DOG THREAD, WOOF, WOOF

It surprises me that people do not realize the amount of humanity there is in a dog.
Like the Arabian horse being raised in the tent with the family are very intelligent and have extraordinary problem solving capabilities.
I recently received a Malinwa (I named her Tinker Bell) just coming into maturity, but the previous owner gave it no discipline and it's taking a while to bring her under control. I met others with them and share the same problems.
She can be a Tasmanian devil given the opportunity, but over time she is learning my limitations. Thankfully I have a number of years training dogs and other animals, and I realize certain sacrifices must be accepted, but not tolerated. Correction is still required for disciplinary issues.
I use affection training not treats, I only have to look at her in a particular way and she knows what I want. If I am angry I stare at her till she cowers and shakes. I give it some time till I forgive her and grant her attention.
She tries to demonstrate her guard capabilities growling and barking at things I can't hear, but we are working on this. She doesn't under stand I don't want her barking at the coyotes. I don't want to draw their attention. But if there is something or some one walking past my living quarters, "that" I approve of.
She is desperate for attention, not affection. she wants contact on her terms like a cat, she is not a lapdog though she is a smaller breed about 40 lbs.
I have managed to train her to share her food rather than being insecure about it. My other dog is a 14 year old Yorkshire (Abby), and they are getting along well as 2 females can. Give them all they can eat (kibble) and keep a single dish full and eventually they get the idea there will always be food there. I've done this with at least 15 different dogs through the years. Dad taught me this trick. eventually the stop over eating.
Another trick, if you can call it that, is she has perforated my arms unintentionally jumping on me, so I have a rule, no jumping up unless (a). I am fully dressed and (b). I signal her to do so. if she does not get the OK, she stays down ( most of the time).
She is very aware of how the mirror works and watches my face through it often.
I wish I had gotten her as a puppy, she would have made a good SAR dog, very intelligent.

 

a labor of love that will pay dividends the rest of your life.

 

My Tasmanian Devil
named Taz