Hi Carol,
I'd like to put my two cent in this if I may.As far as E-collars go I myself own 2 GSD's. One is only a pup, so fights have not been an issue yet(I only hope it stays that way)I trained my older shepherd (3yrs.)with an e-collar and got mixed reactions from everybody,but I had my trainer instruct me on its use and found it incredibly helpful in controlling him.He wasn't wild just liked to run and play with other dogs on our walks,so I invested in an e-collar so I could continue to train him off leash without worrying about him running.That was about 3 yrs. ago.I can honestly say that I now have a very well behaved GSD.Not because he's afraid,but because he knows what I expect of him on our walks , I rarely have to correct him now and he still listens withoput the collar on (and yes he knows when he's wearing it.)I will say though if you're going to go that route I suggest professional training for you on how to use it,improper usage could damage the dog,but considering your age physically trying to control them might not be a wise decision.Again this is only my opinion about e-collars and weather I'll use it on the other one remains to be seen.Best of luck

I appreciate 2cents or a haypenny(sp?) as this Old Doggie is trying to learn all the new tricks she can <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> Since my last post Lizzie (the shep) as well as all 3 of the other dogs have not had a nibble from the table, nor a 'taste' while I or my hubby are eating anything. Liz nor Sherman (the boxer) are not allowed on the bed. I would like to say a little about this last one. The eating changes have been little to no problem..a simple NO..go lie down has moved them from the eating area. At night, they do want up on the bed and they get down after one or two down commands..then in a few minutes will try it again. However, I have my entire bed to myself now to kick around in when my hips and/or back is bugging me (not to mention the lack of nice long black hair on my spread. I do not know if it is my reading into her face my own 'guilt' or what here. I feel like she is saying, Mommie don't you love me any more and what did I do sooo bad?? I can deal with this 'guilt' if I know for a fact that this new change in living arrangements will lead to the eventual goal of my being able to control her jealousy/aggression with the peke that she has chosen to be appetiser of the day. Like I said, it is difficult for me to understand her behaviour with him as she will sit right beside him and let me hand feed her a piece of food then him then her ... and never any problem. The three times (all since she passed 15 months of age) were (1) she and coming into the house and jasper being at the door..(2) Jasper getting up on the bed with us and (3) they all escaped the yard and Jasper was the last to come back in and when he got through the hole..she nailed him.

What I have noticed in these past few days... the ''shhh' no bark command is working better...a single 'leave it' as far as the cats go. Is this progress or is she 'pulling my chain'..lol <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" />

I am still reading on this site and researching all I can on behavior (both mine and theirs) and trying to cope with hubby at same time (yank & crank on the farrrr right for sure). Keeping the muzzle available, never taking the prong coller off, and making her sit back and stay to let the Peke go out back alone (and this she is doing very well). I will not let my guard down again thinking 'oh how well she is leaving him alone and having them together unattended for an instant.

Again I do appreciate the feed back and keeping it ALL as food for thought. I did not realize just how malnourished I was in relationships with animals...love ain't enough.

"she will sit right beside him and let me hand feed her a piece of food then him then her ... "

I would not do this either, her behavior indicates she could decide to be aggressive over food. I feed my older, dominant dog first in the kitchen, and the other two in their crates. It has made everyone more relaxed.
polly

Polly, I agree with you about feeding the dogs in different areas. Its just too easy for something to go wrong.

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I do not know if it is my reading into her face my own 'guilt' or what here. I feel like she is saying, Mommie don't you love me any more and what did I do sooo bad??

Dogs are real experts at this. Don't let her get under your skin! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />