As a new owner/trainer, I feel like I'm missing some tools to optimize my 'boy's' behavior - tools that perhaps my trainers have not recognized that I need. Can you help me with him?

Question

Hello,

Let me give you some background first:

11 mo. 3 week old intact male, Belgian Tervuren
Has been in training (mostly obedience; now starting rally) since 12 weeks old.
Training at a local all-volunteer - established - training club
This is my first dog - and I'm wanting to try many sports with him following conformation finishing.
"Wyatt" has extreme prey drive and is VERY food driven.

My continuing problem is the collar situation in conjunction with training my 'alpha' male. Each instructor (I've had 4 now) has had their own 'take' on what type of collar to use and how to fit it - as well as dealing with his dominance. I put off using the prong collar until he was simply unresponsive to correction in walking and training. I've used all sorts of instructed techniques as well as collars in trying to get a decent heel at my side seam. I was told a few weeks ago by a Terv owner/friend that the prong collar was fitted wrong... so I've had it fitted much like your video instructed for a few weeks now. Wyatt's responses are still inconsistent. However, I've not tried buckling the lead onto BOTH of the rings as you instructed yet. That said, I really don't like the prong collar... I think it more extreme than what I'd like to use - AND it seems be harsh on his hair - which is a detriment to conformation.

I understand that male Tervs can be very slow to mature. However, I would think that by nearly 1 year that he would "get" who the pack leader is. He still tries to mount me/my leg - at which point I put him in a sit/stay/ or completely pick him up until he goes limp/ or put him on the ground on his back until he goes limp. I've tried and tried working on a recall. It is nearly non existent. He also has a car fixation (not convinced that its strictly his herding instinct/I detect some fear issue involved - when he hears a car approaching while on a walk, he continually turns his head around -wanting to run after it - even at a sit or down stay). When inside the enclosed fence he will redirect his car chasing frustration at me by growling and lunging at my legs - at which point I grab the long line and toss a toy to redirect his aggression - or put him in a sit/stay. In the show ring, he is uncomfortable and takes it out on me by tugging at my left leg - be it pants or skirt! From outside the ring, it is perceived as 'puppy antics' - but I hear his voice - its an odd frustration growling and takes a moment for me to redirect him with baiting.

Mr. Frawley, this is a high drive, and mostly loving dog. He just has some bad 'moments'. As a new owner/trainer, I feel like I'm missing some tools to optimize my 'boy's' behavior - tools that perhaps my trainers have not recognized that I need.

I think beginning with the proper collar and fit is a primary tool. Next, the proper instruction that will be the best fit for my dog's temperament. I'm not working. I have no children. Wyatt is everything to me. And I keep trying to find the answers that will work for us.

Can you help me with him?

I tried measuring his neck as you instructed - I got 5 measurements... 1) 14" 2) 13.5" (twice) 3) then I got 13" twice... so I'm thinking that 13" is most accurate... considering his puppy fluff... I tried moving that away as much as possible to get close to the skin.

Wyatt is such a smart dog and could progress far and be a completely well mannered dog, if I could only find the right angle for training him...

Please contact me at your earliest convenience.

Best Regards,
Sarah

Accepted Answer

For pulling on walks, I’d use a prong. I use the small prong collar on my Malinois and years ago when I had a Terv that’s what I used as well. If my dog needs a specific tool, I am of the mindset that I should use it (regardless of the issues with his coat). Really, what good is a beautiful coat if the dog isn’t a balanced and compliant companion?

For the other issues I’d use a dominant dog collar. I’d calmly interrupt the behaviors you are describing. Without seeing your dog it’s impossible for me to say if it’s his nerves, his prey drive or dominance causing the issues you are having but it’s most likely a combination of both.

I think you are getting the cart before the horse with this dog. If he isn’t respecting you as the pack leader you need to sort all that out before you move on to other training.

I’d start with our Groundwork program and the video that picks up where the article leaves off - Pack Structure for the Family Pet.

If you haven’t tried marker training with him, I’d HIGHLY recommend it. We also recently released a video that follows up that article called The Power of Training Dogs with Markers.

I believe that this DVD could really help you. It’s titled DEALING WITH DOMINANT AND AGGRESSIVE DOGS and was a 5 year project. While I don’t believe your dog is YET a true dom/aggressive dog he’s showing a lot of tendencies that need to be nipped in the bud now.

I would direct you to the search function in the upper left corner of the website for any additional questions you may have. If you type in your key words it will guide you to articles, Q & A’s and posts on our forum.

If you need help choosing a collar size, you can call our office 715.235.6502. Any of the staff can help you out.

I hope this helps.

Cindy