I'm responding to one individual... but want to make this response available to  all forum members (at least for those who might be interested).

I have been "accused" of coming across that it is mandatory for all dogs to be "rigidly obedient". 

It is difficult to rate the importance of basic manners. Personally I like dogs who can enjoy being dogs without being a bother to other people or other dogs. On the other hand, many people happily live with dogs without any formal training whatsoever. If you consider your dog to be perfect for you, make your own choice. But if you or other people find your dog's behavior to be annoying, why not teach him how to behave? Indeed, a simple sit prevents the majority of annoying behavior problems, including jumping up, dashing through doorways, running away, bothering people, chasing its tail, chasing the cat, etc. The list is long! It is so much easier to teach your dog how to act from the outset by teaching the one right way - sitting - rather than trying to correct the many things he does wrong.  Regardless, it would be unfair to get on your dog's case for bad manners if he is only breaking rules he didn't know existed.  Unfortunately, I've found this to often be the case.

Training can improve your relationship with your dog.  Obedience...regardless of whether this is simply practical obedience to help your dog fit better with your human pack.. or if you wish to compete in obedience trials.... helps you gain trust in your dog and certainly helps your dog gain trust in you and respect you.  It is MY OPINION  that we as dog owners have a responsibility to make sure that our dogs are well behaved members of our society.  A dog that is taught to pay attention and to follow certain commands is usually more secure, and certainly much safer than a dog that is not well schooled.  Why not help give your dog confidence that you know what is going on so that the dog can rely on you to give it direction?  Doesn't that help reduce anxiety in both dog and owner?

I've owned dogs that are not as highly trained as other dogs I've owned.  For me... it depends on what my goals are.  My dachshunds are not highly trained.  They have been trained with the basics (come.. sit... down... etc.),  and are sociable with people and dogs alike (in any setting)...but beyond these commands, they are merely companion dogs and that's all I expect of them.   I have different goals for Bailey (my rat terrier) and he is much more highly trained.  There is no way to compete in a dog sport without having a highly trained dog.

So it depends on what your goals are.  To have NO goals for my dogs is simply not an option for me.  It may be for you... and that's a personal choice each of us have to make for ourselves. 

It is never my intent to offend or come across as a "know-it-all" because I don't have all the answers and hope that I never come across that way.  If I have... I apologize.   I am NOT a professional dog trainer, but have trained obedience for 12 years with a professional trainer and have had clients of my own with various breeds throughout the years.  I've taken a canine behaviorist course and am scheduled to take another one.  So although I'm not an "expert"... I'm not stupid either, and it's my opinion that I'd rather speak from experience than from textbooks.

Thanks...

It won't affect what I do.... or how I feel about training our dogs in the general sense of the word. I'm certainly not losing sleep over it by any stretch of the imagination. But this individual took the time... a second time... to email me in a rather "accusing" manner, and I wanted my response to be broad-based enough so that my explanation could be read by several.

I'm well aware that I am in the minority on how I feel concerning training our canine furry friends, and I'm comfortable in my "skin" concerning this particular subject.   I'm adamant that our dogs need to fit well in our families and in our society... and I've seen so many that simply don't. My intent is to be helpful... not argumentative or to come across with a "holier than thou" attitude, because I'm certainly not perfect and don't have all answers to all issues.

Enough said...

I love your training advice.  It is very good to have it.  My pups and family have learned alot from reading your posts.  Thank you  so much

Nora...I don't post very much because I'm at work most of the time, but I always hope you will give me advice, and I feel honored if you do!

Nora,

As a new trainer I look to your advice and have found I apply it in not only my dogs but in dogs I am training too. I think it is tried and tested methods and they work. I love when company comes over and my dogs understand the rules and what I want of them. It is nice to tell your dog to stop jumping all over your guests and they listen. With proper training they do not have to be crated or seperate from you or your guests, they are part of what is going on.  When I am in doubt of how to train something or what to do, this forum and you for training is the very first place I come too. Alice is progressing in her come command, she is flawless in the yard and now I am taking the next steps you suggested and getting her out somewhere different. This commnad alone could some day safe her life should she get out of the yard. Don't stop doing what your doing or being you. You never come off as a know it all, but in my opinion when I come to you you do know it all and are willinn to share what you know, that is priceless.

Just throwing in my DITTO on the thread.  I don't mind saying THANK YOU NORA for your time, experience and advice.

Don't let one person get your goat.  or your hackles up.  What are hackles anyway?  I alway wondered that.  HEY something shiny!...

(Mitch distractedly wanders away)

I have greatly appreciated all of the advice I have gotten here!!!!  This site has been a godsend for me!!!!

Julie

Nora et all,

I did two things right, I found this board and took  a puppy obediance class.  If not, I could have easily brought up a little monster(not that I am any where near knowing her full potential)--as they say "take what you need and leave the rest"

Mel

hahahaha !!!  Said ONLY as Tracey could say it... in her quiet, non-assuming, matter-of-fact tone!  Gosh darn I luv you lady!

Ok, that part sounds like a bad blind date!

Nora, although I do not post often, I truly enjoy reading all of your advice. It has been invaluable for me. Everytime something of concern comes up with Fuji, I can find some valuable piece of information that you have provided for all of us here. Training is very important. In my opinion, many problems that people state they are having with their pets can be resolved with proper training. Thanks for all of your excellent advice on training. I look forward to reading many more of your posts.

Nora,

I was sooo glad when you came back to this forum, and it warmed my heart to see your name put back up as training Modrator!

I learned at a very young age (13) the importance of training a dog, when I recieved a pup to be socialized for a servire dog (another story).  The biggest lesson that has stuck in my mind and is ALWAYS practiced in my home is "Train like you know someone else will have to raise your animal, because you no longer exist." If my babies don't know manners and are ill behaved and I should die, then I know they will die.  No one will want them and very few will take the time to teach them what they should have known.

I might not be what whould be called a very responisale adult, however when it comes to my babies I am and will be responsible for their safty, health, and well being.  I can not be responsible for these things without them being constantly trained.

I am proud to be part if your pack (even if its just in my head), I support your beliefs in training and if I disagree with a method here of there I'll keep it to myself, cause i don't want TO PISS NORA OFF!!!

Keep doing what and how your doing...and just mark those E-mails return to sender!!!!