Endy10:


Exactly.
I was waiting for someone else to bring up this point.
The reason for this thread is for people to learn. I know a lot of people are, even if few would take a little longer to learn because of years of wrong information.

The word Aggression in itself from the dictionary is a display of behaviours that are non conforming in the dog world. What we want is a hard dog not an unbalanced Dog. That is why we'll never say a dog is aggressive because looking at the English meaning, it is a no go area.

For every Dog there's what we call Nerve Strength. This is what is used to determine how much pressure any dog can take. It also helps the trainer in the training process. Like humans, dogs differ in their capacity and even litter mates would not behave alike.

The first step to these training is the basic handling. Dogs must be well socialized early enough and put through series of stages in order to have a balanced dog prior to when the next phase of training will commence. Remember what we are trying to achieve is a balanced dog not a dog that's uncontrollable.

A dog's disposition is affected by two main things. Gene and Environment.

The gene tells us about what the dog has and this is where the nerve strength as explained above comes in while environment affects how the dog reacts.

Genetic strengths mainly consists of Instincts and Drive.

 A Hard dog is never affected by environmental conditions. They never back down and always remain focused and mean serious business. While a dog with a weak nerve strength will cower in an event of any environmental pressure. That's to show you that not all German Shepherd dogs can make it to this status.

High nerve strength is what people recognize as aggression. But like I said there is a difference between what we know as the nerve strength and what people call aggression.

And another problem is that we humans expect every dog to be same which is not always so. Every dog will have his venue but the poorest thing that can exist in a GSD is bad nerves, there's no excuse for it.

To the issue about barking, growling and snarling. They don't mean aggression. Some are Kennel frustration because there is no exercise or mental stimulation while some are just prey.


These are some things majority regard to aggression when selling in Nigeria, you'll even see someone say that a 3months old or 6months old puppy is aggressive, but how is that possible.

But those attitudes are normal but does not equal to aggression. I hope this helps your thread and clarify any issues people might be thinking about the word aggression.

NB: I used the German Shepherd as an example because it is my main area of interest. It could apply to any other breed too.

Endy10:
"Dog is Man's best friend".
I'm sure most of us have heard that phrase more times than we care to hear and for the dog lovers get to experience that feeling. And when you truly bond with your dog, it's a feeling that's hard to explain.

For those who frequent the pets section of nairaland like me, you'll noticed that the highest percentage of posts are of dog sales. "Breeders" with different breeds of dogs trying to sell off pups to new homes, and everyday we see these pups have new homes. However, is it the right home?

This is going to be a dog training and socialization thread but I feel I have to talk about "choosing the right dog" first because it is linked to the topic.

Here in Nigeria (can only talk of Nigeria because it's where I've done my research) most people go for certain breeds because of the wrong reasons. Some go for it because of its beauty, some because a friend recommended it, some because they also want to breed and that's what will yield the highest price. Some because they want to feel manly. Some because it's what is left of what the breeder has. If any of the above is your sole reason, you are wrong.

The choice of a dog begins with you. Getting a pup is like getting a baby, and we know what happens when an irresponsible parent is in charge of a baby.

So what are some of the things you need to assess about yourself before getting a dog.

1) Your Personality.
Your personality should be the first thing you consider before getting a dog. Are you an active person? Or do you prefer quiet time at home lounging on the sofa?
If you are an active person, then certain breeds wouldn't be a problem to you as you have the active life to properly engage the pup in training and socialization. It would be very wrong for a laid back person or first time owner with no experience at all to get a Belgian Malinois.

2)Space and Environment
I once read a post here of a breeder advising a buyer to get his Caucasian shepherd pup on the grounds that it would be good indoors. If the buyer had done his research on the pup and the type of environment it would need to strive, he wouldn't have fallen for it.
What is the use of buying a greyhound if you don't have a big yard for it to run? Or getting a German Shepard when you stay an apartment.
Fun fact: Greyhounds are one of the fastest land animals on earth. Top 10 in fact!

