Are some dogs over goofy no matter how much training?

1. 97

   peeplesposted 13 years ago

   Are some dogs over goofy no matter how much training?
   
   We have a dog who has been goofy since we got him. We expected some behavior issues due to him being cocker mixed with husky but he is still acting like a 6 month old puppy at 2 1/2 years. He has been through 3 training classes. Do some dogs just stay goofy acting?  He jumps, gets in to stuff even though he's provided his own stuff, starts fights with the other two dogs. He's fixed. I don't get it!
   
   

   report
2. 60

   Dubuquedogtrainerposted 13 years ago

   I'm not sure if you're talking about untrained or just goofy. I have a well trained 2 1/2 year old Golden Retriever who is very goofy and very energetic. A dog that still jumps and has other "behavior issues" sounds like the training didn't quite "stick." I would recommend clicker training. It not only sticks, but will calm your dog down if anything will - also, make sure your dog is getting plenty of exercise. But "goofy" is just a personality trait and some dogs mature alter than others.

   report
3. 60

   Dragonrainposted 13 years ago

   I agree that a dog can be 'goofy' and still be well trained.  But to answer your question, yes I think some dogs stay goofy.  Dogs can have different personalities just like humans can.  I have a 3 year old Papillon and he's still very hyper and playful even though he's an adult.  People that don't know him always ask me if he's still a puppy because of the way he acts.
   
   However my dog is pretty well trained.  It sounds like your dog might need a different type of training, maybe how things where taught in the class didn't stick well with him.  Also, if he's an energetic dog, you have to make sure you're providing him with enough mental and physical stimulation.  Hyper dogs who are left to their own devices often do get themselves into trouble, sometimes even the ones who are trained and know what they are doing is wrong.  I'd start by trying to walk him more, and then if that doesn't calm him down any add in other things like playing with him more and activities that challenge his mind.

   report
4. 73

   Nature by Dawnposted 13 years ago

   I agree with both previous comments. But I'd like to add that some dogs take a little more training than others. My Labrador Maya is a great dog and she mostly behaves very well. But when she gets excited, she can be difficult to control. I often have to re-train her on certain things like leash walking and public manners. This dog re-training tactic is called "going back to kindergarten". Maya knows how to walk properly on a leash and she knows not to jump on or lick people (she doesn't jump on anyone in the family or our friends who know her well), but sometimes she is so excited that she momentarily forgets her training. (Someone once laughingly called Maya's issues GLS or Goofy Lab Syndrome.)
   
   My other dog, Pierson, on the other-hand, is a very quick learner. Once he learns something, that's it, he's got it down. There hasn't been any "going back to kindergarten" with him. And he is a very goofy dog too.
   
   Don't give up. Keep working with him and take him "back to kindergarten" whenever needed. Dog training takes TPPC, that is time, patience, positive reinforcement, and consistency... some dogs more than others.

   report
5. 97

   peeplesposted 13 years ago

   Thanks I think it may be a mixture of needing retrained and just his personality. He isn't hyper it just seems he is dumb sometimes. He gets over excited and runs into stuff or grabs a baby toy and starts shredding it. When we are calm he is calm but if we are just coming home or near food time he becomes a different dog. It's like he forgets training for a few minutes. Our other dogs get excited but always remember their training.

   report