pack! (You and your family).
So, your new puppy has to start from scratch, using the same tools that worked before. What other option do they have?
For the first few days they are overwhelmed by all the loving and adoration you're giving them. Their every wish is your command. Wow! They've got it made!
They finally have it all worked out by about 8 weeks of age.
THEN EVERYTHING CHANGES!
Their whole world is uprooted and turned upside down when suddenly they're taken away from everything they've known since they were born and plonked into a new pack! (You and your family).
So, your new puppy has to start from scratch, using the same tools that worked before. What other option do they have?
For the first few days they are overwhelmed by all the loving and adoration you're giving them. Their every wish is your command. Wow! They've got it made!
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BUT they are watching you all the time, like they did with their siblings, weighing up your weaknesses and strengths. And if you don't provide firm and consistent guidelines regarding what you expect from them the roles will quickly be reversed until they are training you!
There are some rules (aren't there always?)
Ways for you to establish leadership:
1. Always walk through a doorway or gateway first. Guide your puppy by using the leash at first, with the instruction - name first then "WAIT". Walk through the door or gate then 'invite' the puppy to come through. Follow up with praise but not too effusive! Remember that praise is for encouragement or appreciation, After all, you EXPECT your position of pack leader to be respected. (Don't you?)
2. You and your family eat FIRST. Puppy must wait patiently, without begging, until you have finished eating and are ready to feed him. If necessary, tether him with a blanket and toy until you are done eating. IGNORE any protests. But remember to praise if he's been quiet until the end of your meal.
3. TEACH your puppy to stay alone without complaint. Most cases of separation anxiety are taught behaviors by owners who fail to allow their puppy to build self confidence and trust that they will return. Start with short periods and never return while puppy is protesting. When you leave say "I'll be back" When you return, say 'I'm back". 4. When you do return, hold back on enthusiastic greetings until the puppy's excitement level has dropped even if this means totally ignoring him for ten to fifteen minutes. Then a quiet word or two are best. 5. NEVER pet your puppy unless all four paws are on the ground. This will instill in his mind that there is no point in jumping up at people because it brings no reward. |
Pros - when trained early
* The ultimate Therapy Dog and family companion, wise and gentle
* Goofy fun nature, they love to make you laugh!
* Sensitive affectionate, loving, empathetic and respond intuitively to human emotion
* Sociable and non-aggressive, patient with children (children under 12 years should NEVER be left unsupervised with dogs.
* Intuitive, eager to please and thrive on training
* Seek a deep connection with human eyes (their way if discerning your emotions and state of health)
* No Shedding, No doggie smell even when wet
* Respond best to positive but firm and consistent training methods
* Three sizes - Miniature Medium and Standard
There should be no difference other than their size. I have heard that some are saying that smaller sizes are not suitable as Therapy dogs due to higher energy levels. This should not be so.
Cons
* Cobberdogs can be too smart for their own good and need early training to reach their full potential. Consistent training for the first few months is essential from day one with such a smart and intuitive breed.
* They have an irrepressible sense of humor. It can be hard to be firm with a goofy clownlike puppy who loves to make you laugh! But firm you need to be.
* Australian Cobberdogs are so intuitively in tune with your thoughts and emotions that until they have some training and know their place, they can be cute and loving one minute and attention seeking destructive brat children the next!
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* They're sensitive and their feelings are easily hurt. Always use their name to praise or reprove your puppy. If for instance you're yelling at the (human) kids, then your puppy will know he/she isn't the one in trouble because his name wasn't used. A confused puppy is a naughty or destructive puppy.
* Goofy fun nature, they love to make you laugh!
* Sensitive affectionate, loving, empathetic and respond intuitively to human emotion
* Sociable and non-aggressive, patient with children (children under 12 years should NEVER be left unsupervised with dogs.
* Intuitive, eager to please and thrive on training
* Seek a deep connection with human eyes (their way if discerning your emotions and state of health)
* No Shedding, No doggie smell even when wet
* Respond best to positive but firm and consistent training methods
* Three sizes - Miniature Medium and Standard
There should be no difference other than their size. I have heard that some are saying that smaller sizes are not suitable as Therapy dogs due to higher energy levels. This should not be so.
Cons
* Cobberdogs can be too smart for their own good and need early training to reach their full potential. Consistent training for the first few months is essential from day one with such a smart and intuitive breed.
* They have an irrepressible sense of humor. It can be hard to be firm with a goofy clownlike puppy who loves to make you laugh! But firm you need to be.
* Australian Cobberdogs are so intuitively in tune with your thoughts and emotions that until they have some training and know their place, they can be cute and loving one minute and attention seeking destructive brat children the next!
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* They're sensitive and their feelings are easily hurt. Always use their name to praise or reprove your puppy. If for instance you're yelling at the (human) kids, then your puppy will know he/she isn't the one in trouble because his name wasn't used. A confused puppy is a naughty or destructive puppy.