I am sorry Nancy but I am having a difficult time understanding all of this. At first glance, I thought, as others did, that this dog’s behavior was something new. You sounded desperate and made reference to just getting rid of the dog verses any attempt to work and correct the behavior. When I went back through your posts, saw that you had this same situation, and a written post that was almost identical, I couldn’t help but think that this must be a test or a hoax…whatever! Others at that time first thought of a medical condition, you made no mention of his jeep incident, the thread went on the same as your current post. Your descriptions of the problem at hand are two fold, so it is difficult for board members to help if you are not giving all information. Do you want help with Kobe, or are you looking for reason to have him euthanized? You had mentioned in a post about your
Age, and not being physically able to correct him, a good trainer can help you in these areas. I know you said your life is perfect, no worries, no money issues, no crazy schedules, It sounds like the perfect life to help your not so perfect friend!

Save your breath everyone. Just because Nancy has had two dogs with similar issues, it couldn't possibly have anything to do with training.

I think in her mind Nancy has this matter is already settled. The best thing we can do for Nancy is help her find a home for Kobe.
Ya know a home that doesn't mind having vicious uncontrolable dogs.

I need to find a door bell ringer volunteer she doesn't know since I have windows all around the door.

I wish you luck with finding a doorbell ringer, and that your girl will not take long to learn to stay in her bed when she knows someone is coming in the house. I wish I had taught Kobe that, somehow, when he was much younger, as it seems like a more mature dog will require super human training and discipline to over come the natural curiosity as well as protection instinct that even a 2 year old has. But he did'nt start this "nutty stuff" until he was 1 1/2 and by then he was beyond my training abilities.
My vet told me today that she had ordered some electronic sensor machine that sends mild stimulus to a dog when he barks and shuts him down from barking. I may try that. It would be a blessing if it works.
Nancy

Nancy,

I am confused as to why you continue to believe that these training methods will take some sort of super human ability. I was able to train a 2 year old high drive Malinois to go to her crate when someone came to the door with no problems. I just trained a 5 year old Lab (with minimal previous training) to do the same thing in just 12 days.... this included initial crate training as well.

All you need is a sound pack structure/ leadership, and consistency. You said you don't work right? You have ALL DAY to work with Kobe.

You begin teaching the command with no distractions. Once he understands it is a non-negotiable command (IE gets a HUGE correction for not complying) then you add distractions.

Finding a neighbor kid to ring the door bell a few times for a few bucks shouldn't be hard... talk to the parents first though and explain why you are giving their kid money

This is not difficult stuff... if you aren't willing to do it, then it would be best to rehome the dog.

My opinion for what it's worth....

--Kelly

Tammy,
I know it must be confusing but the earlier posts, from 3 years ago, are about a different dog, not Kobe. And this behavior of Kobe's is new, as I said, and he has not been in an accident, though lately I wonder if he does have brain damage! I did not see any point in bringing up Apache, the 1st dog, as there was already alot of posts about Kobe and why bring up the past that has no bearing with what is going on now? but it was brought up by another poster who must have remembered my posting about Apache 3 years ago and that caused me to explain what the outcome of that sad story was.
If I were looking for reasons to euthanize him I would not have spent $150 today on blood work on him would I?
Nancy

 Quote: randy allen

I think in her mind Nancy has this matter is already settled.

Yes, I think I have to agree.

 Quote: nancy black

But he did'nt start this "nutty stuff" until he was 1 1/2 and by then he was beyond my training abilities.

It appears as though his fate has been sealed.

I have been worrying about the safety of this dog all day. There IS no such thing as perfection. Having a good or great dog takes work and time and dilligence, but it can be done, no matter the age of the dog or trainer.

kelly,
Congrats for your success with training your dogs, sounds like I need to come to Wis. and get some help from you.
Question: what corrections did you use on the dogs, prong, e collar? That is a problem for me with this big boy of mine, giving a correction that makes enough of an impression that he can overcome his obsession with either protecting me or excitement at someone coming to the house. I have used a neighbor kid to ring the doorbell but that plan fizzled out when the kid got tired of doing it, and there was still the UPS truck to deal with which drives Kobe bonkers.
thanks for the training ideas,
Nancy

I have been popping in on this thread for the past couple days and I am now ready to add my piece.

Nancy, you may not like what I have to say, but I hope you can look past the "training" wall you have put up and help this dog.

Nancy, you have received so much wonderful advice, help and support from everyone who posted. I still can't believe that you are passing this opportunity over. You have the chance to do right by THIS dog.

I read in your post about Apache, that you never did have an autopsy to see if FOR SURE he had brain damage. You took the vets "best guess" and euth'd what was probably a perfectly healthy shepherd who was stepping up to the leaders role because no one else would.

After someone gives you a really great training idea, that would help you re-establish your leader role, you come up with some excuse as to why this would not work in this instance. I really think that if you dug deep and scrapped the excuses you may find that you really are capable. And no one said it would be easy, but it is not impossible.

If for any reason, you are not willing to take some responsibility, stop with the excuses, and just work with the dog, then please, find him a home that will.