26/07/2024
I SAW THIS ON QUORA ...
Kim McCallum
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If you spoil a puppy instead of giving it the proper training, will it end up not listening to you?
Let me tell you a story.
Since I was able to read, I have been studying Dogs. Where other Children were perhaps reading children’s story books or Dr. Seuss, I was deep into the world of Dog Anatomy, Behaviour, and Training.
I adored Dogs of every shape and size but I wholeheartedly believed that babying and spoiling Dogs literally spoiled and ruined them.
Which is very much why I did not like Chihuahuas or any toy breed for that matter. However, I was utterly desperate for any other kind of Dog because I had always been denied one.
Then as my 13th Birthday was approaching I was in a very dark place but that’s another story for another time. I walked downstairs to find this golden ball of pure light, a little fluffy Chihuahua named Jamie.
He wasn’t yappy, nippy, or spoiled. In fact, he was terribly abused, afraid, and in so much pain. I had no idea what to do with him, until I realised I was those exact same things.
I, of course, tried all those strict training techniques but Jamie would only cower away and disregard any technique I tried. I did not want this, I wanted learning and training to be something he enjoyed, I wanted to show him that not everyone was cruel and not everything was a trick to hurt him more.
So, I forgot all my research and [did] things a whole different way, my way. I had all the knowledge to train him on my own but decided I would take a much gentler and loving approach.
He had saved me and I, in return, wanted to save him so anything that managed to make his little broken heart happy, I gave him.
So, do I spoil him? Yes, I absolutely do.
Has this caused him to not learn nor listen to me? Definitely not.
I’m more than proud to say that my gorgeous little Prince knows every basic command, walks on the lead like a dream, does agility fabulously, and finally? He can dance! That’s right! My abused and terrified little boy now dances confidently in front of any crowd.
I was incredibly fortunate to be able to do this all on my own but I’d suggest puppy classes for any puppy if even only for socialisation purposes!
In truth ‘spoiling’ a Dog has no effect on their training, whatsoever. I wholeheartedly believe that if you give a Dog your love, they will give you an immeasurable amount back.
Will training be difficult? More than likely yes, whether you spoil your dog or not. But, the rewarding feeling when your pup finally even just sits for the first time is so unbelievably worth it!
Good Luck with your Puppy! I hope you have Beautiful Adventures together! Jamie and I send our Love x
Megan Marie, IMO, a little training still DOES give the dog "structure" and calms them. Just like kids, dogs need structure.~K