I know some hunters that don't give their dog very much affection
because they don't want to spoil it.

I wonder if we give ours too much affection? How can I know when it's
too much? Is there such thing as too much affection?

He's a neutered male Lab Retrvr (14 months old). He generally obeys
commands we've taught him.

on 2005-12-02 at 09:00 wrote:

I know some hunters that don't give their dog very much
affection because they don't want to spoil it.

that's an old-fashioned idea that will hopefully die out
eventually.

I wonder if we give ours too much affection? How can I know
when it's too much? Is there such thing as too much
affection?

if the level of affection is not a problem for you, and it's
not a problem for your dog, then it's not a problem. i tend
to think that is no such a thing as too much affection, as
long as the dog enjoys it. it's important to also provide
consistent leadership, but as long as that's there, there
shouldn't be a problem.

--
shelly
http://www.cat-sidh.net
http://cat-sidh.blogspot.com/

I don't think you can give a lab too much attention. He will let you
know if he wants you to back off... but I have yet to see a lab refuse
attention! As long as he obeys commands that will keep him safe,
you're all set.
shelly wrote:
on 2005-12-02 at 09:00 wrote:

I know some hunters that don't give their dog very much
affection because they don't want to spoil it.

that's an old-fashioned idea that will hopefully die out
eventually.

I wonder if we give ours too much affection? How can I know
when it's too much? Is there such thing as too much
affection?

if the level of affection is not a problem for you, and it's
not a problem for your dog, then it's not a problem. i tend
to think that is no such a thing as too much affection, as
long as the dog enjoys it. it's important to also provide
consistent leadership, but as long as that's there, there
shouldn't be a problem.

--
shelly
http://www.cat-sidh.net
http://cat-sidh.blogspot.com/

wrote in message
oups.com...
I know some hunters that don't give their dog very much affection
because they don't want to spoil it.

I wonder if we give ours too much affection? How can I know when it's
too much? Is there such thing as too much affection?

I guess I would wonder if you want your dog to be a companion animal, member
of your household, or a robot.
The value of positive reinforcement is well established. Affection could
certainly come under that heading. Is there anything nicer than sharing
affection with a responsive, loving animal?

wrote in message
oups.com...
I know some hunters that don't give their dog very much affection
because they don't want to spoil it.

I wonder if we give ours too much affection? How can I know when it's
too much? Is there such thing as too much affection?

He's a neutered male Lab Retrvr (14 months old). He generally obeys
commands we've taught him.


Yes, you can give your dog too much affection when it's at the wrong time.
When you leave your house for example and the dog is alone, you should act
like it is "no big deal." When you come home don't make such a fuss. This
makes life easier on the dog.
-Pete

I agree with the timing of affection.

If he jumps up on the couch next to you and pokes his head in your face
and wants attention... and you give it to him.... you are reinforcing
that behavior.

I'm talking about sitting and watching TV. He's got his head in my
lap, chewing on some rawhide, or a squeak-toy... and I have my arm
across his shoulders, rubbing his neck-fur, head, etc.

I wonder if a lot of that communicates that I'm more of a peer than the
"head dog".

I don't think there is a problem, i.e., with behavior, etc., but I just
want to do it right.