3)Your Pocket
This should actually be last. Yes most of the breeds we have now are expensive, unless you plan on getting an ekuke. Only after evaluating yourself should you then look at the amount you would need in getting the pups.
Even though this is the last, it is also very important as it expands into other aspect like the feeding, medical care and other miscellaneous.

These are just some of the things you should consider. You are free to drop more in the comments. If you follow the self evaluation, you would have cut through so many potholes that would come up when you start training and socializing your dog.

If also want to get a dog and you would like to know the breed that would be perfect for you,you can drop your comments so we can all rub minds and get the perfect dog for your home.

Next write up would be on dog socialization and the need for it.

please can the same Gsp dog from the same father and mother meet/cross their self?
how is their puppys going to be.

okayman4real:
please can the same Gsp dog from the same father and mother meet/cross their self?
how is their puppys going to be.

This is a hard question for me because I don't have sufficient knowledge in it. I only know from what I read and shows I've listened to. I'm sure those who breed will give a more detailed response

All I know is there are pros and cons. Inbreeding could lead to range of genetic defects or probably shortened life span. There are or effects.

However, for those aim to perfect a certain genetic trait in the dog, inbreeding might be of use

Please I came to learn. But after following the unhealthy argument about AGGRESSION I was irritated. Please for the sakes of our pets stop this argument.
LET GO BACK TO THE REASON WHY OP STARTED THE TREAD. thank you.

phunkypalace:
and yes you referring to yourself as a "dogman" is funny, it sounds like you're part of that small percentage of Nigerians that feel like them knowing about dogs makes them better or smarter than other people so they join every social media platform to talk to the 5% of the population that is interested in "dog social media" like they are bosses or superior. smiley

the real people that are actually knowledgeable and important in the dog community don't bother themselves in social media antics, rather you hear their names and their work and dogs speak for them, it's always people like you that are in every group and forum creating threads


I thought this was going to end well in a more respectable manner but I see trying to impart knowledge and trying to answer that your question is now a sin. Don't worry I won't create threads and won't bother going into social media antics. This is the major reason why some of them don't talk, people like you throw out bants. Keep it up, there is a reward for everybody.

I'm a linguist and I just read PDF files...very funny. If and when I see a more open approach without bants, I'll answer your question.

you said a lot of things without my answers, if you really had answers to my questions you would have said them before typing long paragraphs for over 24 hours

I'll address you when you have my answers

The dog needs to be practiced. If your dog will know what is going on around it will not be afraid.

phunkypalace:



The word Aggression in itself from the dictionary is a display of behaviours that are non conforming in the dog world. What we want is a hard dog not an unbalanced Dog. That is why we'll never say a dog is aggressive because looking at the English meaning, it is a no go area.

For every Dog there's what we call Nerve Strength. This is what is used to determine how much pressure any dog can take. It also helps the trainer in the training process. Like humans, dogs differ in their capacity and even litter mates would not behave alike.

The first step to these training is the basic handling. Dogs must be well socialized early enough and put through series of stages in order to have a balanced dog prior to when the next phase of training will commence. Remember what we are trying to achieve is a balanced dog not a dog that's uncontrollable.

A dog's disposition is affected by two main things. Gene and Environment.

The gene tells us about what the dog has and this is where the nerve strength as explained above comes in while environment affects how the dog reacts.

Genetic strengths mainly consists of Instincts and Drive.

 A Hard dog is never affected by environmental conditions. They never back down and always remain focused and mean serious business. While a dog with a weak nerve strength will cower in an event of any environmental pressure. That's to show you that not all German Shepherd dogs can make it to this status.

High nerve strength is what people recognize as aggression. But like I said there is a difference between what we know as the nerve strength and what people call aggression.

And another problem is that we humans expect every dog to be same which is not always so. Every dog will have his venue but the poorest thing that can exist in a GSD is bad nerves, there's no excuse for it.

To the issue about barking, growling and snarling. They don't mean aggression. Some are Kennel frustration because there is no exercise or mental stimulation while some are just prey.


These are some things majority regard to aggression when selling in Nigeria, you'll even see someone say that a 3months old or 6months old puppy is aggressive, but how is that possible.

But those attitudes are normal but does not equal to aggression. I hope this helps your thread and clarify any issues people might be thinking about the word aggression.

