Jules, the Errant Beauceron/Dobermann

[Spardo]

Just finished a long post on the PAD forum (Dobermann Association) in French and thought it might be of interest to dog owners here. A first for me, translating from French to English, well from 'my' French to 'my' English anyway.

I have copied it and am about to paste it here so I can refer as I translate, but will then delete the French version as not being of interest to most, but will furnish it on request so you can criticise my original. (They wouldn't dream of that on PAD, they are so polite )

I have bought a long training line of 30 metres for dogs. First time yesterday in the field with Jules (they, PAD, already are well acquainted with his complete lack of recall due to his chasse genes which cause his nose to cut off his ears, effectively). What a difference, it was never taut and thus he had the impression of total liberty.

When he approached the limit I gave the signal with the whistle, his name, and then, with hands free, jumped, waving my arms like a windmill, called his name with much excitement, then crouched low and slapped my thighs. He returned straight away at speed to receive his treat of ham or cheese rind.

Four times like that and on the 5th I turned my back and walked towards the track back to the house and he came past me towards the garden at my command of 'home Jules, home'.

Today the same, but this time 2 forests also. I can leave the ribbon to follow him between the trees, in place of me, and I can see easily (it is red in colour) where it is and if it has snagged anywhere.

After 1 year of trying, 8 metre lunge, 10 metre lunge, extendible, without lead, I can sense the smell of victory.

There is a great debate in England at the moment on the subject of the dangerous dogs' law, because it doesn't work. 80% of dogs who have bitten are not on the list, Labradors, Spaniels, Terriers etc. etc.. You know well (this to the members of PAD) the problems I had to comply with the law with Boss (my Rottweiler) and I have for many years insisted that the problem is with training, never the breed. So I said to myself, how can I say that but at the same time blame the lack of recall of Jules on his chasse genes?

We'll see, wish me luck, I will try to do a video soon. Fingers crossed.

[Blaze]

Well done Spardo, your long efforts seem to have paid off. I remember your previous posts about Jules, always interesting, and that he sometimes had a mind of his own. Probably just got lost in his thoughts ! It's great news to hear that he now comes back on call !

[Doug]

Totally agree [mention]Spardo[/mention] most dog problems are the cause of lack of training from an early age. Well done with the training.
Normaly don't post anything on dogs or more their owners as I'd get into trouble.
Stated before that I was brought up on a farm with my father breeding alsations for the RAF Regement, I was taught at an early age how to treat them and train them by a RAF trainer.
Result, I've had two rescue ones in France, they have never worried me nor any large dog, never been bitten either, to me its the little terriers you have to watch out for.
I'll add finally treat all animals firmly but with respect and they will be ok with you.

[Spardo]

Well done Spardo, your long efforts seem to have paid off. I remember your previous posts about Jules, always interesting, and that he sometimes had a mind of his own. Probably just got lost in his thoughts ! It's great news to hear that he now comes back on call !

Thank you but steady on there, it's only been 2 days. It took me a month poised with the camera to get an 18 second video of him dancing, he senses the camera I think, If I take it with me tomorrow, I may not see him for dust.

[mention]Doug[/mention]

I'll add finally treat all animals firmly but with respect and they will be ok with you

.

Funny that, after watching a documentary about Lord Lucan and Aspinall and his tigers I dreamed last night that I met one of them (the tigers) and used your (and my) formula.

It didn't end well.

[Doug]

You[mention]Spardo[/mention] should have put it in your tank,

[Spardo]

This morning.
If nothing else, easier going in the forest

[Gene]

Quite an improvement - well done, Spardio!

[Char]

Well done David I hope he continues to remember.

My eldest was never able to go off lead when out walking, she would only come when she was called if it suited her, she wouldn't be bribed with treats, if she found an interesting smell she went deaf, and god forbid that a deer or hare caught her attention she'd be off like a jet plane. Her younger sister on the other hand would come as soon as I clicked my fingers. Bizarre how I could train one of them properly and not the other.

Anyway, good luck and keep up the good work.

[Spardo]

[mention]Gene[/mention] & [mention]Char[/mention]
Thank you, 4 days now and still 100%, at what point to I dare to hope?

And if your 2 were sisters, Char, that just proves my conviction that race, is less important than training. Hence my rail against the Dangerous Dogs Laws.
Out of curiosity what breed were/are they?

[Char]

The eldest was a collie cross spaniel (we think) she looked like a black and white boarder collie with floppy ears, she had the temperament of a collie rather than a spaniel. Her sister born a year later, same mum but we think she must have had a golden lab for a dad, she had the typical obedient Labrador mentality. We rescued them from an English lady who didn't seem to want to get her bitch spayed for some reason.

Still they were two lovely dogs who gave us a lot of joy and love. The eldest was the last to go and has left a huge hole in my life - but hey ho, no more doggies for me.

Imho I don't think you can tar an entire breed with the same brush to be honest, and although certain breeds will have their own characteristics, each individual dog will have its own personality in the same way that each person is different.