GSD 11 Months and I am burning out fast. - Page 2

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Hundmutter

by Hundmutter on 14 October 2018 - 17:10

Sorry, but the older one gets oneself, the less sense it makes to get a puppy. What we may have found easier even 10 years ago, even if we feel healthy and on top of everything, in our 60s becomes more tiring; and if you happen to get a dog who individually is a bit of a loony, so much the worse to take it on.

I would have loved to raise a 'personal' dog right from puppyhood - but having raised many puppies at work, I have realised this would be too much. My house dogs have always been taken on as adults (the one I had the most trouble with, on the lines that you are describing, was the youngest, at 18 months, and that was some 15 years ago ! I was fitter then, still working). Since his death at 12 and my own retirement, I had a couple of years with a 12 year-old, which was fine; her obedience wasn't anything to write home about and she was going (selectively ?) deaf, but we muddled along okay.

Following her death, I've just taken on a 6 year old. He seemed laid back, and in some ways he is easy to handle, but there are things I like a personal dog to be able to do, like Stay, that he has obviously never been taught. So he is having to be taught a lot from scratch, like a pup. He isn't a 'foodie', either; and to some extent he is as awkward as you described your dog to be about toy (ball) based training. And I am finding that work pretty tiring; I know full well I'd have to back him if I didn't have lots of experience to fall back on. Some puppies would have been easier, in fact.

I can see this dragging on for you, to neither you nor your pup's advantage. So, yes, talk to his breeder (certainly don't just let him go to a shelter or whatever, even GSD specialists, until you have tried to get assistance). Do you know any reliable Trainers locally, do they have a regular group or class you could take your dog to, where there could be help available ? Joan's advice about he has to earn your attention, his regular food, etc, is good; take it, and be consistent. She's almost certainly right about losing the flirt pole altogether, at least for the time being, too.  Best of luck.


by ValK on 14 October 2018 - 17:10

Jesse
OP stated that for last 15 years gained experience and knowledge with GSDs.
albeit previous dogs did come as already mature, it doesn't change too much.
last dog was taken as pup, i assume typical 6-8 weeks age of rehoming.
was plenty of time up to 11 month, to find personal touch and approach, to subbmit the pup to owner will.
seems didn't happen.
instead to go into more troubles and questionable effort, would be much better for both to part their way.

Jessejones

by Jessejones on 14 October 2018 - 17:10

Hey Valk,
I have known people that have had 15 years of dog experience, but still can’t train certain things effectively. (Add:)Or have had no experience with a certain type of personality in a dog.

I’m not saying this is the case here, as we don’t know the OP.
But, training correctly is everything.
And there are many levels to training.
So I can’t assume what the op does or doesnt know how to do.

If the other dogs were not puppies, all the more important to go back to square one with this dog and learn the BASICS of dog training again.
The op is asking for advice, and needs to go back to square one with this dog. Perhaps the op has bonded already and wants to try some more. So lets try to help.


 


Jessejones

by Jessejones on 14 October 2018 - 17:10

PS:
OP talks about loose leash walking.
Yeah, it is normal for a lot of 11 mo olds to not walk nicely.
When walking, for now, use a prong (if you are not already using one). Fit it correctly right under the ears, snuggly, with chain o-ring on side of dog that walks against you.
Otherwise for right now, he will destroy your shoulders and hands and perhaps even cause a fall, if he pulls hard.
The pulling will not solve itself perfectly overnight right now. No matter how much you correct.
That is a separate training issue, that we could write volumes about.

So I would just work on other training right now, like “look at me”, recall, down/sit/stay...etc. Then baby steps about the pulling as a separate issue.


