Get Thee to a Trainer

And don't think you're avoiding responsibility if you decide to go the stay-and-train route. With really strong alpha dogs, you aren't a distraction to the new rules. The new rules get their initial lock-in, and when you pick up with your new behavior, the transition is so much easier!! Happy Sheltie, happy YOU!! :yes:
 
I posted this before but maybe you didn't see it.

My sister had three trainers for her dog's behavior, biting. The first two trainers my sister paid, returned the money. The third trainer removed her dog for three weeks to his house, and there was a big improvement. Every once in awhile though she still has trouble with him. The cost was $800, he did give her a little reduction.

He used chains in a bag and tossed them on the floor, for bad behavior. In fact all three of them used this method. I used a shake can filled with nuts and bolts. When I first got Lucky he but his teeth around a chair leg, that is as far as he got, bam went the can, never did it again. Lady liked to dig in my plants, bam, never did that again either.

Sounds like to me Ellie is a smart little girl, and tries her way to over-come you. I agree this has to be nipped in the bud now, because she is still young.
I am sure its frustrating for you, Ellie has a great home, she doesn't realize it yet. I am sure with some training, patience and age she will improve for you.

I wish the best for you and Ellie, she is a really pretty sheltie.
 
Boy, am I ever with Caro on this one.:yes:

Please make sure you TRUST the trainer, and she doesn't do the alpha roll foolishness... I used to believe in it years ago, NO MORE, there are MUCH better training methods out there now! However, it is sometimes hard to train and old trainer new tricks... so I would make sure the trainer is not stuck in the old rut, and all the best to you :)

I think it is great that she has Shelties so she would probably be a good choice, but 2 weeks of terrible training is very, very difficult to undo... so make sure it's what you need and want for you and Ellie
 
I like the fact that the trainer comes recommended from someone that knows shelties. My suggestion would be to call the trainer to sound her out; and also ask whether you might observe a group lesson.

My Snap has been a challenge for me as well --- high drive and reactive. He's just turned 2 and I believe that he has settled down a good bit in the past 6 months. I continue to have him take formal obedience and "real life" classes. The real life classes include obedience work (long sits and downs, recalls, loose leash walking) in public places.
 
I can't tell y'all how much better I feel when I post here. I do not feel judged. Everyone gives their honest opinion and I so appreciate that. I live by the motto, "Say what you mean and mean what you say." I feel that a lot of others here share that philosopy.

Hubby has been sick, so we have not had the opportunity to discuss at length what we want to do. My instinct, after sleeping on it, is to go to the private classes with the recommended trainer, even if she is a bit of a drive. I am anxious to see what her training philosophy is. I am anxious to see what advice she gives on handling Ellie.

Please, no one worry about me allowing the dominance roll. That's out in my book, as is any kind of rough handling. I am enthused about finding something that will get through to Ellie. The "ignore the bad and reward the good" doesn't seem to work for her. She could very well be the kind that a loud can rattle for bad behavior might be more appropriate. According to the website this woman has, she is very much an advocate for training the people as well. She overly emphasizes that obedience is TEAM WORK. I like that a lot!

IF we decide to go with the board and train, we will meet with Paula again and discuss exactly how she goes about training. I want to know what the "punishment" is for bad behavior. I know that her rewards are praise, physical affection and toys. She only uses treats for the "lure" stage. No one worry that I won't thoroughly investigate and discuss her program to the last detail. Would you leave your child at a Day Care without thorough investigation? Not me! I know Paula knows that.

Big decision. I just want to decide and get on with it soon. DH went outside to roll up his truck windows and Ellie attacked his pant legs like a out-of-control nutcase. Snarling and growling and biting. Sigh. God grant me patience.
 
Lahree said:
I can't tell y'all how much better I feel when I post here. I do not feel judged. Everyone gives their honest opinion and I so appreciate that. I live by the motto, "Say what you mean and mean what you say." I feel that a lot of others here share that philosopy.

Hubby has been sick, so we have not had the opportunity to discuss at length what we want to do. My instinct, after sleeping on it, is to go to the private classes with the recommended trainer, even if she is a bit of a drive. I am anxious to see what her training philosophy is. I am anxious to see what advice she gives on handling Ellie.

Please, no one worry about me allowing the dominance roll. That's out in my book, as is any kind of rough handling. I am enthused about finding something that will get through to Ellie. The "ignore the bad and reward the good" doesn't seem to work for her. She could very well be the kind that a loud can rattle for bad behavior might be more appropriate. According to the website this woman has, she is very much an advocate for training the people as well. She overly emphasizes that obedience is TEAM WORK. I like that a lot!

IF we decide to go with the board and train, we will meet with Paula again and discuss exactly how she goes about training. I want to know what the "punishment" is for bad behavior. I know that her rewards are praise, physical affection and toys. She only uses treats for the "lure" stage. No one worry that I won't thoroughly investigate and discuss her program to the last detail. Would you leave your child at a Day Care without thorough investigation? Not me! I know Paula knows that.

Big decision. I just want to decide and get on with it soon. DH went outside to roll up his truck windows and Ellie attacked his pant legs like a out-of-control nutcase. Snarling and growling and biting. Sigh. God grant me patience.
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Poor Ellie, I am so sorry you all are having to go through all this :no:. BUT I am so glad she is with you, a family who loves her dearly and will not give up on her like so many would have by now. She'll thak you someday with her unconditional love :wink2:
 
Megansmom said:
Poor Ellie, I am so sorry you all are having to go through all this :no:. BUT I am so glad she is with you, a family who loves her dearly and will not give up on her like so many would have by now. She'll thak you someday with her unconditional love :wink2:
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No, we'll never give up. We love her too much. She's a loving, sweet baby and a great cuddler on the TV couch! Who'd want to give up on a fellow couch potato? Not me!
 
I think a vacation at the same time is a good idea or for part of the time and then the time will go that much quicker.
 
Lahree said:
No, we'll never give up. We love her too much. She's a loving, sweet baby and a great cuddler on the TV couch! Who'd want to give up on a fellow couch potato? Not me!
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LOL
what a Darling... she is not a Delinquent ;) just look at her face :rolleyes2:
LOL
as she is attacking said pant leg etc! lol
SO glad to hear no alpha rolls and stuff... and you'll do the right thing, I also like that they are going to give you help int raining her!! It's normally about timing and stuff.. I am sure you'll do great!!!! (as will she.. eventually, lol)
 
To shed a little light on my sister's dog, the first two trainers were actually afraid of her dog, they didn't come when they were suppose to, and then they didn't return, so that is why she asked for her money back.

THE THIRD TRAINER:
The trainer my sister had was recommended by her vet. My sister was not keen on him taking her dog away, and she missed him terribly. I got a kick out of her and felt bad also. I asked her how could you miss him biting you, when he comes back he just might be a different dog.

Yes the trainer worked with her also, which is a plus. Even though the training sessions were up, she continues to put him through the paces.

The trainer even referred her to a groomer, since he is a Lhasa, lots of trimming. This dog and the groomer get along great, the kennel that I use handles this little SH## great also.

Just my thinking, because of this trainer, and the way he trained this dog, the trainer removed him out of his enviroment. In another enviroment he was not the alpha, he was made to obey. This trainer had other dogs that owners did not want, because of behavior problems. My sister was so impressed with these dogs and how well trained they are. He had proof of what he accomplished.

Now the vet uses my sister's dog as an example for other dogs he has with behavior problems, and how good this trainer really is.
 
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