Your offer of training is nice, but such a codependent thing for the dog's family to accept(i.e. you are enabling them to be irresponsible), and my bet is that they couldn't follow through after your efforts, if they won't put in the effort now.

Sorry for your loss, Kenya. Good long lifespan for a GSD, and a better way to go than some I could think of. May her daughter be as fortunate to live a long life, and have an easy end. That's what I would wish for my own dogs, too, and everyone else's on this board.

All my dogs have been rescues or shelter dogs/puppies, except Sequoyah. I purchased her from a reputable stockdog breeder because I had always wanted a working style Aussie puppy and couldn't find one from ARPH. The oldest dog I ever adopted was Fergie - she came at age 11, and is now 20 1/2.

Rule number one - ignore excitement, reward calm. Relaxation protocol is great, but at times when you are not doing it, the fall back position is rule number one:-) Also, if you have time, set him up for success by exercising him before partner arrives, so that he isn't quite as keen.

Anyone who would like to support Australian Shepherd Rescue and Placement Helpline can now purchase their 2010 calendar: http://www.aussierescue.org/Home/tabid/53/ctl/Details/mid/408/ItemID/24/Default.aspx

Are you a non-profit, or do you just support rescue with part of your proceeds? And, can you tell me which rescues you are supporting (you don't have to list all of them, just a few - I like to know where my donations go, should I choose to make one.

This is not just for Kenya - but for anyone whose dog exhibits a similar constellation of behaviors, either minimally or in a troubling way. Spinning & pica (ingesting non-food items) are both stereotypical behaviors that sometimes point to underlying anxiety at best, and obsessive compulsive disorder at worst. It's more common in some breeds than others, and IME GSD's are one breed that seems to have its share of dogs that exhibit this behavior. Crates are usually contraindicated, as

Both of these dogs need training, and after this experience, the Shih Tzu needs off leash play with dogs her own size to build her confidence. Could your mom take her to a positive puppy class where there is a play time before class? As to the rough play, you have a Border Collie, not a couch potato, and he needs physical and, more importantly, mental stimulation. A two to four mile run is a lot of stress on puppy joints, so I would quit that. Instead, try throwing tennis balls, or frisbees (that

quote user Liesje quote user spiritdogs While it s correct that the dog chooses I find that many dogs find shock aversive but the humans in their lives don t seem to think they do quote I think most people use shock collars either for positive punishment or negative reinforcement IMO too many use

some dogs that spin excessively do it as part of either a learned behavior or even a stereotypical behavior (OCD), but it can be caused by other factors, too - erlichiosis, hypothyroidism, neurological issues. Some dogs, like my 20 year old Yorkie, spin when it's dinner time:-) But, if you are worried about it, trust your instinct and have Ena Bean checked out. https://www.vetconnect.com.au/5min/data/01560157.htm http://www.askdryin.com/movies/SpinOutBarkFeb08.pdf