NB: I used the German Shepherd as an example because it is my main area of interest. It could apply to any other breed too.

DDexter99, the answer you seek is here already.

Its a good thing to see that people are beginning to understand the importance of training and socializing your dog. We tend to shift the importance of training our dogs aside because there are no strict laws against owning a dog you can not control in Nigeria yet but the time will soon come.
We are already having cases of dog-bites and it is only a open secret that some individuals and bodies are actively involved in dog fighting and selling such dogs to innocent dog lovers too.
There are no laws against stray dogs,so when such vicious dogs escape and run around the streets,by then we will start to do the right things.
I am a dog trainer,dog training instructor,a dog groomer,dog behaviorist, dog consultant.
If you need help with you dog,my line is open 24/7; 08058327068

I have to agree with IamAnderson because I also feel that there's is no way a good guard dog won't exhibit some form of aggression(Territorial or protective aggression) when an intruder invades their territory, isn't that what they were bred for?

Proper obedience training and socialisation is key to controlling such aggression. Same thing Anderson has been yarning since.

I personally think territorial and protective aggression are both good aggression in dogs while certain others like fear aggression, possessive aggression and predatory aggression are not good and it's because of these kinds of aggression that aggression in dogs is generally thought to be a behavioural problem.

There is need to understand the different types of aggression and not just aggression in general.

amehrada:
I have to agree with IamAnderson because I also feel that there's is no way a good guard dog won't exhibit some form of aggression(Territorial or protective aggression) when an intruder invades their territory, isn't that what they were bred for?

Proper obedience training and socialisation is key to controlling such aggression. Same thing Anderson has been yarning since.

I personally think territorial and protective aggression are both good aggression in dogs while certain others like fear aggression, possessive aggression and predatory aggression are not good and it's because of these kinds of aggression that aggression in dogs is generally thought to be a behavioural problem.

There is need to understand the different types of aggression and not just aggression in general.

The word Aggression in itself from the dictionary is a display of behaviours that are non conforming in the dog world.

Nerve strength is what is needed in any dog to perform it's security task properly. High nerve strength is what you term as aggression. There is a difference between the two. We need a balanced dog not a violent dog.

phunkypalace:



The word Aggression in itself from the dictionary is a display of behaviours that are non conforming in the dog world. What we want is a hard dog not an unbalanced Dog. That is why we'll never say a dog is aggressive because looking at the English meaning, it is a no go area.

For every Dog there's what we call Nerve Strength. This is what is used to determine how much pressure any dog can take. It also helps the trainer in the training process. Like humans, dogs differ in their capacity and even litter mates would not behave alike.

The first step to these training is the basic handling. Dogs must be well socialized early enough and put through series of stages in order to have a balanced dog prior to when the next phase of training will commence. Remember what we are trying to achieve is a balanced dog not a dog that's uncontrollable.

A dog's disposition is affected by two main things. Gene and Environment.

The gene tells us about what the dog has and this is where the nerve strength as explained above comes in while environment affects how the dog reacts.

Genetic strengths mainly consists of Instincts and Drive.

 A Hard dog is never affected by environmental conditions. They never back down and always remain focused and mean serious business. While a dog with a weak nerve strength will cower in an event of any environmental pressure. That's to show you that not all German Shepherd dogs can make it to this status.

High nerve strength is what people recognize as aggression. But like I said there is a difference between what we know as the nerve strength and what people call aggression.

And another problem is that we humans expect every dog to be same which is not always so. Every dog will have his venue but the poorest thing that can exist in a GSD is bad nerves, there's no excuse for it.

To the issue about barking, growling and snarling. They don't mean aggression. Some are Kennel frustration because there is no exercise or mental stimulation while some are just prey.


These are some things majority regard to aggression when selling in Nigeria, you'll even see someone say that a 3months old or 6months old puppy is aggressive, but how is that possible.

But those attitudes are normal but does not equal to aggression. I hope this helps your thread and clarify any issues people might be thinking about the word aggression.

