Ruff Love

[Discussing Labradoodles & Goldendoodles]

Has anyone read Susan Garrett's Ruff Love book? I'm reading through it right now and will begin to implement the program shortly. Basically you take away all of the dog's privileges (sleeping on the bed, free access to food and toys, free access to roam around the house, free access to the back yard, etc.) and slowly give these privileges back over the course of 2 - 3 months. Her whole philosophy is that being a positive trainer does not mean being permissive.

Just wanted to see if anyone has read the book and used the program. I think my dogs will ultimately be happier with more rules, but the initial few weeks are going to be a huge culture shock to them.

Take a look at her recall video in her blog - unbelievable. I hope some day my dogs have this type of self-control... it really looks like she has an amazing relationship with all of her dogs.

http://susangarrett.wordpress.com/2009/04/20/recalls-a-worthwhile-i...

[Adina P]

Very cool! Let us know how the training goes Jane!

[Mommy2Max]

Thanks for the information. I'm going to look into this.

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On a slightly different note, If one scans the forum topics we find - Ruff Love, Dishwasher Licking and Submissive Urination. Too Funny!

~Danielle

[fergie11]

I'd be interested in that book. I did watch that video. I do walk my dogs every other day on a trail just like that. I don't use a leash at all there - even with Little Lucy. They have so much fun. Sometimes I do go with a group of 6 other dogs. That's how I got comfortable with this. I do a lot of my training on that trail. Especially when it comes to the "come" command. I have successfully taught Fergie to lay down at a distance. Happy day when she started getting that. She not so good at the release though. Sometimes I have to actually go up to her before she'll start moving again. It's crazy.
That looks like that "pack" of dogs know each other well. Dogs are pack animals and in that situation none of them will leave the pack. I even convinced my frend who has a Jack Russell to let hers off leash with Fergie and Lucy. She insisted he'd bolt. I said NO he won't. He won't leave the pack. I was right (thank God) He stayed right with Fergie and Lucy even with chipmunks and birds all running and flying around. She now can't wait to take that walk every other day with us.
Jane - if you come to WI you could come for a walk with me on my trail and I know Noah and Sherlock would behave just like those dogs in that video.

[Kim Williams]

Hi Jane,
Just looked at Susan Garrett's video. Really cool. My obedience teacher has a very similiar philosophy. I am really interested in your progress. You will be starting agility with Sherlock soon?
I was reading an earlier post and noticed that you are considering Vet school. I think you would be such a WONDERFUL vet.