I don’t think there’s a communication problem between the Aussies and Ginger. First of all, they known Ginger since she was a baby - the photo is her and Archer - and she responds to their body language and other communications.

The cats? Yes, since she didn’t grow up with cats, there is definately a lack there. But again, she’s no longer chasing and barking at the cats. So she’s learning.

And she soaks training up like a sponge! A happy “Good girl!” turns her into a wiggling ball of cream colored coat!

You’re welcome. :)

Also, like humans, intelligence levels vary between individuals, but are somewhat genetic as well.

Social skills can be learned. Sounds like Ginger is getting just what she needs!

When the ZinKuties growing here got themselves in a jam from time to time — stuck somewhere, mostly — my desire was to swoop in and “save” them.

But I resisted. As long as they were in no physical danger, I let puppies work themselves out of the problems they got into.

I remember in particular one of the pups getting worked into a spot between the X-pen and the wall. I think it was one of the girls, but I don’t really remember now. The puppy got squeezed in there, couldn’t go forward and just started to cry. I watched from my desk a few feet away. So hard to just watch!!

After about 30-45 seconds, the puppy stopped crying. Another half-minute or so, and the puppy BACKED UP and GOT OUT.

Problem solved. And puppy learned to be a problem-solver. :)

Sure, it can get worse or better with experience, but not all helplessness is learned. I’ve seen it in a pup as young as four weeks — one from strong working breeding whose ancestors and siblings were all go-getters.

Unfortunately, this is a trait I see a lot in American cockers — moreso than with other small, spoiled dogs — so I have to figure it is common in their genetics, rather than wholly a result of owner influence. I don’t think I’ve ever seen a poodle like this, so maybe you need to reach that inner poodle.

In dealing with this mindset, I’ve found that the best approach is to completely ignore the pup whenever she’s throwing herself a pity party, and pay lots of attention when she’s active and engaged, even just a little.

Of course, dogs that aren’t raised around cats also don’t understand their signals either. And as someone who was raised around dogs, I have a hard time reading cats. I can only imagine what a dog would be like.