Entlebucher BONUS Info

Disclaimer

These are my observations, opinions and personal experience... "your mileage" may vary depending on your own experience, and frame of reference. When I researched the Entlebucher breed, I was so eager to find fun, unique, real insider breed information not just the generic mundane writeups. What are they really like to live with? Read on!

3-2-1 Insider Tips

The 3 most important, critical skills for any Entlebucher: Socializing, Impulse Control, and Relax.
•   Socialization: Entlebuchers need controlled, positive exposure to as many different types of people and other dogs/animals as possible to learn to distinguish differences and understand the context of different environments.
•   Impulse Control: Impulse control is a valuable skill that Entlebuchers need to be taught. Enjoy these two links with quality information from Susan Garrett on the subject of self control: Why Choice is Critical and ItsYerChoice vs Leave It.
•   Relax: Entlebuchers do not know when to stop; running, playing, fetching, eating, patrolling..., left to their own devices they will go to extremes (especially as youngsters). They need to learn how and when to relax/settle.

The 2 traits most people are surprised by when they meet our Entles:
•  Their strength in proportion to their size
•  Their focus on us; they are intensely devoted to their people

The 1 best piece of advice: Be patient! Let your Entlebucher think and work through problems and challenges. You cannot force, pressure or rush them- cattle dogs are bred to think and take charge (even push back). Entles are very smart and need to figure it out on their own for the most lasting, powerful lessons.

Observation: Mental exercise is critical for an Entlebucher! They thrive on having a purpose. Entles enjoy learning tricks, helping with chores, and playing mind games: hide and seek, scent games, puzzle toys (ie; Snuffle mats, Plush Hide-A-Toys...), food dispensing toys (ie; treat balls, stuffed Kongs, slow feeder bowls...), interactive toys (ie; Kyjen, Outward Hound, bubbles, jolly balls...), and chews (ie; frozen marrow bones, bully sticks...). We do not recommend antler chews for entles, they are aggressive chewers. Antlers are very abrasive wearing down the dog's tooth enamel, causing broken and fractured teeth and sometimes obstructions.

Dork Dogs

Among Entle owners, it's fairly common to hear the term "dork dog." An Entle's ears are triangular in shape and rounded at the tips, set high and wide, and thicker- the standard cites "firm, well developed ear-cartilage". These features make it easy for the ear/s to flip and naturally stay in place inside out. It's quite unique, funny and always makes us smile! I'd bet 99.9% of all Entle owners have at least one off-the-charts, adorable photo of their Entle sportin' a single dork or the more superior... double dork!

Single Dork =  One ear flipped inside out.  •  Degree of Difficulty: 6.25   •  Degree of Cuteness: 7 (if head is also cocked; 8)
Double Dork = Both ears flipped inside out, at the same time.  •  Degree of Difficulty: 8.5   •  Degree of Cuteness: 10+
*If the head is also cocked with a double dork; no one can resist the cuteness! This "Entle patented move" results in uncontrollable human gushing, smiling, laughing and reaching for treats to give the Entle. Warning: this move can be used by Entles to get out of trouble.

    Examples of the Double Dork

Kai	Data	Jaylah	Bayla

Intelligence and Training

Entlebuchers can be intense, "Type A" personalities by nature. They really want and need to work. Luckily they are eager, very trainable students. You just need to be careful and conscious of what you are teaching them- it may not be the lessons you think. Entles are so smart; they pick up even the most subtle body language or patterns and nervous habits in addition to your spoken words. Many of us find that the females tend to be more alert, intense and busy. Especially younger females can over-think and react quicker to stimuli or cues. Overall the boys are more laid back and content.

Stay positive and make learning fun with frequent rewards and you can train an Entle to do almost anything! Most Entles love food and toys, making reinforcement easier. We use a variety of food treats to reward behaviors that require focus and control. We often use toys, balls or tug for behaviors that require drive and attitude. We use the difficulty of the behavior to dictate the reward. I try to observe and listen to my dog; they tell me where the value is for them (what they find most rewarding). I use clicker, positive reinforcement and a lot of play/games in training. Whether your goals is a wonderful companion pet or a competitive dog sports athlete, I highly recommend both Susan Garrett and Fenzi Dog Sports Academy online classes, seminars, procasts. articles, books and videos.
Susan Garrett's Training Blog

A few more of my favorite insightful blog articles by Susan Garrett:
Dogs Are Amazing and Will Do Everything You Want If You Have Cheese!
Improve Your Dog Training By Playing Like A Dog
The 3D's of Dog Training: Duration, Distance, Distraction

Fenzi Dog Sports Academy- Pet Dog Skills On Demand Resources
Fenzi Free Resources- Take Advantage of these wonderful freebies!