Outbred dog (mongrels and mixed breeds): character, training

The most unpredictable dogs, undoubtedly, are mongrels, since in this case only God knows which breeds of impurities are present in the blood of a particular individual. After many years of chaotic crossbreeding, the “nobles” have finally lost any affiliation with the breeds and it is possible to judge the characteristics of their character only with a certain degree of error. However, all yard dogs have some common qualities that are passed down from generation to generation throughout their existence. The main one, perhaps, is extraordinary intelligence and the ability to solve simple logical problems. In this field, mongrels under the guidance of https://dogtail.org/ - experienced instructors often give odds to even such recognized masters as poodles and shepherds.

Who are mongrels?

This is the most numerous order, whose representatives are called “complex polyhybrid” by experts, and people simply call them mongrels. Pedigree dogs have been bred for decades, collecting the best qualities in each offspring. For some, flair is of paramount importance, for others - strength and endurance. Any puppy from a purebred dog is predictable - it is always known in advance what will grow out of it. For example, spaniels can only produce a spaniel and not any other breed.

Mongrel puppies are the result of free crossing, so neither appearance nor character traits are fixed at the genetic level. A small fluffy ball can grow into a charming and intelligent dog, although it is possible that it will not live up to expectations either in its external qualities or in its intelligence. This, however, happens very rarely. Most owners of mongrels would not exchange their pet for any dog, even the most beautiful purebred one. It is very difficult to classify mongrels, they are so diverse.

How to teach a dog commands: preparation

Preparing to train a dog includes:

Understanding the goals: what exactly is expected as a result of working with the pet and what the efforts are aimed at. It is important to understand that some tasks are beyond the capabilities of a person without special education, and illiterate work will negate all efforts. In this case, it is right to seek help from an expert.

Understanding the developmental characteristics of dogs. Often, owners demand too much from a puppy, not realizing that training is a systematic process that requires a lot of effort, time and patience. You need to start small, move gradually and not give your dog too many tasks.

Planning work with a pet: dogs are not trained on a full stomach or after vigorous play. The learning process itself is a game for the animal, and it is about combining business with pleasure. After eating and walking, dogs usually sleep.

Since skills are best developed using the “done - deserved” system , you need to prepare in advance to ensure that the gift is given at the most necessary moment. It is worth keeping treats “closer to the body”, because the training process involves an associative type of memory, which develops thanks to the created chain of actions. When the command is executed correctly, the reward should arrive immediately.

Preparation of the “work site”. Nothing should distract the pet from work (strangers, other animals).

Regardless of what course you will follow in the future, the initial stage consists of a set of basic exercises, which are the basis of any training school. For both puppies and adult dogs, the development of primary commands must be carried out at home.

Métis

This is another species of a large order called “mongrel dog”. They are a mixture of different breeds, possibly spanning several generations. Often it happens randomly, but sometimes it is planned. Having received the best from their parents, mestizo breeds enjoy excellent health. They usually do not have genetic diseases. But character is not always ideal. It is difficult to predict what traits a puppy will inherit from its parents. Small mongrel dogs often show aggression towards children and animals. Larger breeds can be difficult to manage and train.

Nevertheless, such dogs are in demand among people who, for financial reasons, cannot afford to purchase a purebred puppy. The price for mixed breeds is much lower, and sometimes you can get a non-purebred puppy as a gift. Recently, the Labrador mix, obtained from crossing with a poodle, has become very popular. It was specially bred and even got its own name - Labradoodle. This is an excellent guide, capable of working even with disabled people who have special difficulties. The Labradoodle is suitable not only for people with disabilities, but also for those who are allergic to animal fur. These dogs are excellent nannies, so families with children are happy to take them.

It is not uncommon today to have a Labrador mix, obtained by crossing a dog of this breed with a German Shepherd, a Husky, or a Shar Pei. Having inherited the best qualities, such dogs also have a very unusual appearance.

Basic dog training methods

How to wash your dog correctly at home

Several methods are used during the training:

Mechanical. This method involves physical contact with the dog, that is, pulling the leash, working with the animal’s body using your hands. Physical contact does not imply the use of physical force, and anger is not the best companion.
Food. This method works as a reward for correctly completing a command.
Game. The owner's task is completed in a playful way. The purpose of the method is to make learning an exciting process, to reinforce the rules for executing commands through the game. This could be a game during which you need to catch something, but it could be any other game aimed at a certain moment.
Imitative. Puppies, especially when in a pack, observe their relatives, remembering their line of behavior and adopting it themselves. A striking example of the imitative method is training herding dogs to work, when the dog observes the work of an older comrade from childhood.
Complex and contrasting. This method forms the basis of training and consists of a combination of different methods of strengthening reflexes and practicing skills.

The owner must always ensure that the task is completed

Character of a mongrel dog

Rare dog breeds are as sociable and playful as mongrels. Animal psychologists claim that the latter have virtually no aggression towards their fellow animals. A mongrel dog treats strangers with a great deal of mistrust. Sometimes she may show some tension in relation to children, but this does not mean at all that the mongrel is more dangerous than purebred dogs. In terms of aggressiveness, it is significantly inferior to German and Caucasian shepherds, Rottweilers and black terriers.

Does it depend on the breed?