NB: I used the German Shepherd as an example because it is my main area of interest. It could apply to any other breed too.

amehrada, do well to read this piece. In the dog world, there is nothing like aggression.

amehrada:
I have to agree with IamAnderson because I also feel that there's is no way a good guard dog won't exhibit some form of aggression(Territorial or protective aggression) when an intruder invades their territory, isn't that what they were bred for?

Proper obedience training and socialisation is key to controlling such aggression. Same thing Anderson has been yarning since.

I personally think territorial and protective aggression are both good aggression in dogs while certain others like fear aggression, possessive aggression and predatory aggression are not good and it's because of these kinds of aggression that aggression in dogs is generally thought to be a behavioural problem.

There is need to understand the different types of aggression and not just aggression in general.

exactly my point
they will say it's "high nerve strength" which means high instinct and drive but when you ask them high instinct to do what?
high drive to do what?
then they start rambling again

I don't know why it's so hard to call it what it is, when you've already convinced yourself that a word is all negative you'll start trying to change the meaning of words and straying away from the point when you can't avoid using the word.

they will also say barking, growling and snarling isn't aggression but "kennel frustration"
even though it's clearly there in the list of signs of aggression in dogs that they themselves sent.

and people don't want to understand that even a well balanced guard dog has to be aggressive when it's needed.
that is why some breeds are chosen to guard over the others.
a greyhound is a more agile dog than a gsd but it lacks territorial aggression or protective aggression which disqualifies it from being a guard dog or attack dog.

a Newfoundland dog can be trained to be a guardian and company for children and they can form strong emotional bonds with people but they lack territorial or protective aggression which is why even with their massive size and powerful jaws they are not chosen as guard dogs instead the Caucasian Shepherd is chosen even as they are harder to train and less obedient.
these dogs can work under extreme pressure and not crack, they are used to find corpses, find drugs, swim and retrieve things, work as professional race dogs, they are used as seeing eye dogs, show dogs e.t.c
why then are they used for all those jobs except guarding?
will you say they don't have "high nerve strength"?
they lack one factor which is territorial or protective aggression
no matter how you want to sugarcoat it, it's the truth
a dog cannot be a guard dog or attack dog without having this trait, which is why some breeds are picked over others, you can say it's " obeying orders" but you cannot train a dog without territorial or protective aggression to guard your property or protect you no matter how obedient it is.
which is why even as the labrador, golden retriever and great dane are easier to train and easier to work with than a Caucasian Shepherd, the Caucasian Shepherd is still chosen as a guard dog over these breeds.
these dogs can be trained to do a multitude of other things better than some guard breeds except guarding or protecting because of the trait they lack

Thanks a lot Op for this enlightenment. I must say for the first time I am finally understanding my dog better. She is a Rhodesian Ridgeback, and I was already thinking that she's way too playful for my liking. I have a very big compound so she gets all the opportunity to run around... And that is what she does most of the time, when she is not digging up the ground in the orchard. She was born November 16 last year, make just a little above one year old. And she is already very big, and she barks quite well.

I am thinking of acquiring a male German Shepherd (puppy) between now and January. Do you have any advice on keeping dogs of different breeds?

Thanks a lot.

Endy10:
"Dog is Man's best friend".
I'm sure most of us have heard that phrase more times than we care to hear and for the dog lovers get to experience that feeling. And when you truly bond with your dog, it's a feeling that's hard to explain.

For those who frequent the pets section of nairaland like me, you'll noticed that the highest percentage of posts are of dog sales. "Breeders" with different breeds of dogs trying to sell off pups to new homes, and everyday we see these pups have new homes. However, is it the right home?

This is going to be a dog training and socialization thread but I feel I have to talk about "choosing the right dog" first because it is linked to the topic.

Here in Nigeria (can only talk of Nigeria because it's where I've done my research) most people go for certain breeds because of the wrong reasons. Some go for it because of its beauty, some because a friend recommended it, some because they also want to breed and that's what will yield the highest price. Some because they want to feel manly. Some because it's what is left of what the breeder has. If any of the above is your sole reason, you are wrong.

The choice of a dog begins with you. Getting a pup is like getting a baby, and we know what happens when an irresponsible parent is in charge of a baby.

