I forgot to add, I do not know of any Schutzhund or Mondio clubs in the area. I would LOVE to join one. I'm living in west Michigan.

 Quote: Karissa Tepp

Once I started to use do off-lead training, I wanted to use an e-collar so that I could corret him from a distance. If I remember correctly, I started out by using the leash in conjunction with the e-collar. I would give a simultaneous pop on the collar along with the stim so he would understand what the stim meant. He had picked up on it almost that same day.

This isn't how I personally would introduce the ecollar, and it's not how I personally use it. I use a consistent, low level stim when the dog doesn't comply, and then the stim turns off when he complies. However, there is a process to teaching him how it all works. I hesitate to give a step-by-step description because the dog's initial response will dictate how you proceed once you start. That's why I recommend you find a trainer to help you.

You can find lists of Schutzhund clubs in Michigan on these pages:
http://www.germanshepherddog.com/clubs/mid_eastern.htm
http://www.dvgamerica.com/

How far are you from Indiana?

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Once I started doing off leash obedience, I could do sit, down, and stand in various sequences from a distance at parks, in front of grocery stores, around the house, etc. He was very fast and responsive, and was very sure of the command's meaning. This was all off leash at a very far distance...I'd say a good 200 yards or so.

Sounds like you had a good start and then something happened. Maybe the stim was increased when the dog didn't comply and the dog didn't really understand how to react to the stim at that point? Did the dog learn that by moving away or by reacting to it with submission that he could get you to turn off the stim? Regardless, if things were going well and now you are getting the previously mentioned response, the dog at some point decided the correct reaction to the stim was to stress and go into a submissive mode.

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I feel silly for posting this now because I realize that the problem is me, not him...

Don't sweat it. The problem is always us as handlers/trainers. None of us is perfect.

 Quote: Karissa Tepp

As of today, now that I am thinking about this really hard, I think that you are right that I am confusing him by repeating it too many times in a row. He is unsure if he is doing the right thing by the 10th time because he is wondering why I would ask him to do that 10 times in a row if he got it right the first time :P

Definitely address this. Use an unpredictable interval for your reward - so reward him for performing the behavior once, then reward for 3 times in a row, then for once, then for 5, etc. etc.

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I would love to share a picture, but I'm not exactly sure how to add it into my post... give me a minute and I might be able to figure it out.

Nice pic. I lived in SW Michigan for several years and spent a lot of time at the dunes along the shore. Lovely place.

What is your Mal's pedigree?

Roni is a couple of hours from you, but maybe she can refer you to somebody in your area:
http://www.tristark9.com/

He's beautiful! And it sounds like you are making some great headway already. Don't sweat the mistakes; they happen and make you better. By addressing them immediately like you have; you set the foundation for a great working relationship. Good for you.

I'm not sure what the recommended age is for bitework. But my dog will be 11 in January and we just started in agility (with accommodations for his joints) So far so good; he loves it!

Your dog is just beautiful !