For a while, patience in the form of starting over with obedience through his distracted state of mind - so having treats on you, like in a bait bag around your waist, so you can treat him when you tell him sit or down. I'm suggesting using treats because of his level of play drive you said he has when he tries to initiate play.

First I'd tell him to sit and praise and treat when he does. You may need to lure him with a treat since he's in high drive and you want to keep corrections to a minimum when he's initiating play.

After he sits, tell him "down" (whatever word you use). When he lays down, treat and praise. If he gets up, down again. As he's laying down, throw a treat every few seconds between his front legs in order to keep him down. After a minute or 2 of this, you're done so say "ok, done". I taught my dog the words "ok, done" every time I was finished playing with him so it came in handy for just this scenario. He knew that it meant no more play and began to understand it also meant he could get up (or be released from whatever command he had been given).

Then you can give him a little play time if you're able to.

So basically, you've rewarded his desire for interaction, but on your terms. After a while you can dispense with the treats and just reward with praise. Every so often, you can just say "ok, done!" without any commands and he will understand that you can't play right then. But I'd only do that every so often, again so you don't squelch his desire to interact.

Well I finally took the plunge and ordered a 280ncp. Got great deal on one. I kept going back and forth between the 280 and 1900. The smaller size of the 280 is what sealed the deal for me. Should almost disappear on him and be more comfortable. Battery life should be about the same.

I still need to order Ed's DVD in the morning. At the same time I also wanted to order one of those Cinch-It collars. The look really good and easily adjustable. Just wondering how many people use them and how they like them? I think I can get away with the medium size. His current collar is a 17-20?? (nylon Top Paw from PetSmart), he's @ 19 and it's loose enough for me to easily fit four fingers under it. How snug does the e-collar need to be? Only other thing to do is decide on a color... black, orange or green? (Blue is a little too pastel for our taste)

Congrats on moving forward Dan! I think that you will be very happy with the 280.
The Cinch-It collars are wonderful!! My color of choice is green! The medium size should be just fine. The DVD will guide you on the snugness of the collar. The contacts must be on the skin and the collar should not move from side to side. (Think of an ill-fitting shoe on your heel, will cause a blister).
Let us know how things go for you and your dog.

Hi Dan,

Glad you ordered your e-collar - the 280 is the one that we have also. As far as the cinch collars go, we love them! They are so easy to put on and off and the micro-adjustment is perfect. Whoever invented those was a genius! We have a pink collar for Roxie (pink for girls), and of course a blue collar for Nickie (blue for boys). I think they look very stylish!

Hope you will be able to attend Roni's seminar in September!

Just wanted to say thanks for everyones help! I just placed my order and went for the orange collar. We just bought a large parcel of land for hunting and recreation, so I thought the orange was fitting. Now he has his blaze orange to wear . Can't wait to get everything and begin watching the DVD and getting him used to the collar. I guarantee I will have more questions. Very glade that Matt Wyrick told me about it.

I am definitely interested in Roni's seminar in September.

 Quote: Dan Walker

Just wondering how many people use them and how they like them? I think I can get away with the medium size.

I do. I ordered it the same time I ordered my e-collar. Medium will probably be OK. I got the large and had to exchange it for the medium. The large is very big.