quote:

Originally posted by Scott King:
Babe is approaching eight. Its been an interesting and educational eight.

My last few dogs have been males, and training and handling was heavy handed. Physical disipline was the norm and in some situations even it wasn't enough and I gave up, garbage and garbage cans being an example. With my last dog, Gus, I just ended up putting up the can at night or while gone where he couldn't reach it. When I didn't, I'd come home to household trash carefully carried to his dog bed, partially consumed, and Gus cowering in some corner. Now what would be the point of a spanking there? He knew he wasn't supposed to, he knew he was gonna be in trouble but did it anyway. I gave up the reprimand, and merely chastized myself for leaving garbage in his reach. As an aside, I could leave people food out and in easy reach in the truck, boat, wherever and he wouldn't touch it. Sandwiches left in the truck while working or in the store were still there when I returned. Gus wouldn't touch 'em.

Then came Babe. Oh God.

The word "No" has to be censored or moderated. If "No" is hollered or used too authoritatively Babe heads for the bedroom, bushes or other hiding place, not to be seen for some time. Physical disipline has never been utilized nor is it required/ needed. Babe is fragile and sensitive to the highest degree. Although it does affect her field performance in that well,.....she is fragile,......Babe has water and field retrieved swans, geese, ducks and pheasants. Babe has hunted five western states and two Canadian provinces. I have pictures of Babe with a pheasant in her mouth at -50 degrees F. Hopefully, hopefully, the end of this month will find us in North Dakota where the limit on snows is 50 per day and the limit on Canadas is eight. Babe will retrieve them all.