[Gene]

I didn’t get the idea that you were mad at Levi. I got the idea that you were frustrated with yourself. We have all been frustrated with ourselves and the dogs at times and made mistakes. That is why we are here. By bettering ourselves our dogs have a better life.

Listening to your commands 85% of the time is pretty darn good. You can work on his recall around the house, backyard, front yard then down the block, then the park. You have to proof him first with no or very little distractions. I will go out at times in the late afternoon when I know there won’t be many people around walking their dogs. He is on a 40/50ft line and I drop it and we meander around the school/park. Occasionally, when told to come he looks at me like “no I’m busy” so he gets corrected. The point being that this was done over an extended period of time. Stay with the site. Lots of good info. Everyone is always learning but many people on this site have been there done that as they say and can help you along the way. RELAX, just cuddle for a few days,

[Gene]

We were just having a conversation about similar issues the other day. I would go back to square one. You want to build a strong relationship with the dog. I would stop formal training for a couple of weeks except for some basics, sit, stay, leave it. You want the dog to follow you. You want the dog to want to be with you as opposed to sniffing around or whatever. You are more interesting than whatever else is around. Use a long line and treats to encourage the dog to follow. There are no corrections with this exercise. It is all about being exciting and having fun.

When the dog starts to check out just make an abrupt turn and walk the other way. When he follows and catches up, he gets praise and a treat. Checks out again, “Heh” or name, when he looks start and running backwards, “YES! “GOOD BOY!” he will follow, he is having a good time. Lots of praise. When you have to get his attention just one or two light pops to get the dog to look at you.

I would start with these videos..1) All the Basics 2) How Relationship Affects Behavior 3) Karl-The Beginning 4) Mellow-Puppies First Lesson and work on from there.

[Gene]

What you need to do is concentrate on the dogs which are highly adoptable now. The volunteers want to Engage with the dogs. You want the dogs to look at you and follow you. With Engagement you are rebuilding the trust factor in humans that the dogs have lost.

You don’t have to ask the dog for anything at first. Three items I would say to work on are Sit, Down & Recall. Also Leave It if you have the time. Once you have worked with these dogs for a time you can start with the dogs that are becoming stressed time allowing.

Shelters have been at capacity or near capacity I’d say since September. There is only a certain amount of time one can spend with the dogs during the day so the dogs with the best chance of finding a home have to be prioritized.

An example would be a dog that is becoming stressed and needs some one on one time. Should a volunteer go work with a dog with a bite history and doesn’t like kids”. (An exaggeration but an example). The way things are now some dogs that may have had a chance a couple years ago now have to be let go. That’s just the reality of the situation.

[Gene]

It sounds as if you are doing well as 9 months in the shelter is a long time. Hand feed him meals as much as possible. This builds a bond and respect. Being mouthy is permitted to an extent as Buster is trying to initiate play/show affection. Correcting him confuses him. Get a thick pair of gardening gloves, when you have had enough it is off to the crate. Have something for him to chew on there. With the children redirect him onto something else.

For the jumping you can have the child approach and be standing on the leash with some slack, when he jumps he corrects himself as opposed to you correcting him. You want to be careful about correcting him with the children as you do not want to have him start to associate being uncomfortable when the kids are around. He sees the kids as playmates which is ok under your supervision. The dog must know that he is subordinate to the kids. For instance, if you are sitting on the couch with the children, he lays at your feet not on the couch.

As for snatching, trade a high value treat for what he has. When he drops what he has for the chicken etc remove him. You want to remove Buster from the object not take away the item from him.

My main goal with shelter/rescue dogs is to continually engage and build a respect and trust. I go easy on the corrections unless they do something really stupid.

[Gene]

I don’t see anything wrong with picking the water up at all as long as it is not extremely hot out. The puppy will probably appreciate it.

[Gene]

For the kennel issue a lot depends on the experience and physical stature of the volunteer.

If the dog is just exuberant someone with experience can open the door and back them off with spacial pressure and get the slip lead on and out the door.

I am at the shelter frequently so the dogs kind of know me. I open the door, back them off, grab the collar and get the slip lead on and out the door.

Another method for less experience and stature is approach give treat then stoop down they should follow as they know you have treats. Give another treat open door slightly. They should poke their head out to get the slip lead on.

I know it is better to have them sit and calm but I know with time constraints and some less experienced than others it can be a problem.

For those with less experience, DON’T talk to aggressive dogs, fearful dogs, exuberant dogs. They have no idea what is being said, it is only noise to them. Silence is Golden. They feel the calm energy.

Thanks for your work. Took the course myself. GREAT!

[Gene]

For treats…Make sure the dog is not food aggressive…1) have the treat in your fist and push the dogs mouth back. saying easy, easy, easy and release the treat…2) have the treat between lower index finger and thumb, same routine, easy, easy, easy and release the treat.

[Gene]

This sounds like just a puppy phase as you have only had her for a week. Everything is new and sometimes new people can be a challenge. From your post I get that that your mother is a frequent visitor so I think after a few more times this will be a” been there done that scenario”. For know, when your mother arrives have her on a leash if she starts to go off, move her in the opposite direction few steps then turn and bring her back. You can try this a couple of times and see if she calms down. Do not correct her just move her, “Lets Go”. Also, I would have your mother approach the pup sideways as to not make eye contact and no talking as to not excite the puppy further and let him interact if he prefers.

If this doesn’t work put her in the crate, no correction just lead her in until she calms down. Let the puppy see you interacting with your mother give your mother a hug, sit next to her, share food. After she calms down let her out and see if she will approach your mother. She can offer her a treat. You do not want to be correcting now because you don’t want her to start associating negative vibes whenever your mother arrives.

[Gene]

So I’m thinking that you may have an issue with your dog protecting you. You said that he becomes defensive when someone approaches him on leash. That also means that the dog or person is approaching you.

I haven’t seen his act but for the most part you want to avoid harsh corrections him being a puppy. We don’t want him to start to associate discomfort or negative vibes whenever dogs or people approach. You have to get him before he goes off. Once he goes off there isn’t much you can do. You will see subtle changes in body posture then “Let’s Go”. Move him, movement relieves stress. I would keep concentrating on obedience without the distractions.

I did notice that you said my “sweet” and he is “pretty” obedient. You may want to try being somewhat more assertive and demanding in the training. Even sometimes lowering your voice can make a difference.

[Gene]

The video is Sit, Stay, Relax also Door Darting with Mya and Goofy waiting at the doorway not allowed to cross the threshold until released.