*cry* dont know what to do

we did use to have a gentle leader for him. he hated it with a passion but it really did work for him. but we actually had the clasp come undone twice while on walks and the second time he almost got hit by a car. so we stopped using it and just havent ever replaced it.

I always recommend a connector strap with a head collar. They connect the head collar to their flat collar so it gives double protection. You can make one from an old lead or buy them, you could even just tie something like light rope or material. Halti now comes with a connector so if you get a new one and are worried about safety consider Halti. Otherwise you could just get the old one out and tie something between the head collar and his normal collar (here's a pic of a halti with a connector). I also think you should get a refund on the GL - the clips just should not come apart.
 

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Everyone gave you great advice, especially starting with the vet. What I use is a harness. Neither one of mine liked the collar with a leash.

Sure not an expert but I love using a leash tied to me to the fur pal in the house training them. Then you can do whatever you have to do, and the little guy is with you. That way he doesn't have to be caged all the time.

My Lil' Lady was a real stinker, she would love to dig in my plants. Harness and leash went on her connected to me, and a NO worked. When I would see her even look like she was going to pee, picked her up, out she went. It doesn't happen quickly believe me. They are creative thinkers, I swear they are. Lady only weighed 3lbs. 6oz when she came home with me. Lot of sheltie in a little package.

Best of luck to you.
 
First day on the forums and I happened on this. I am a bit of an expert with Shelties, and take on severely abused rescues. What you are experiencing is not normal. You need to work with a trainer in your area who can guide you through this. Please, please, find someone reputable in your area to help you. You CAN turn this around, but you need to work with someone.
 
I fear that I can't give you much advice :( but I feel for your situation. I hope and pray that you won't have to give him up. I'm sure he loves you guys and has formed such a strong attachment that that would be so devastating to everyone.

The only tidbit I can offer (someone correct me if it won't help) would be to monitor when he drinks water. Even letting him have water on a schedule might work -- right before a walk or going outside. I've heard a few people say that this helps. As for the furniture, I agree that if he makes messes up there, then he doesn't earn the right to jump up on the couch. Every time he jumps up, gently use a barricade with your arm and slide him off. He needs to be the one to get off or he won't learn. I think the providing him with another comfortable area right next to the couch is a good idea. That way he can feel close to you. Maybe try putting him on a leash when you can't have your full attention on him? That way you can see the signs of him getting ready to pee.

I'm so sorry and I earnestly will pray for you. Stay in there! You don't have to lose him :hugs
 
I would get him checked for the UTI, then second work with an in house trainer that will come to you. They can guide you on how to train the dog to respond to commands that you and your husband give. especially when it comes to the issues you mentioned. Good luck.
 
I agree with everyone here about the medical problems. Once you get that squared away, I highly recommend a potty bell! I've had every one of my Shelties potty trained in 2-3 weeks with the potty bell. Every time I would take them out, I'd use their paw to ring the potty bell on the door that they go out of. Within a week or 2 they were all independently ringing the bell when they wanted to go out. Now of course they do ring the bell when they want to go play or go for a walk too, but I'd rather have that than have accidents. When I don't hear the bell soon enough, every now and then I'll find a puddle right by the door so they tried to get me but I was just preoccupied.

I learned the bell trick from my daughter, and we've had really good success with it from the beginning. Yes, they'll use it for other purposes besides going out for a potty break, and it's hilarious to see them ringing it desperatelywhen you've scolded them and they "wanna get away." But in my opinion it's a great housebreaking tool.
 
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