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 them for the former when they work much more effectively with the latter), so it would make no sense for them to think that the dog did not find the shock to be

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

[quote] ...Diesel trucks are fascinating.[/quote] A little OT, but your dog and I have a lot in common;-)

Some of the players at my weekly Yappy Hour http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g249/spiritdogs/Howl-O-Ween%202009/1025_0465.jpg

Another Aussie????