Thread: Is she old enough?

Originally Posted by Dougie

I've always found that behaviours that have been the dog's own decision are much stronger in the end rather than them being forced. But we can manipulate their decisions pretty hard out! I never threw Jet into water, always encouraged him which only got him in up to his belly. Then one day I just crossed the river and ignored his barking at me..he then swam across!!

Obviously he got a lot of praise for that. It was his decision to swim too, so now he's much more likely to go for it. In fact he's a big swimmer now.

I am not so sure about it being his decision but more a reflex of association...