All right, I've finally gotten a spare moment on my hands to reply to everyone.
Yes, I will admit I believe my life would be simpler and with much less stress without Maverick. But I am not looking for anyone here in this forum to help me in re homing my dog. I am not looking for anyone to take him off my hands for a few months at the least, depending on how things go. Yes, the option is there and it would be a nice one, heck, its probably what I deserve. But I never expected his rehabilitation to be easy and it won't be. I have options to try before I give up my best friend and I never want to look back and wonder 'what if?'
Also! I bought a Gentle Leader for Maverick last night and put it on him in the store. He was acting like a complete ANGEL as soon as we put it on him and even as we walked around the store and out to the car. I was so excited for it. I took him for a walk today and it was a little rocky but I'm hoping if I persist with walks every day or twice a day we will make progress. Its SOO much easier to walk him with it on, its amazing!!
Ok, I think i'm getting confused.
Dad supports Maverick, yes? But Mom is not a fan? And because you can't be there 24 x 7, you need the family support to get him trained to the level that he will be welcome by all family all day and night?
Is this right?
If Dad is a supporter, then you need to get him into the training ASAP. It's possible that only Dad will be able to turn Mom around, and only if he can also show that Maverick can be managed.
So the key is turning Mom around...what fundamentally are Mom's issues? If you can figure those out, then you can address them one by one.
Yes, my dad would like to keep him on the principle that once you get a dog, you promise it a good home for life. We all love Maverick.
I have tried to get every one involved in the training, really I have. But they are, to be honest, lazy and selfish. They think training is teaching him tricks and commands, not dealing with the nitty-gritty. And they either don't do it, or do it completely wrong (yell at Maverick, encourage bad behaviour, etc.). I have told them time and time again how to do something or why not to do something, and they do it any ways. Their thinking of walking the dog is taking it around the block for a stroll. Its gotten to the point where I tell them to either do it right or don't do anything at all. And they ignore that too.
My mom hates the barking mostly. Walking Maverick and getting his energy out kills %80 of the barking so I know how to fix it.
Between real walks with the halti and running him on our treadmill I know we can accomplish it.
In terms of getting your parents to help, I think you should start off with little things like going on walks together. Do you have any siblings that can help? Sometimes having more than one person there can help quite a bit. I found that it not only calmed me down during walks but also eased Riley's anxiety quite a bit. I would often ask my brother to come along on walks, it was easier for two people to distract him from outside distractions and help keep him moving forward.
You seem to be on the right track. I know how hard it can be balancing school, work, friends and dog time. To be honest, for awhile my social life revolved around Riley. I would either invite my friends over to hangout/walk Riley or go to events where he was allowed to come along. This isn't easy, and sometimes I would get bored/lonely but focusing a good portion of your time now will be greatly beneficial in the future. Now that Riley has settled in, I have a lot more time for myself.
I believe in trusting your gut when it comes to possibly re-homing Maverick. Even though it has been difficult balancing everything and I've gotten my fair share of "He's your responsibility. Isn't this what you asked for?", I couldn't imagine giving Riley up. Just make sure that when you do make your decision, you do it with no regrets. Given all the time and energy you're willing to commit to Maverick, I'd say he's in pretty good hands right now though
I have an older brother but he would never want to come on walks with me and the dog... I could ask him but I'm quite sure he wouldn't want to. Because it isn't 'cool', probably.
I've been offered to walk Maverick with a neighbor's Catahoula Leopard Dog who is an absolute angel, and I was hesitant at first but now with the Halti I don't see why not. They get along too which will be an added plus.
I guess I can also walk him with friends when they come over... should be nice, especially when spring gets here!
If you haven't contacted them already, here is the link to the Alberta sheltie rescue. It may be worth it to see if they'll come out and see Maverick in action so they can see whether they think his behavior can be managed. Reactivity does not necessarily mean aggression, often its just the display of a very scared dog who is trying to look tough. Someone from a rescue group should be able to determine whether or not this is the case.
If this is the group whom you said wouldn't take a dog with behavioral issues, I'd still suggest calling them to see if they can recommend any trainers or professionals who may be able to help you with Maverick's issues.
Maverick has bitten people before. After hearing the stories, I very much doubt they would take him. He is not acting out of pure frustrated aggression, he is simply very unsure and insecure, but with a dominant personality that turns into aggressive behaviour, not fear for him. A more timid and submissive sheltie under the same circumstances might act scared of other dogs, people and cars. Maverick has always had a dominant personality, being the biggest of his litter and ever since we brought him home.
I will call them as a last resort but I am not sure a professional trainer can do much for us. I have trained other people's dogs (but in no way am I a pro!) and the dog is great with me but they act the same with their owner because the owner isn't consistent. A trainer will tell me to do things I already know, but again my emotions aren't sound and I am not sure I can accomplish anything prescribed. Its also a matter of money for me. Professionals are incredibly expensive. I may contact one as a last resort and just ask for advice if they are willing to give it, but I do not think I could hire a trainer.
Thank you all for your suggestions and words of advice!
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