Hi Beth,

Thanks for the advice – we have an eight year old daughter with an
attitude like the dog – fiercely independent (except at 3 in the
morning).

Duane.




-----Original Message-----
From: Beth F [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]
Sent: Tuesday, September 30, 2003 11:08 AM
To: CF-Community
Subject: Re: Puppy

having had three scottie pups in my puppy classes in the last few months
i feel confident in letting you know a scottie puppy can be a joy, or be
a terror.

Scotties are not a breed for inexperienced owners in my opinion.

Two of the puppies, with EXTREMELY firm owners are doing just
fine.  These owners are really strong and firm with their kids and
dogs.  The male is a delight while the little girl  is a little bitch,
but thats to be expected.  She doesnt' come when called, and basically
is quite indepdent like a terrier is expected to be.

The third puppy with an owner who was rather ineffectual at managing her
dogs behavior created an aggressive dog.  During class I was helping her
get the dog to sit - the dog was totally blowing her off.  I tried
luring him with a treat, and when that didn't work I chose to push
gently on the butt.  That didn't work either, and I began to recognize
the signs of "You Aren't The Boss Of Me".  When I went to take his
collar to help him down that way, he fixed his eyes on my face in a
steely way, and the sides of his mouth came forward.  I had read about
that happening but had never seen it.  A truly dominant aggressive dog
is rare - most dogs bite out of fear or prey drive, not dominance.  In
any case, i removed my hand and asked the small dog expert to help.

Sadly, the small dog expert got bitten as did the owner of the
scottie.  The scottie later got away from his mother, bit three dogs and
a child.

The dog was saved - there wasn't anything really wrong with him - he
just thought he was the boss of the universe and he had to be taught
otherwise.  I would argue he was a typical scottie  - and its what can
happen when you have a breed thats got attitude.  

So unless you think you can handle a dog who wants to be the boss of
you, reconsider the breed choice.  If you really want a terrier, a cairn
is much more easygoing.

Do you have kids?
  ----- Original Message -----
  From: Duane Boudreau
  To: CF-Community
  Sent: Tuesday, September 30, 2003 5:54 AM
  Subject: Puppy


  Hi All,

  After several months of discussion and debate we've decided to add a
  puppy to the family. Due to some restrictions in our neighborhood the
  type of dog we would really like to get is out of the question
(Shepherd
  or Husky). We've decided go to the other end of the spectrum and are
  thinking Scottish terrier. Anyone here have experience with this
breed?

  I'm just starting to look but everything I've read so far a Scottie
  sounds like a good fit.

  Thanks All,
  Duane






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