The breed of the pet undoubtedly affects the speed and quality of training. Some dog breeds learn the full course of OKD at home in a matter of weeks, and for some, 1 – 2 commands in a month is a great achievement.

Aboriginal species, primitive Spitz, and breeds bred for independent work are the most difficult to train, as they have a very independent and stubborn character. The education of such breeds cannot be put on the back burner; training must begin at an early age. The sooner training begins, the greater the chance of getting results on your own. It is better for inexperienced owners not to have such breeds at all, or to train them under the guidance of an experienced instructor.

Dogs destined to serve humans are the easiest to train:

True Shepherd class;
Bodyguard dogs;
Most hunting breeds (including fetchers);
Group of terriers;
Cattle dogs, gurtogons.

Hunter
Breeds created to work alongside humans have a high level of owner-orientation, are not inclined to make independent decisions, and therefore are more obedient.

The situation with mestizos and “mutts” is a very interesting story. In most cases, outbred dogs have fairly developed intelligence and good training abilities.

But no one can guarantee confident obedience and quick learning of commands, since the origin of such animals is not known for certain. The speed and quality of training directly depends on the genetic code embedded in the dog.

Working qualities and training

A dog's thoroughbred undoubtedly has a positive effect on its ability to learn. A purebred shepherd, boxer or giant schnauzer learns new commands much faster than a mongrel dog. But, despite this, most mongrel owners are quite satisfied with the behavior of their pets on the training ground. These dogs are well trained and also learn rules and norms of behavior well.

It is possible that in most cases, mongrels are inferior to their purebred counterparts in some working qualities, such as a keen sense of smell, discipline, etc. But it is not uncommon for a mongrel to perform well as a service dog. She can be a reliable guard or watchman, in no way inferior to a purebred dog.

Dog training outdoors

Commands reinforced in dogs on the street are primarily necessary to create comfortable conditions for a walk. They are important both for the safety of the pet itself, and in order to avoid conflict between one’s own and someone else’s dog, as well as to prevent situations where the incorrect behavior of an animal jeopardizes relationships between people.

It goes without saying that the primary commands that the dog learned at home will now be practiced on the street, where the degree of excitement is higher and the pet (and the owner) need extreme concentration of attention.

To start training, the following recommendations will be useful:

The dog must become familiar with the territory and not consider it foreign.
Before starting work, the pet is walked.
The beginning of training is carried out in a comfortable place, where there are the least irritating factors: people, cars and other animals.
Treats are prepared in the pocket: reward follows immediately after a successfully completed requirement.
There should also be a “rattle” at the ready - some kind of noisy thing that can alert or frighten the dog if it incorrectly carries out certain commands. The role of a rattle can be played by a jar of bolts and the like. How this works will be described below.
You should not abuse training: there is nothing worse than a disgusting lesson.
The street is full of temptations. This is not a place where the dog is punished by teaching commands. She must play, explore the surrounding space, communicate with her own kind. It is necessary to choose the right moment when the dog is ready to work and adapt to its mood.

The result is important: if the dog learned a lesson in a situation that it created itself (for example, it approached the owner when it had had enough of playing, but the command “come to me” was fixed in the subconscious), the result was achieved.

Advantages of mongrels

People who want to get a reliable friend and companion will like mongrels, and in some ways they are even superior to purebred dogs:

They rarely suffer from hereditary diseases. Almost all mongrel puppies born on the street survive.
Mutts are highly trainable. They do not have a built-in pattern with fixed instincts, like purebred dogs.
Outbred dogs are distinguished by their endurance and unpretentiousness in food.
They are unique - it is difficult to find two identical mongrels.
The devotion of these dogs to their owner knows no bounds. Until his last days they will adore him, expressing great feelings of love and affection.
In the role of a watchman or security guard, the mongrel is in no way inferior to purebred dogs.

Of course, in turn, each individual dog has its own specific advantages and disadvantages.

Where to train your dog

For training, you need to choose a place that will meet a number of requirements. Namely:

Extraneous, distracting factors should be completely absent. All the attention of the four-legged friend should be focused on the owner.
There should be no other animals on the territory. Otherwise, during training the dog will be distracted by them.
Lack of other people. During classes, only the owner and his dog should be on the site.

Important! It is best to start training at home and only after your pet gets used to doing it, move on to an outdoor area.

For the process to be productive, you must first earn the puppy's trust.

Mud Dog Clubs

Today, more and more organizations and clubs are appearing to help owners of mongrel dogs properly raise their pet. Specialists conduct general courses on training, obedience, guard and tracking work. An excellent opportunity to show your unique pet to the public is an exhibition of mongrel dogs, which has become a common event in both large and small cities of our country.

It doesn’t really matter what breed the dog is when you see his devoted look and willingness to follow any command. And good and bad dogs, like people, can be found, no matter what titles and titles their ancestors have.

What to expect from a mongrel

If you decide to get a dog of a “noble” breed, then in most cases you will not have to regret it. These tame animals highly value human affection and good treatment, and their devotion is truly unparalleled among other dogs. Exceptions in this sense can only be individuals who have lived outside in a pack for a long time and have absorbed harsh survival instincts with their mother's milk. But such dogs are very easy to distinguish from others by their “wolf-like” habits, and in most cases they themselves avoid meeting people.