My pups are going to be 6 weeks on Monday, and I am starting to teach some basic expectations/behaviors/commands. For example, they have learned "no" and respond very well consistently, they are not attempting to repeat behaviors they have been told not to do ~ even the tempting ones like spilling diet coke and chewing cigarette packs. :roll:
Here is my concern ~ When I or anyone walks near them, they are wanting to grab pants, socks, boots, laces (basically grabbing ankles). Not only is it a seemingly obnoxious behavior, but I am worried they will loose teeth or get stepped on, I have kids in and out often. I am wondering if this is a behavior I should stop. It is an inherent behavior in herding animals. At least 2 of the 4 (probably 3) will be expected to work cattle in the future, and this behavior will be one of the tricks in their hat when working. If I prohibit it at this age, will they transfer that to "I am not allowed to grab at feet/legs/ankles."? Or will they know they cannot grab at people, but they can grab at cattle?
I do not want dogs that herd people, as I believe that this is a dangerous and disrespectful behavior in adult dogs.
I have been told by 2 different people in as many days that I am over analyzing their behavior, and maybe this is so too.
This reads like rambling, but if you can figure out what I am asking, advice would be appreciated. :help:
Here is my concern ~ When I or anyone walks near them, they are wanting to grab pants, socks, boots, laces (basically grabbing ankles). Not only is it a seemingly obnoxious behavior, but I am worried they will loose teeth or get stepped on, I have kids in and out often. I am wondering if this is a behavior I should stop. It is an inherent behavior in herding animals. At least 2 of the 4 (probably 3) will be expected to work cattle in the future, and this behavior will be one of the tricks in their hat when working. If I prohibit it at this age, will they transfer that to "I am not allowed to grab at feet/legs/ankles."? Or will they know they cannot grab at people, but they can grab at cattle?
I do not want dogs that herd people, as I believe that this is a dangerous and disrespectful behavior in adult dogs.
I have been told by 2 different people in as many days that I am over analyzing their behavior, and maybe this is so too.
This reads like rambling, but if you can figure out what I am asking, advice would be appreciated. :help: