I've realized through this forum that we did everything wrong when we got Sheba. Our last GS was never trained but she had the free run of 400 acres and our Terrier mix dog taught her some manners & most nights our GS & Terrier would chase raccoons & leave a dead one in our back yard for us to see. We live on the Intracoastal Waterway & raccoons are in the marsh. We never had our last GS on a leash since it wasn't necessary. There were only 4 homes in this 400 acre property. Our neighbors knew Heidi (last GS) & she was welcome everywhere she went. About 7 yrs. ago the 400 acres was developed & now it has become a gated community. We should have leash trained Sheba as soon as we got her. We should have worked with her more in our home. She was so hyper from the time we got her that we relied on the kennel for inside & the fence outside to contain her. I'm seeing our mistakes now & I do feel that there is light at the end of the tunnel. I normally work with her about 2 hours per day throwing ball after ball. She would rather play ball than eat. `I don't walk her in the neighborhood because the only aggression she has ever shown is towards other dogs. I have changed my attitude concerning her & I am hoping for the best.

 Quote: Wanda Bradsher

I've realized through this forum that we did everything wrong when we got Sheba.

I can relate to this comment. I've had to completely rethink everything I've ever known about dog behavior.

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About 7 yrs. ago the 400 acres was developed & now it has become a gated community.

This is a huge issue! Alot of the people on the forum here are lucky enough to have large amounts of property to train and let their dogs run on. Those of us that only have a few feet between us and the house next door and nothing but pavment and the traffic all around realize how difficult it is to get serious training done when others around you are irresponsible with their dog ownership as well as all the other distractions. Still, it can be done!

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I'm seeing our mistakes now & I do feel that there is light at the end of the tunnel.

That's the spirit!!

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I normally work with her about 2 hours per day throwing ball after ball. She would rather play ball than eat.

Boy do I know this issue! My boy will drive me nuts all day long if I allow him to! I have to make sure all balls are stashed otherwise he will stalk me and shove them in my lap all day long!

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I don't walk her in the neighborhood because the only aggression she has ever shown is towards other dogs.

Same here and it can be scary!

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I have changed my attitude concerning her & I am hoping for the best.

Atta girl! Just remember that it is never too late to teach an old dog new tricks! Caesar always says that any dog, no matter how old, can be trained to do anything! It requires patience, to be sure, that is probably the most difficult of all parts of the training. Besides, if you think about it from her point of view...why would she want to be leashed when she has always had her freedom? However, if every time you put the leash on her she realizes that it's an opportunity to play, she will learn not to resent the leash so much and actually start looking forward to the experience. Then the rest of the training will come along pretty easily. Most any puppy I have ever owned thatI put a leash on put up a huuuuuge fight at first! You'll will do fine, Wanda! Keep up the good work!

At 56 yrs of age I didn't realize that dealing with a dog could be so complicated! All of our dogs in the past were calm and we would have laughed if anyone had said that one day we would be seeking help for a family pet. I've made my mind up that if the dvds help her to become a good "pet" for our family I'll continue on course. If the situation stays the same, I'll have no choice but to find a better home for her. One member said that he had to wait 3 yrs before he could allow his dog around children. Our grandchildren are here almost daily so I don't think I can wait 3 yrs. Sheba will have to fit into our lifestyle rather than us changing for her.

 Quote: wanda bradsher

At 56 yrs of age I didn't realize that dealing with a dog could be so complicated! All of our dogs in the past were calm and we would have laughed if anyone had said that one day we would be seeking help for a family pet. I've made my mind up that if the dvds help her to become a good "pet" for our family I'll continue on course. If the situation stays the same, I'll have no choice but to find a better home for her. One member said that he had to wait 3 yrs before he could allow his dog around children. Our grandchildren are here almost daily so I don't think I can wait 3 yrs. Sheba will have to fit into our lifestyle rather than us changing for her.

It's not complicated. The DVDs will help YOU to become a good handler.

Not to sound harsh, but your post reads like you have thrown in the towel on becoming your dog's pack leader.

I have to commit to doing the doing the work, no "if this happens," or I find myself being half-hearted about what I mean to do.

This is something you can do; not doing it will mean that's what you have chosen.... not that the DVDs have failed or the dog has failed.

I hope I am encouraging and not making you defensive. I think you will do well to watch how pack leaders act (which you'll see in all the videos) and then change the way you live with this dog so that the dog DOES fit into a family situation.

The dog is doing nothing wrong.

JMO.

When someone says "Why does my dog ...." or "Why won't my dog...." the answer is virtually always "Because you trained your dog to...."

That's not to scare you. That's to show you that the result here is in YOUR hands.

http://www.leerburg.com/puppygroundwork.htm

http://www.leerburg.com/qapup.htm

 Quote: wanda bradsher

\ Sheba will have to fit into our lifestyle rather than us changing for her.

All of us who own dogs (and other pets for that matter) have to change to fit the needs of the dog somewhat.
I mean, when we don't have animals, there is no feeding times, potty breaks, playtimes, obedience work, walks, baths, vet visits, crate and kennel cleaning, toy shopping ect......

But with animals, we have all of that, therefore we change our schedule and lifestyle a bit.

Yes, the dog needs to learn his/her place in the pack, but we need to help them do that and we need to change in order to be the pack leader that the dog needs and really wants. Very few dogs are cut out for leaders, but will take the position if allowed or if they think their current leader is weak. Even dominant dogs are not really pack leaders, they just act that way because no one is telling them or can tell them differently.

I think you can do this. No, I KNOW you can. The DVD's and this board will help you through the process. Don't give up, she is still a pup and deserves a chance at "fitting in" with you and your "pack".

None of the already given advice means that the dog can never be around the kids, but until you establish leadership, create boundaries and rules for the dog to learn and adhere to, it is best they are kept separate.

 Quote: Carol Boche

None of the already given advice means that the dog can never be around the kids, but until you establish leadership, create boundaries and rules for the dog to learn and adhere to, it is best they are kept separate.

Ditto.

And this applies to any dog, IMO.

No worry, no offense taken. I haven't seen the dvds yet so I don't know what to expect or what is expected of me. I have other things going on in my life besides Sheba. I'm just hoping that I have the time to put forth the effort needed to change things. I haven't thrown in the towel yet. I just want to be realistic. We had to put our 13 yr. old GS to sleep in July of this year & it broke our hearts. Everyday that I'm with Sheba I'm becoming more attached even with her bad habits. I'm trying not to set myself up for more heartache.

You can end her bad habits the same way you trained her to develop them.

(We sometimes forget that what we allow the dog to do is training just as much as what we actively teach the dog to do.)

I would read the groundwork article -- or listen to the podcast. You can start immediately with reversing habits that have been allowed to develop by associating the leash with good things.

I'd probably start with a tired dog (after fetch), clipping on a light drag line indoors and letting it be loose, just to make the leash neutral. I might first give a high-value treat while holding the leash, and not put it on yet....

I'd read "marker training," too, because any success with motivational training is going to bolster you and reward the dog. Did you say that the dog knew sit? You can still set your marker with it by timing it to the dog's butt hitting the ground and then rewarding quickly.... giving value to your marker.

Start small. Do a couple of things today.

Set that upbeat marker (maybe "yes!").

And maybe have a goal of the dog being near the leash with no problems.....

Maybe read/listen to "Groundwork."