LovemyKelpie

Thanks for the replys! This is my first dog so I have mostly been going off advice from friends and people at the dog club. During the off leash part of the puppy class, Once I see that he gets focused on a dog I tend to pull him away early and leash him and try to get his attention for 5 or so mins, even if he is looking around at the other dogs after this and I think he will find another dog to play with and release him, he runs straight back to the previous one and the cycle starts over again. Also, the instructors don't like to interfere too much with the dogs as they say that they have to socialise and learn the rules themselves or something. From what you guys have said and my experiences so far.. Beginners Obedience Classes start next week so I might head on to that one instead. A friend who has a kelpie and a BC recommended me a halti because Durzo pulls so hard on the flat collar that he coughs and splutters. He seems fine with the halti and doesnt pull at all(It's a gentle leader if that makes a difference?) I have started walking along with him and giving him treats at totally random intervals and so now he walks along and pays close attention waiting for the next treat so I'll give it a try without a halti but i just don't want him to hurt himself. I'd really love to do agility and advanced obedience later on with him. He's such a sweetie. That "training with drive" system looks pretty good! I'm going to give that a try aswell =D Thanks guys!

Hey Guys!! I just registered here and was wondering if anyone has any advice for me... I have a 3 month old kelpie named Durzo and he is wonderful and gorgeous and pretty much my new lover =P I've had him for nearly a month now and we are doing pretty well, he sits, comes and walks well most of the time (as long as it's on his halti because he tends to want to pull). We have also been attending puppy school which has been good, however he has a problem where he gets too focused on one certain puppy when playing and after a while that puppy (it changes each week) gets annoyed and snaps. When I remove him or try to distract him, Durzo just keeps going back to play with the same puppyand he gets over-focused one that one dog and this has resulted in at least 3 dog fights this week alone. Also he tends to focus on the smaller dogs.. or the ones that don't want to play with him in the first place.. I think that the over-focusing is the only problem as the instructors said that he was exhibiting all the normal "come play with me" signs. I have tried distracting him with squeaky-toys, a dog whistle, running around and treats but so far he just acts as if I'm not even there and I am now at a loss for ideas. He is not like this when there are no dogs/other pets around at all. (but he does the same if my 2 rabbits are out playing in their pen) Do you have any ideas as to how I could get him focused on me when this happens? or at least get him to change his focus to another puppy before it gets out of control. Hayley =DD