QUESTION. My Sheltie is not yet Fully trained but now already 3 years old. Problem?

[Aztec]

You mentioned a flexi lead. Take the dog off that right away - that is your first problem! Flexi leads have absolutely no purpose in my opinion.

Laika had aggression and used to rush other dogs. You stop this by learning your dogs posture when she is starting to get excited. Then you have her sit in front of you and watch your face. Treats for when she looks at you. Once the dog has passed, you continue on. A choke chain is to teach a dog to walk on a loose leash. It is not a miracle tool.

Work hard to work with us on this, and articulately explain what is going on. You are obviously frustrated with your dog, but there is no reason to be drastic in your training methods. We will be able to help you if you stay polite and ask genuine questions. If you are really looking for answers, you will be willing to take our advice!

 

[Fergusmom]

Dear Friend,

Time, Patience and Consistency.


Dear Friend, do right by your friend that lives with you. If you are unable to grant these character traits and treat your pet humanely, we are willing to come to your residence, wherever it may be, and bring this friend home to live with us.

Dear Forum, this is "our" final word on this subject. We have all given it plenty of time, plenty of patience and have consistantly responded to the question presented. Shall we all retire and get back to the exchange of information and pleasant topics?

Peace be with you.

Sincerely,

Ron and Jan Tetrault

I only have on thing to add to this post AMEN!

 

[Fergus]

^^Well, sorry that you feel that way but i have a stubborn dog and i have no choice.

I thought I had a stubborn dog once. My trainer (positive methods) thought I had a stubborn dog. My training group thought I had a stubborn dog. "You'll have to use the ear pinch to get him to do what you want" they told me. I train because I enjoy it. I enjoy working with my dogs. I enjoy the partnership. I enjoy the challenge of communicating with a creature that does not speak my language. If my dog is stubborn, I know that is because I have not been able to make them understand what it is I'm trying to teach. The fault is mine, not my dog's.

Back then in desperation I picked up a clicker. Twelve years ago this was still considered a 'fad' in my training circle. But it was like turning on a light bulb with my dog. Suddenly he got it. Not only did he get it, but he loved it. He wasn't stubborn. He was confused and probably more than just a little worried about the crazy lady at the other end of the leash

There's been a lot of great ideas and good references mentioned. I'll make a plug for my favourite - Jean Donaldson's Culture Clash. I think it should be required reading for every dog owner .

 

[FedAce]

You mentioned a flexi lead. Take the dog off that right away - that is your first problem! Flexi leads have absolutely no purpose in my opinion.

Laika had aggression and used to rush other dogs. You stop this by learning your dogs posture when she is starting to get excited. Then you have her sit in front of you and watch your face. Treats for when she looks at you. Once the dog has passed, you continue on. A choke chain is to teach a dog to walk on a loose leash. It is not a miracle tool.

Work hard to work with us on this, and articulately explain what is going on. You are obviously frustrated with your dog, but there is no reason to be drastic in your training methods. We will be able to help you if you stay polite and ask genuine questions. If you are really looking for answers, you will be willing to take our advice!

I have super long 25 feet flexileash. That is the only way i can let her run and be happy while i walk her. Otherwise, she is on 5 foot leash and she can't run and she is not as happy.

 

[ruckusluvr]

fine, dont listen to anyone. do it your way. dont come complaining to us anymore.

a retractable leash only encourages and rewards pulling. the dog is too far away from you and that is just asking for an excited, pulling, barking dog.

 

[clancyh8sabby]

(I didn't read all the posts..so if I repeat something..sorry)

On chewing wires and things ...have you tried bitter apple ? just spray it on things you don't want chewed..it tastes nasty and they will learn not chew those things. My Clancy was bad at that for a while..he doesn't chew any thing like that now...only on things I give him for chewies..So just make sure he has things he can chew on..then if you catch him in the act...interrupt and then give him the safe chewy. Of course til he grows out of it or learns...crate when you aren't there...

On the prongs and chokes..I think the prong is the better choice...but be prepared...these doggies are smart and figure out when they have it on or not. So you still have to do training with it on and with it off. Same thing with the halties or other harness type training collars...

I would go as much as possible with the positive training...with the other you take the risk of having your dog fear you and maybe just not liking you at all..so that defeats the whole purpose of having a dog as a friend. Its a fine line there..respecting you..or fearing you.

Most Shelties are pretty soft and love to please you...I'm blessed with one bone head that isn't..so I understand where you are coming from!! Sometimes it does take a firmer hand..as long as its done with love, I think its way better then not trying anything at all!!

On the flexi...I'm not a big fan..but we did use them in one training program and were taught how to use them and they were helpful when training stays and recalls..because we didn't have those long lines tangling up. But they can cause injury to you and your dog if you aren't careful and use them right.
If you want him to have more roaming freedom on trail walking tho, I'd go with a cotton long line. I'm a big fan of teaching them when to walk by me and when they can have some freedom..so on our walks I always let them have some more freedom and sniffing time...but its always on my terms and when I say they can...I think it helps with getting them to walk nicely on leash, because they know its not all work and no play. Takes some time and maturity tho..just be patient and consistant!!

woofs

Julie
Clancy & Abby

 

[FedAce]

^^^One of the most helpful posts i have seen all day. I will try the Prong leash.
As far as the Bitter apple goes, i thought about it but my Vetenarian said, it has high amount of sodium and can cause kidney failure and high blood pressure and so on....... IS this true ???

 

[clancyh8sabby]

I think I did hear about something not good in bitter apple a while back...forget what tho!! sorry!!

You can try other things that taste nasty..hot sauce...Listerine...anything that your dog doesn't like the taste of and won't stain your other belongings..LOL

If you go with the prong..get some good instruction with someone that knows how to use it..that will help alot!! And..remember, you still will have to do some training without it too...cuz they are too smart!! LOL

Julie

 

[Smudge]

I think I did hear about something not good in bitter apple a while back...forget what tho!! sorry!!

You can try other things that taste nasty..hot sauce...Listerine...anything that your dog doesn't like the taste of and won't stain your other belongings..LOL

If you go with the prong..get some good instruction with someone that knows how to use it..that will help alot!! And..remember, you still will have to do some training without it too...cuz they are too smart!! LOL

Julie

Yikes! Listerine isn't meant for humans to swallow. I don't think I would want my dog to be licking it. It does have alcohol in it.

 

[missjenneygirl]

I hope this information posted about the prong collar goes no further, and not another person feels the need to use one on a sheltie. It's like swatting a mosquito with a baseball bat. Take your dog to obedience classes, and duh.... train yourself. Put in the time. People have been very forthcoming with wonderful advice, recommending great books, etc. Train yourself first. With the right instruction all can be turned around. REMEMBER IT'S A SHELTIE, NOT A ROTTWEILER. Enough!