Monster Sheltie

In addition to NILIF you mustn't forget AHC. Actions Have Consequences. I used this on my children, and never had a problem with them.

 

Could it be that she considers the word "Now" part of the command?

 

Shelby was the same way. She is so smart and can easily manipulate you to get what she wants.

I am good at just ignoring her when she is whining/crying etc. but she can be very persistent and DH eventually gives in. So she has him wrapped around her little paw.

In our nose work classes she would always bark when put in her crate, and I would try to treat her for being quiet etc. Didn't work, and she would bark then entire hour! This class It is just myself and another Sheltie we have been training with a long time, so she gets it. I said that we just need to ignor Shelby and she will eventually understand that the barking will get her nothing. And surprisingly this was our third week and she barked/whined a little in the crate at first then got quiet and laid down. I am just glad everyone was understanding and helped me by not paying any attention to her when she was barking.

I agree with the NILIF. If Shelby is barking she does not get to come out and do odor work. If she is quiet she can come out and search.

 

I had similar problems with my Laddie. Sometimes I think when they are really smart dogs you can get these unwanted behaviors. I had lost my previous sheltie female and was over compensating on love when I got Laddie.

One thing that really helped is NOT letting him sleep on the bed with me. I noticed a difference in his behavior immediately. No longer was he able to feel he was the alpha over me! Seems like a small thing but had a big impact for me.

 

I know it is difficult but completely ignore her when it is time to settle down. I know if Shelby gets in a "needy" mood when it is time to settle we just ignore her completely and then she realizes she is not going to get any attention and then she will go lay down or chew a bone. I know they can be very,very,very persistent but you must outlast them.

We were taught in class to reward when they are doing what we want them to do. So when she is settled then pet her, talk to her, play with her etc. This will help teach her that "settling" gets your attention, and bugging you gets no attention.

 

I can take Celtic to work as well. I started when he was 4-5 months. Seriously I was shocked he was so good. He was a monster at home. Everyone commented on what an angel he was. Snort! That was part of his evil genius.

Flash forward to 8 months and he is a pretty good pupmost days and his temper tantums are rare. But then he goes to some type of training class(obedience, agility, conformation) 3 times a week so he better be.

BTW both my girls were demons as puppies. My boys all were 1000x easier. Ember was surly and could have care less what I thought and Diva bounced off walls with ADD. We just kept working on manners and skills and with time things got better. Both are great dogs. Biggest thing ignore the behaviors you don't want and reward what you do and dont let her demand things from you.