Since I've updated this thread (still keeping Hank 2-4 nights a week), I've had a poop/deck breakthrough. Instead of the loud vocal reprimand that scared him, I gave the "GOOD boy" the one time he pooped in the woods, then goobered on him, after he scratched his feet and ran his lap after finishing. The next near-deck accident he had, I just walked toward him with a low "NAhhhhhhh" and he again ran off and finished in the right place. May have been 3-5 repetitions, but it somehow sunk in. There never was an "Ah-HA!" moment, but I can actually let him out back to relieve himself now! So calling this an actual "breakthrough" is much more for me than the dog.

Chip - this is great news! Perfect example of not needing to "punish" for the incorrect behavior, rather directing toward the wanted behavior! Star quality!

Well, I wanted to update the status on Hank. It's very good news. He hasn't made even an attempt to jump and bite his leash or the arm holding it in months. I got quite harsh in the corrections on the rare occasions he would do it around me, and even got my mom citronella "mace" for when I wasn't around. That was only needed once. FWIW, it didn't seem to hurt at all, she described him after macing as seeming confused, then acting like nothing happened.

I really can't take much credit for ending this behavior. My Mom has gone through impressive lengths to make this dog work in her life. Besides her hiring a trainer, having me keep and exercise him every other night, and bringing herself to correct the dog; she did way more. She has consumed training books and even made a bigger sacrifice. She has rented a cabin on 14 acres, where she (and Hank) stay 5-6 nights a week. When she takes him home from work (he is our "shop dog" during the day), he gets to run like the wind. Leashed walking just wasn't enough for this dog. I always suspected this and saw evidence when I'd work him hard. But when he can (off lead) just run and play until he's ready to come inside, he's a prince of a dog!

I sent Connie pictures of my Mom's arm after the worst bite. My Mom was considering giving him up, and I told her that a pit/shep mix with a history of biting was likely going to be euthanized. It wasn't aggression, I witnessed the behavior. But that wouldn't matter in a shelter/foster situation. Especially if it happened again.

Three months ago, she was afraid to walk her own dog. Now, not only is the leash spaz/run circles/jumping/nipping seemingly gone, but further obedience is going really well. He lays down and waits for his meal, his recall is solid (not perfect, but 1000% better), and opts for focusing on her rather than his previous occasional episodes of spastic. In other words, he's a really good young dog! I'd be proud to call him mine. I'm pretty certain this seemingly misfit adoption of a big, powerful male puppy by an older lady is going to work out!