Sooooooo Frustrated.....HELP

[kobysmom]

thank you

it is so great to come to a place where everyone completely understands a sheltie. I find very often that when people that have not owned or been around shelties, think my furbaby is strange and im always having to explain.

thank you for all the suggestions and a few members have suggested clicker training, can you please explain what that is or where i can find the info about that.

thanks a million
kobysmom

 

[Toffee's Mom]

Clicker training

Here is what clicker training means:

"Desirable behavior is usually marked by using a "clicker," a mechanical device that makes a short, distinct "click" sound which tells the animal exactly when they're doing the right thing. This clear form of communication, combined with positive reinforcement, is an effective, safe, and humane way to teach any animal any behavior that it is physically and mentally capable of doing."

"The trainer clicks at the moment the behavior occurs: the horse raises its hoof, the trainer clicks simultaneously. The dog sits, the trainer clicks. Clicking is like taking a picture of the behavior the trainer wishes to reinforce. After “taking the picture,” the trainer gives the animal something it likes, usually a small piece of food but sometimes play, petting, or other rewards.
Very soon (sometimes within two or three clicks), an animal will associate the sound of the click with something it likes: the reward. Since it wishes to repeat that pleasurable experience, it will repeat the action it was doing when it heard the click.

Any behavior can be trained with any animal following these three simple steps:

1. Get the behavior.
2. Mark the behavior.
3. Reinforce the behavior."

Here is an example and overview of what to do first when you get a clicker:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IC367wKGi4M&feature=related

Check out this trainer, I LOVE her easy tips on youtube
For example I used this and it worked, when I felt nothing else would:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sFgtqgiAKoQ

 

[OntarioSheltie]

Danielle is right--your dog seems to have a ton of pent-up energy. I would recommend trying to exercise him physically and mentally as often as possible. Would you up to taking an obedience class with him? Or maybe your daughter would be interested in that? That is something that not only help him around other people/dogs, but keep him "busy". Shelties are a working breed, and often need a job to keep their behavior in check. Another option would be agility, but this would be something that might be best for your husband or daughter since you have limited mobility.

If you aren't able to do either of those, is there anywhere that you could take him on a regular basis (park, backyard) where you could throw the ball/frisbee and play with him?

As to his behavior issues, I would recommend starting with the NILIF regimen (Nothing In Life is Free). This means that for everything good in your pup's life (food, treats, walk, outside, play), he has to work for it. Some good examples are making your dog wait before he can run out of the crate, or out of the door. My dogs both "wait" when asked at the front door. I can leave the door open and they don't come out until I say "Okay!"

Also, make your pup sit and wait before he gets his food or a treat. If he likes walks, he has to sit or shake or ANY behavior before you put the leash on. You get the idea. You can also google this and find some other ideas.

So sorry for your frustration, I can only imagine how hard this is for you.

What Ashley said is exactly what I was going to say, I think it would help you a lot. Good luck, and feel free to vent your frustrations on the forums! There are lots of knowledgeable people here who would be happy to listen and make suggestions.

 

[KarenCurtis]

I had the same thoughts as the others.

I've been watching some of Caesar Milan's videos lately. While I do not agree with all of his philosophies, some of his training techniques seem to be effective and not harmful.

His technique of "sshhh", sideways body nudge and hand gesture in front of face is starting to work for me when Indy goes crazy at the blow dryer. It's not an aggressive move against the dog....but more of "pay attention to ME".

Good luck!

I wish it worked for Sandstorm and my blow dryer. CM's sit stay for walking car-lunging shelties has worked beautifully, however.