I just wanted to thank you all for your help and advice, both that I've solicited and I've researched on this site. It has been a blessing for our super high energy pup-border collie/ German shepherd over the last few months. We've learned so much!

An update- we resolved all our crate issues, we reinforced positive behavior, made sure to use your suggestion to avoid separation anxiety, and lastly got a bigger crate. Turns out he likes to sprawl when he sleeps :-)

The mouthing is a very slow process, but we are seeing huge improvements. Not that I didn't believe you all, but I was starting to wonder. Redirecting does work, and I can actually wear normal clothes now. Not just shredded puppy clothes. We've gone through a LOT of toys in the last month, but found our favorites...the bob it, the jolly ball, and the new addition today the everlocking treat for his everlasting treat ball---Awesome addition to bully sticks. I wish Leerburg had it.

We also just got our first e collar - the dogtra 282 (we would like a second dog at some point) and the video. I am really excited about it, and hoping to use it to put an end to the mouthiness (he's 7 months now) and work on his recall, as well as future off leash work. The prong collar seems to up his excitement with me. I'm sure I'll have many questions soon.

Thanks again for the invaluable resource !!

It is great to hear that things are beginning to settle into a "normal" chaos. Things will only continue to get easier and you will enjoy the little rug rat more and more.

The recall -- you will want to put in some excellent foundation work on
that. The recall can be the funnest command to teach, and it's one that the training can contribute hugely to the handler-dog bond.

If you would like some recall threads, let us know. We have a recall-experienced board here!

In fact, here's a start: http://leerburg.com/search/dosearch.php?terms=recall&Submit.x=0&Submit.y=0


e.t.a. So you are moving up from shredded-puppy-clothes to fur-colored fashion? I find it challenging to find clothes that hide both fawn fur and black fur with white age-streaking along with standard-issue GSD black-and-tan.

Edited by Connie Sutherland (08/30/2009 05:49 PM)
Edit reason: e.t.a.