Hi Randy in answer to your question my dog works well for food or the ball in a small group but if he knows i have a ball on me he goes crazy for it. he loses his focus on me in large group situations where he will pull to try and get to the dog next to him at this point he is not showing fear or aggresion,i am a member of a gsd club & also a mixed breed club i also have a much older gsd which he is with all the time.he has been well socilised since 8 weeks old Tom

Hi Geoff yes the prong is only a club issue in my state but in the state of victoria it is illegal to have one. all the other states are different again Tom

 Quote: Tom_ONeill

yes the prong is only a club issue in my state but in the state of victoria it is illegal to have one. all the other states are different again Tom

Interesting .. I really wonder about the reasoning behind it. As I pronged myself hard a number of times to see before putting on my dog. (it's uncomfortable yes but doesn't hurt) Now I always demonstrate and explain the prong to people who need one but think it is barbaric, I have made lot's of converts! I assume that some of the Ozz State Gvts frowns on e-collars too?

Back to your question, have you seen the Belgian ball dropper vests that Leerburg sells? http://www.leerburg.com/1060.htm That tool could be a big help in working through your dogs issues with the ball obsession and getting through the exercises in your class. I want one as I think it would be a fun game for me and my pup.

Yes really odd about that pronged collar thing, I'd rather be pinched for doing something wrong than strangled, but that's besides the point here I suppose.
Tom, in my opinion (for what its worth)it sounds like you have a fine well adjusted dog. Your right about the ball, work him/her on the ball. All the time. If you haven't yet followed Ms. J. Coulter's advice, get the 'Ball, Focus, and Drive' video now! It'll answer more questions then it'll raise and after thinking on it you'll realize the technique introducted has huge possiblities for training that will range as far as your imagination. And your dog will love it.
Final word Tom, no matter how flustered you become, remember this is your friend and companion, for hopefully, many more years to come. Try to remember he/she is only 10 or 11 years old maturity wise (if I paraphrase) by our standard and all dogs mature differently at any rate. So patience has its own rewards when relating to dogs. After all they are a different species adapting to our world. So don't expect too much to soon, patience and consistency are always key. And try not to worry, he/she will become just like the dog you always dreamed of! If you have a poor or ho hum class or solo work session always end it on a good note, something you can praise. Even if its just a good heel or sit or down walking across the parking lot or a hand shake at the back door, let him/her know you're there for more then correction. You're their best friend and guide. He/she won't forget it, so you remember too. Okay?
Good luck. I hope this helps.
Stay engaged with the dog,
Randy

I know my Kelpie was like this, why? because I owned a retail store and he was the shop dog for 2.5 years. Which = the dog getting attention from other people and dogs.

I think you should read the article (who can pet my puppy)

Basically it says, you are the only person your dog should be in contact with. That way it looks to you for attention, play, praise, food.......

Best of luck,
ted