Is she from sporting, working, or show lines? Or a mix?
@doggas: Blue is gorgeous! I actually love her ears, haha!
Were you considering doing a DNA test on her at all?
Anyway, that's really great the progress that she has made in such a short time!
I had the same problem trying to teach that to Edgar. He kept wanting to jump and had problems holding himself up, I think it is due to his size (80lbs & 26in tall) and his lack of core strength.
How big is she, if you know? (height at the withers & weight?)
It might be a contributing factor.
But! It's doable! Just keep at it. Try to hold the treat low enough that jumping won't achieve anything. (She sounds bright so she should catch on soon enough that she won't be rewarded if she jumps). The more you practice the stronger her core should become and holding the position should become easier for her.
방탄소년단 wrote:
x
imzadi + ru. - thank you both for the suggestions! i've also thought about irish + english setters, but i haven't looked into them too much. i think a golden would be the best fit so far for a service dog, i'm fine with them shedding a bit, i just don't want to leave a trail of hair wherever we go. poodles would be a good choice, i think they fit most of my needs, but sadly, i'm not a huge fan of them.
little terriers are quite cute, though i'd be constantly scared that i'd accidentally step on them. over the past few days i've seen some really gorgeous & talented aussies competing at crufts, it's made me fall in love with them even more. another breed i'm looking at is a nova scotia duck tolling retriever! they're one of my favorite breeds, though i've seen barely any at competitions, i'm not entirely sure if they'd be a good fit for what i want to do.
anyway, thank you both again for the advice! i appreciate it a lot.
Definitely look into Goldens! Reach out to breeders in your area and see if they have had any success placing service dogs. There is a reason that Goldens are successful as service dogs so it could be the perfect match for what you need.
Other sporting dogs like setters could work but I believe that fewer are really programmed for that sort of thing. With proper they could potentially do beautifully though. My Grandpa had a field line English Setter (Llewellin Setter) that once she matured grew to have a very gentle disposition. Eager to please and a great bird dog. He gave her a job to do and she thrived.
However, since she was such an awesome model a few of my extended family members followed suit and got setters as well but they all ended up being way over their heads with bouncy energetic dogs that they didn't know how to manage so every one of them rehomed their dogs, sadly.
So. In short I think maybe a Setter could work if you communicate with the breeder and you make sure that they know their job so they can grow to love it.
I understand that feeling completely about smaller dogs, haha! They are a good option for those who want a lively dog that doesn't require as intense of exercise for the owner,
but the smallness does have it's downsides.
An Aussie could certainly work if you're willing to put the daily effort into mental and physical stimulation. (:
I don't have much first hand experience with Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retrievers (Tollers) but I have always heard that Tollers are very energetic, intelligent/bright and fun. I've actually heard that their energy requirements can be right up there near Border Collie level so that would be something to consider. I would definitely try to reach out to some people who have experience with the breed to see what they think.
I've had success reaching out to dog owners on Instagram or other social media when I'm curious about first hand experience with a breed. Those who have lived with and are serious about a breed tend to know them best! (:
If you like Aussies you should also look into Miniature American Shepherds. They were previously known as "Miniature Australian Shepherds" there was just a recent name change when they were accepted by the AKC. They're not tiny. They're about 20-30 or so pounds so they are a good manageable size without being small. Not too much smaller than a Toller.