Appleboat26

by Appleboat26 on 14 October 2018 - 19:10

OMG THANK YOU! So much good advice and even some encouragement and so quickly. Re reading through all the posts, I can see I will have to tighten up on his options. I have "spoiled" him, because I want him to be happy all the time, and he is now running amok.
The first thing I am going to do is put the flirt away. He has a high prey drive to begin with and although it does help wear him out, he is also obsessed with it.
I will also make him work much harder for his food. He is fed raw, but not really interested in any food and often turns down treats. He sits now before he is given his food or water, before he leaves the kennel, or goes through a door. It is always a battle, but eventually, he does what I have asked him to do.
He will also need to spend more time in his kennel until I can get better control. I also need to work harder at outsmarting him. He is crazy smart...but always uses those powers for shenanigans rather than compliance. I am going to start there.
I have purchased and watched the Leerburg Michael Ellis puppy training video, but because he is not treat motivated things fell apart using his technigues pretty quick. He has also been to puppy class, but just barked the entire class because he wanted to play. I do know a good trainer who helped me with one of my rescues and her fear aggression issues. He also offers board and train options.
I do not want to give him up, I am just so tired and frustrated. He does have a few good traits, he is never aggressive and when motivated, he learns really quickly.  If I find, in the end, I can't handle him, I will give him to the rescue agency. They are very good at placing dogs with the right people and I have confidence they would do a better job than the breeder. But I want to keep trying. I think I just need some support and encouragement. His name is Rocky (Rockets' Red Glare) and he is a beautiful dog. Unfortunately, I can't figure out how to attach a picture here.
Thank you all again. You have given me some great advice and most importantly, inspired me to keep trying.



Jessejones

by Jessejones on 14 October 2018 - 20:10

You know, he sounds like a really good dog! A challenge perhaps, but a good and thinking dog.

You are in one of the worst age stages right now. Patience. (Add:) But issues need to be nipped right now, and moving forward...in the bud. The dog is here to serve you, not the other way around. 

One of the biggest mistakes made lately in companion/pet dog training info  (last 15 years or so), is to think we have to entertain our dogs and keep them busy and tired out with endless balls, toys and endless excersise..etc. That, IMO, is one big mistake and is leading to many dogs that are just toy CRAZY and bossy, wound-up all the time.
Especially young dogs that are being raised to be companion animals, don’t need, and should not get that kind of heavy stimulation as OFTEN as we have come to think they need it.

Calmness. Focus. Working for food. That is the better alternative than a lot of overstimulating ball playing. If you want to do balls, then make him sit heel as you throw the ball, and only let him run for it after it has landed and he looks at you, waiting for an OK to run and get it cue. Teach him patience and self control.

If you need more specific answers to specific issues....this is a good place to come and ask...or to use the search feature for past posts. There is a lot of knowledge there and from the folks writing now too.


Appleboat26

by Appleboat26 on 14 October 2018 - 20:10

An image
Thanks Mr Darcy....Here he is...the Brat.


Appleboat26

by Appleboat26 on 14 October 2018 - 20:10

I hope so Jessy...
And I think you are right.
Everything I have read and researched led me to believe I needed to keep him active and wear him out. But I think a better course may have been to teach him to be calm...especially in the house.
I have given him too much freedom.
The "flirt" is already gone and he is in the kennel. I will walk him again in an hour and then make him work for his supper...or he will go without.
I thank you all for your support and encouragement.
This is such so much harder than I expected, but I am inspired and live to fight another day.

Jessejones

by Jessejones on 14 October 2018 - 20:10

Yay! Good for you Appleboat!

I speak from a place were I think I know where you are at!

My latest pup is 15 ish months old now and I got him at 8 weeks.

I’m not a spring chicken anymore, and, yes, it is a lot harder than it was a few years ago....including some health issues on my side.

But, always reassessing my training, really helps. Having people to talk to really helps. I am lucky and have someone I can talk to about issues and brainstorm with.

And always ask yourself:
“What exactly do I want to teach my dog” + “How do I want to tell this to my dog”, it will help. Because a dog will learn EXACTLY what you, often unbeknownst to yourself, teach him. Always.

A dog is an opportunist. Whenever he sees that weakness in you, not out of malice, but out of suvival mode of the species, he will find it and take advantage of it. We have to keep them honest and think faster, and be more observant than they already are. No mean feat on our part!






 


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