So what are some of the things you need to assess about yourself before getting a dog.

1) Your Personality.
Your personality should be the first thing you consider before getting a dog. Are you an active person? Or do you prefer quiet time at home lounging on the sofa?
If you are an active person, then certain breeds wouldn't be a problem to you as you have the active life to properly engage the pup in training and socialization. It would be very wrong for a laid back person or first time owner with no experience at all to get a Belgian Malinois.

2)Space and Environment
I once read a post here of a breeder advising a buyer to get his Caucasian shepherd pup on the grounds that it would be good indoors. If the buyer had done his research on the pup and the type of environment it would need to strive, he wouldn't have fallen for it.
What is the use of buying a greyhound if you don't have a big yard for it to run? Or getting a German Shepard when you stay an apartment.
Fun fact: Greyhounds are one of the fastest land animals on earth. Top 10 in fact!

3)Your Pocket
This should actually be last. Yes most of the breeds we have now are expensive, unless you plan on getting an ekuke. Only after evaluating yourself should you then look at the amount you would need in getting the pups.
Even though this is the last, it is also very important as it expands into other aspect like the feeding, medical care and other miscellaneous.

These are just some of the things you should consider. You are free to drop more in the comments. If you follow the self evaluation, you would have cut through so many potholes that would come up when you start training and socializing your dog.

If also want to get a dog and you would like to know the breed that would be perfect for you,you can drop your comments so we can all rub minds and get the perfect dog for your home.

Next write up would be on dog socialization and the need for it.

bizme:
Thanks a lot Op for this enlightenment. I must say for the first time I am finally understanding my dog better. She is a Rhodesian Ridgeback, and I was already thinking that she's way too playful for my liking. I have a very big compound so she gets all the opportunity to run around... And that is what she does most of the time, when she is not digging up the ground in the orchard. She was born November 16 last year, make just a little above one year old. And she is already very big, and she barks quite well.

I am thinking of acquiring a male German Shepherd (puppy) between now and January. Do you have any advice on keeping dogs of different breeds?

Thanks a lot.

I'm glad you have a happy dog. I haven't come across a Rhodesian Ridgeback before. The fact that she is playful means she is active. You just need to help her channel it into an activity. Who knows, you might help unlock a potential in her!

On you question about keeping dogs of different breeds, it is very very possible. In fact, I think it's a sign that your dogs are very grounded.

Since your Rhodesian Ridgeback is the first I'm assuming she has received the necessary socialization especially with dogs. Would give her a chance to be more receptive of her new brother.

Good luck with your dog(s).
Merry Christmas and a prosperous new year to you

I am a dog trainer and I know a very good one in abuja too. My number is 08058327068,I can link you with the aduja trainer or if the deal is right,I can do it for you.

Endy10:


That's good to hear. Unfortunately I have no one to recommend in Abuja. Maybe some of readers will. Wish you good luck in the training of your dog.

Dude, thank you for the cool post and I agree with you in many points, but what you say about aggression- is not true. Aggression was not developed by dogs from nature. It develops over time due to improper dressing. I will give you an example. My grandfather had an awesome black Dolmatian dog, but my grandfather didn’t train it at all and did not even walk with the dog. As a result, Jackie I was constantly in the courtyard of the house and could not run like a real hunting dog. As a result, he became very aggressive and we had to euthanize him. So aggression develops over time. I recently bought that terrier and I decided to do everything to train it. I found several different training programs on the Internet. I started to study the reviews and realized that this is a great way to improve the dog’s brain skills. I started studying dog training online reviews and after a detailed review on the website I purchased this program and now I do everything every day exercises from the program with my Lackie. For two weeks I noticed that there is progress and every day it becomes smarter and more obedient!

Every dog needs training and the best way to train a dog is to take you’re your dog to a dog and experienced dog training classes. Many different breeds of dogs encounter a wide variety of behavioral challenges, from anxiety-driven and fearful reactions to extreme forms of aggression.
Primal needs behavioral training is the best Aggressive behavior dog training school in California. Primal Needs is fully committed to helping both you and your dog overcome any and all behavioral challenges, and achieving a lifelong mindset of calm and balance.