I have a 2 yr old GSD, male with very high drives. (off the chart drives). I have recently purchased the DVD e-collar for the pet dog. I loved it, but have a question that I did not find on the DVD. Can I use the "stem" to help him obey the heel command? Been working on this for about 1 year with this and that that I have read and been told to try. It all works for a minute or two then he's back to pulling. I stop in order to not reinforce the pulling behavior, but really looking forward to the day I can take him out on a nice walk.

The reason a dog has so many friends is that he wags his tail instead of his tongue

Hi Tami, and welcome to the forum. May I ask how you've tried to train the heel up to this point? How is this guy's obedience in general?

Hang a two foot section of two by four from his collar, that oughtta slow down the pulling......

as Barbara asked, how did you teach the heeling? I used a toy and food to lure the behaviour and rewarded. I made sure the pupper understood the command, from there I used prong collar and e collar

Well, I have him in a pinch collar, so 1. corrections with my heel command just prior to correction. 2. stop and sit when he pulls 3. penanlty yards when he pulls 4. treats when he stays in that "sweet spot",

My obedience is lacking. He has such a high ball drive I have to take him out of my yard to do obedience. I used to use hot dogs while I walked against my fence when he was younger. He can sit down stay, and wait at the door. He is easily excited so I find myself having to wait to get his attention. Then I got smart and started adding obedience commands while we played ball. He will sit and down for .005 sec. If I wait for a longer down before I throw the ball, he has a two yr old tantrum.

He is a very bright dog. Opens/closes doors. Lets the other dogs out of their kennels. He spends alot of time pacing and whining until we put his leash on and created a "settle" command. He either settles at my feet or on the sofa.

I imported him from the Czech Republic. His pedigree is all border patrol. I had NO idea what high drives meant when I purchased him. My goal is to make him a gentleman. I have a certificate to teach obedience, but have only used it within my own pack. I need to build my knowledge base and am very open to anyone who wants to give advice.
thanks

Thanks Dennis. I believe he does understand the command. Will try a toy. He is so easily distracted that he responds for a moment then off and running again. I would like to use the e-collar but don't want to be premature about it.

 Quote: Tami Boelter

Thanks Dennis. I believe he does understand the command. Will try a toy. He is so easily distracted that he responds for a moment then off and running again. I would like to use the e-collar but don't want to be premature about it.

You have a local guy in MidWest City that may be able to help you or let you know of a local trainer that can help you with your Bad Czech http://www.rittermarkkennels.com/

Hi Tami,
Back up. If it's been a year and he doesn't heel there's a serious communication/training problem. It sounds like you mean a loose leash walk as "heel" is this correct?

As for using the ecollar.....if you can't teach the basic heel position with a leash and food/ball the ecollar will be useless to you, the dog still won't understand what you're asking and will be getting corrected. Have you tried to find a local trainer?

So heel = no to this dog.

Yes Al I am refering to a loose leash walk rather than a competitive "heel". I will work on the penalty yards as I call it. Thanks for your time and wisdom.