Hi Nancy,

A couple of things. First of all, you have won half the battle by recognizing that in all likelihood, your dog's behavior is due to lack of pack structure in your home. It's a big step for you to recognize this...

Now on to the 2nd half:
Yes, I think you should start with social isolation via the crate. Willie has just been through this with one of her dogs, and she has good experience with rehabilitating dogs with behavior problems. Her advice won't steer you wrong, IMO.

Now that you have the beginnings of a game plan, it would be great for you to start another thread with questions that you may have. As I mentioned before, you will receive excellent advice from the very experienced folks here (many whom have commented on this thread).

Looking forward to reading about your progress!

PS, you don't need to wait for the DVD to get started...

Nancy,

"You reap what you sow". If your knee jerk reaction to all of Kobe's infractions are escalating corrections....don't be surprised by escalating aggression. There is plenty of talk of tools to correct unwanted behavior but little to no mention on what you can do to communicate better to Kobe what it is you want him to do and help him to succeed.

If you have not kept up on Kobe's obedience since he was 10 months old; don't you think he deserves the benefit of the doubt that perhaps he has forgotten some of it? Not his fault; so why is he being corrected?

Retrain without the corrections until you are absolutely sure he knows what you are asking for; anything less is unfair. JMHO

Willie,
OK the DVD is ordered... I talked to Kobe's daddy, he had some resistance, ( has read the article) like does Ed. mean this being crated is for life? I said certainly not. Does this mean he can't play with other dogs, he can't get hugged and made over by our neighbor charlie who adores him? I said not for the time being.

Willie,
OK the DVD is ordered... I talked to Kobe's daddy, he had some resistance, ( has read the article) like does Ed. mean this being crated is for life? I said certainly not. Does this mean he can't play with other dogs, he can't get hugged and made over by our neighbor charlie who adores him? I said not for the time being. I will email Charlie and tell him what is going on, he will understand as he was there when Kobe jumped on the other neighbor last week. Dw. said how will this pack structure teach Kobe not to jump on people? I said it will, the DVD will explain that. but was happy to see he did not make as big deal out of the program as I thought he would, but it will be harder on him as he is more of a mush bunny than I am and I am probably more determined to make this wolf dog into the properly trained specimen of GSD that I visualized when I brought him home at 9 weeks old. but I will miss him laying beside me while I do endless hours of typing on the computer like he is now.
I'm so glad I saved his large crate, Dw. wanted to sell it months ago as we have not used it for at least a year, so that's some money we don't have to spend. LOL.
Now what do I do with the trainer coming tomorrow? It kind of sounds like I won't need him until incarceration period is over, but can delay that for another day. Funny thing, I read his business card that vet had given us for first time today ( it was Dw. who made the contact with him and other trainers) And what does it say but this guy is a dog psychologist as well as obedience trainer and behavior modification trainer? I had to laugh as I had jokingly said on the forum a few days ago that maybe Kobe needed a psychiratrist. holy cow, I hope his psychology corresponds with Ed's. Or I will have the most mixed up dog on the planet. Maybe I will get trainer Laurent to watch Ed's DVD, I wonder what he would think of that?
Nancy

 Quote: Mariellena Simon

I have been one to post to freecycle.com to rid myself of items I no longer use. You can also post a request for an item that you want. You may not get a reply, but it's worth the cost. Free!

I think suggesting to look for the DVD PLAYER on freecycle was an excellent idea...

Shiela,
You either have not read all my posts or you don't understand English. Be assured that I have no intention of correcting Kobe for anything he does not understand.
Nancy

 Quote: Nancy Black

Now what do I do with the trainer coming tomorrow? ... I hope his psychology corresponds with Ed's

He would be able to evaluate the dog and you would be able to take a look at the trainer. If you like Ed's philosophy, ask the trainer if he knows anything about it and his opinion.

Lynne,
What a suprise, Willie is a girl! She fooled me but I am glad you told me.
Yes, I thought I would start the isolation tomorrow but since new trainer is coming tomorrow I will put it off til Wed. It might look strange to have Laurent come and to tell him he can't meet Kobe as he is not seeing visitors. Oh dear, this thing is getting complicated, but I don't feel I can cancel the meeting at this late date.
I think its time to start a new thread too, I have hated the Topic since the first day, but how do I end this one? No problem with starting a new one, I can call it My Adventure with Pack Structure Day One/ Kobe Thinks We hate Him.
That does concern me a bit, that Kobe might become mentally traumatized with such extreme change of life style for him. I would like to hear from anyone who has done this to a 2 year old or older dog who all of a sudden is given a "jail sentence" that he can't possibly understand is for his own good. But in the meantime I just have to trust Ed and Willie who have had experience with this ( her own dog as you said) and do what I have to make it work.
Nancy

 Quote: Nancy Black

Shiela,
You either have not read all my posts or you don't understand English.
Nancy

With all due respect, you have admitted to not reading all the posts from the professionals trying to help you, and no one suggested you could not speak English.

Ana,
I did ask the trainer on the phone if he knew of Ed and he said he has heard of him, which did not sound alot like he was familiar with what his training methods etc. are. It going to be interesting, hopefully not a waste of time and money for nothing.
I just now realized that I did not hear from vet today about Kobe's blood test results. They sounded positive that results would be in today.
Nancy