Heh, Thanks Connie. You guys are very orderly on this board.

Give your neighbor this web site and suggest that she purchase the dog training video or have her read some the articles. GSD are very intelligent. They require good training from a young age. From what you discribed, this dog doesn't seem aggressive or he would of bit you because you are the stranger on his families property putting up a barrier in front of him. He is just use to having his way and you were in his way. The wife doesn't seem to have the fortitude or personality to handle this untrained dog. She needs to start at the beginning and train him. Once a GSD is trained it is one of the best dogs around. I know you are just the neigbor and if you feel uncomfortable telling her to look on this site, print some of the articles for her to read. Never feel uncomfortable giving someone advice if you are concerned someone may get hurt. It is the way you give her the advise that counts. Do this dog and woman a favor.

Hi Jennifer. Welcome to the board. I think you will find door manners the easiest to teach and it's as much a safety concern for Duke as it is for anyone on the other side of the door. Many dogs are killed when they run out the door into the street when someone comes knocking.

Door manners were really easy to teach to Molly. Face it you have the biggest incentive to follow commands standing right outside the door. First give the dog a spot to go to. It can sit or lie that's up to you. This first part is the hardest because the dog doesn't know what you want yet.

Have it go to it's spot then open the door. Do this without a helper at first. Just get the dog used to staying in it's spot when the door is opened.

In time add the helper (here is the incentive). Have them knock or ring the bell. Give the dog the command to go to it's spot. The door doesn't open until the dog is where it's supposed to be. If it gets up the door closes. It took Molly about ten minutes to figure this out. I use a similar method for taking Molly out for some play. If she isn't sitting the door stays closed. When she sits the door magically opens for her to go through when I give the OK.

Once he gets it then have the helper come in stay a few minutes before giving Duke any attention. Remember the guest is your guest not the dog's. When he's settled down and ready have the helper greet him, pet on him a little and give some treats. It won't be long before Duke automatically goes to his spot when the door bell rings.