Do you think it's possible to train any breed to a good pet standard?

buzzyzoe

Fosterdog wrote: »

Could I suggest you maybe find a local rescue to volunteer at? That way you can gain a bit more experience with dogs and the rescue would get to know you too so are more likely to overlook some of their usual rehome game criteria. Plus the right dog could just happen to find its way to you.

When I got my own place I desperately wanted a dog and wanted a rescue but like you was a bit nervous with it being my first own dog rather than family dog. I started to volunteer for a rescue, just helping out at fundraising events and meet and greet days they held. That progressed to me fostering, I wanted to keep a dog but didn't want to rush in and adopt the wrong dog that I couldn't provide the best for and this was a good way around it, I could see how each dog fit in with my lifestyle and could adopt at any point but in the mean time I was helping another dog find their forever home.

In total in 11 years I've had 18 foster dogs, adopted two of those, and adopted two other dogs that I'd never fostered. I'd love to still foster but one of my own is far too reactive. In the future I will foster again though.

Back to the original question though, I have never met a dog that cannot be trained no matter what the breed, however some dogs are a hell of a lot more work than others to actually get them trained.

I have tried for years to find a rescue to volunteer at, but I live in fairly Central London and they just seem to have way more volunteers than they need and are never looking for new ones!

That's amazing that you've fostered so many dogs, it must be brilliant to give them a home and be a step in them finding their forever home!

That's pretty much what I had been thinking with regards to the training - I'm absolutely willing to put lots of time and effort in but I'm still slightly worried I'll get a dog that's completely untrainable!

Katiehound

I believe you can train any variety of dog- you (the person!) just has to be more determined than the dog!

I remember when I had my first trailhound going as a visitor to a dog training class in Cumbria. The trainer muttered something like 'you can't train hounds!' this is in the area where they are raced- that's all.
How wrong could he be. She went on to get her KC Good Citizen Gold, be a PAT dog & a Blue Cross education dog, and she was bomb proof. Katie hound (the real one) was a very very special dog but when I got her aged 2 she wasn't even house trained.

scroll down on this page if you want to read how an ex racer became a medal winner ( and I still miss her)
http://www.trailhoundwelfare.org.uk/category/stories/

My current babes- Shyla & Shay are story number 1.

Remember that some rescues have puppies too, often born into rescue when the mum has come in pregnant.
There are lots of training tips and videos on Dogs Trust website. They also have Dog School.

If you read about Guide dog pups you see they start their training almost from day 1

Personally I would always get a rescue but if you want a pup do your research on the breeder. A good breeder will always take back their pup whatever their age. If you find a breeder who quizzes you more than you quiz them you will know that the dogs welfare is paramount.

Enjoy a dog and have lots and lots of fun

gettingtheresometime

Deleted_User wrote: »

I think that's a bit harsh. Our two are now almost as manageable as unruly normal dogs and it only took 10 years to get them to this level of reduced disobedience !!!

I do think certain breeds are inherently harder work than others, but there are always exceptions within each breed. You can read all the information on breed characteristics you can find and absorb all the latest training theories, and still get a heck of a shock when face to face with your own furball. If you love them enough you'll always find a way to get along. But do keep a bit of slack in your budget for extra help from a trainer or behaviorist, as this can help for the more intractable problems.

:rotfl:

I speak from experience......mind you even though ours was bl00dy minded etc he ripped our hearts out and shredded them when he went across that rainbow bridge.......

gettingtheresometime

buzzyzoe wrote: »

I have tried for years to find a rescue to volunteer at, but I live in fairly Central London and they just seem to have way more volunteers than they need and are never looking for new ones!

That's amazing that you've fostered so many dogs, it must be brilliant to give them a home and be a step in them finding their forever home!

That's pretty much what I had been thinking with regards to the training - I'm absolutely willing to put lots of time and effort in but I'm still slightly worried I'll get a dog that's completely untrainable!

What about volunteering at the cinnamon trust?

I lost my fur baby recently and I'm at such a loss. Whilst atm I'm not sure if I can open my heart up to another again I miss walking the dog so I've registered with them.

hb2

bertiewhite wrote: »

I currently have Leonbergers who will lean against people they like - they all do it apparently. The Leonberger is also supposed to have a long adolescent period, something which I have experienced with both my dogs.

Yes, one owner I met referred to his as 'Lean-on-bergers'! It's nice to know that they do it to people they like, as his - although they didn't know me - were both leaning on me at the time

OP, I really hope you find a dog that shares many years of joy with you.