Spinners: any opinions - Page 4

I wouldn't call it a compulsive behavior in my dogs, and as mollyandjack said, it's not a constant, but rather exhibits the level of energy my dogs have. I've had dogs that were calmer overall, and little less drivey (do not read insufficient drive) and did not exhibit the power of these two. As noted it's a matter of semantics and the degrees of temperament and behavior are so varied from dog to dog.  I guess it's not really fair or possible to try to paint a picture of what we try to say in a paragraph or two, at least not from my limited capacity LOL.

I meant a really high drive dog, not one that is out of control crazy.  I guess some trainers might think that's a good thing, but most probably wouldn't want it.  I often think about a video I saw years ago of a Mali jumping atop a car and trying to rip off the roof to get at the perp seated inside. Never did understand if that was a good thing or a bad thing in the working dog world but the person who posted it seemed very pleased .

I agree with many of you, in that it is a behavior that tends to be genetic and that it stems from high drives or lack of nerves..  I have seen it from both ends of the the scale. But I do have to add that the ones that I would say, are exhibiting OCD are the ones who have been allowed to do it from a young age. They start to really enjoy the release which promotes the behavior.I seems to settle in their brain and becomes a bad habit.  I commend GSDfan for correcting this tendency before it got out of control, that made the dog focus on where the energy should be going, in a way that the dog understood and did not feel too squelched .  
     On a health basis, I would stop any dog from doing it as much as I could. I learned the hard way with a dog who loved to spin in his run and I ended up finding him one morning - dead from bloat. The spinning absolutely contributed to the condition. So please be careful with your spinners.
     On the other hand, this is why I have learned to appreciate my puppy, Dolce's type of drive.  She has lots of drive, but naturally saves her energy when being stimulated by the helper and caps until the right moment... when it all breaks loose!  Previous to this I have always had wild puppies whom, when I was starting out, people/trainers said not to make them cap and to encourage them. Which for the most part I agree with. So, I had to really study Dolce and understand what I was seeing. She is absolutely serious, full VERY calm grips, big barks... etc. but just naturally caps. Some watching called it low drives at first. But anyone that works her a time or 2 can see what is lying in wait. lol  Now when she is out playing with me and the other dogs, she runs, plays and challenges the whole time.  So it's not like she is lazy or does not have drive. It more like she recognizes the stimulation and immediately starts letting it build in a serious almost stalking manor.   It's really hard to explain.  But I hope you can catch my drift,  inspite me... lol 
     Now... not to hijack... but I am having a dog aggression problem with her. Not so much at home except with one male that is her age and acts like an obnoxious  teenage boy, who deserves it! lol Example.... at the show, the one puppy behind her barked at her and she would not let it go. She turned around to bark at the other puppy several times while she was leading in the ring, even when the other pup was not barking. She is also somewhat like this at club with the other club dogs. Even the dogs that are submissive and non aggressive at club. I just give her a quick shake by the collar and tell her "leave it" and immediately try to focus her on something else. Making sure I'm not making a big deal of it and I know she will probably out grow most of it... but would like to hear others experience and advice?
Debby

djc,
IME, a dog aggressive dog does not out grow it, it only gets worse.  I would knock it out of the dog the first time it was noticed.  I would be very clear that any dog aggression will not be tolerated.  I have a very dog aggressive dog and I will not tolerate it all.  I noticed this behavior at 6 months at my SchH club and it has not been an issue since.  While working this dog at his present job dog aggression is not tolerated at all.  I have owned several dog aggressive dogs and have never had an issue showing them, trialing them or working them on the street.  Trust me, these were seriously aggressive animals that learned that the behavior would not be allowed from the beginning.

I totality agree with Slam, I do not allow it in any fashion. I get real mean real fast and if a dog wants to fight they can fight me.

Thanks Slam!

Thanks Paul

Slam and Paul are dead on correct. Dog aggression should be met
with some pretty "rock your world" correction from you ASAP. 
It will only get worse with time if left unaddressed. 

Slam gave me the same advice since Bosco is very dog aggressive. Bosco understands that dog aggression is never allowed (ie. a rock your world correction) so even if the other dog is barking/growling/lunging, etc. at him, he has self-control. We still praise him for making appropriate choices.