Kavik

I wish I was in QLD so I could come! They even have IPO!

How is she initiating the game? Mine can't initiate it because I own the prey item - it only comes out during training. And with the herding - I have started herding with my Kelpie, and I am encouraging his drive and working with it. I am trying to find a herding school that does not inhibit the dog overly much, but still gives the necessary control to work stock. Though different breeds of course work stock differently and I am far from an expert having only just started with my first herding dog! So far my Kelpie is the only one that I can work with in drive outside of the yard.

What are her favourite things? Does she really like food, squeaky toys, tug, pats? My GSD is also a socialite and would rather play with other dogs than train! Until you get a reliable recall I would keep her on lead (you can get a long lead to still allow her to explore). Diesel is fine at training and on walks, but once he gets running with other dogs he doesn't come back reliably, so if we are around a lot of other dogs he is on lead. Maybe you could try not giving her the morning meal the day you go to training so she is more hungry if you are using food for training?

The one at Homebush is very good, but not terribly close to where they are Not close to me either btw! http://www.sinch.com.au/wsdtc/ Or Manly and Districts - train in Mosman http://www.northernbeachesdogtraining.com.au/index.htm

DogLogic did some classes at For Dogs Sake when I was working there. They have done the Delta course so use that methodology. They talked a lot in their classes. They used food, toys, clickers. Lovely ladies. Is it just obedience or existing problems?

I don't do as much training with Diesel anymore. I have a hard time motivating him, and he was getting bored. I wasn't sure I could get him to the point that he would do the exercises with little feedback as needed for competition, I still have to gee him up a lot to get him working well. Having said that, since I don't do it every day anymore, he is more animated when we do train

My GSD does not have tummy problems but does have skin allergies that flare up quite regularly so I sympathise and hope you can find a food that works! Eagle Pack have a fish based food that is good, have you tried that?

Diesel has skin allergies generally, but they are aggravated by stress. When I went away a couple of years ago, he had chewed a hole in his tail while I was gone Took a while to clear up though.

Good point Rom, I didn't notice the bit about CGC I'm pretty sure they don't approve of check chains, and would probably have a heart attack over a pinch collar

I prefer pinch collars to check chains for a scenario like yours, you do not need to use nearly as much of a correction on a pinch collar to get their attention.

I use cheese. Tried mini frankfurts and they worked well but the smell made me want to ;) especially on a warm day!

Kaos can jump up and give kisses when you are standing up! He no longer often jumps up on me, but does sometimes on guests/strangers when he gets excited, and does tend to think people sitting down are fair game I generally get him to sit or drop if he is being a silly bugger. I agree with Kelpiechick about them being fairly soft while being pushy at the same time, can make things tricky!

Leerburg - Training the Competition Heeling Dog

Back on topic . . . I looked after a GSD who hadn't been socialised and was timid around people, especially men. I gave people treats and if she chose to approach them she got a treat. She was 8 months when I looked after her. She improved to a point but was never a confident dog around people. Kaos was nervous around kids, so I asked kids if they wanted to give him a treat, and those who agreed were given a treat and if Kaos approached he was given one. Kaos being the guts he is :D did approach them (and people on bikes, that he was also scared of) and has improved greatly. He now wags his tail and wants a pat (and probably hopes for a treat ;) ) when he sees a kid. Will he ever be as bombproof as the OP wants their scared dog to be? Probably not. He is a bit of a skittish dog generally, and very alert, always on the move, and has high prey drive. He is not the sort to sit/lie quietly when something happens. And that is fine by me, that is his personality.

I also clicker train, but not exclusively. Like Spotted Devil said it is great for interaction with objects. I've taught nose and paw targets and also sticking head in bucket as part of putting an object in the bucket. I also used it for teaching 2on/2off contacts for agility, and retrieving a dumbell. You do need patience though as at the start it can take them a while to figure out what you want and can be frustrating. You start with broad parameters and then narrow as the dog gets the idea. For some things I lure though or use other methods, including training in drive. I like to keep lots of tools in the toolbox and use what is appropriate to the dog and situation

Another recommendation for K9 Force!

I haven't voted yet - I think mine would respond differently. I have done it twice - once bringing the old family dog who they barked at and bullied a bit, the other time over xmas someone housesat and brought her dogs. Diesel eventually became good friends with her Jap Spitz and they were together in the house when I got home! Zoe is dog aggro so I never trust her, though she accidentally got loose with housesitters elderly dog and apparently was OK. Kaos I was told barked at her younger dog from behind the fence and she didn't think they would get along. But when I got home we took them out front and then back together on lead and they ignored each other. Not friends but they didn't want to eat each other. So I didn't know how to vote! Generally I don't do it as I am worried how they will react. I probably worry too much!

Kaos went feral when I first put a collar on him! He wanted to kill it! Patience and perserverence :D didn't take long til they don't notice it anymore

Diesel broke his right hind leg when he was 6 months old. He needed pins, screws and an external fixatur. Was very expensive $2000 sounds about right unfortunately I crated Diesel for the 6 weeks needed - it was very hard with a 6 month old pup, but the best way to keep him confined to heal. He only got out for toilet walks and cuddles on the couch. So far the leg has been fine. He still has a screw in it, and when he walks the joint does not look quite as stable, but unless you are really looking you wouldn't notice. He runs, jumps, plays, wrestles with other dogs no problems. He is now 4, so I don't know how it will affect him as he gets older. Good luck with your Yorkie, sure is a cutie

Wow! What a little pocket rocket! :D

I have one of Kaos wearing a prong. It is a bit dark though. I can send the larger file if you like. Where do I send it? ETA: I might try to find the camera and take a better shot . . .

Do you want pics of dogs wearing them?

Just visited his website again, $2000 for puppies They must be pretty good! Love the vids of the puppies working.

ummmm, a baby and I am in a different state! would probably only have gone as spectator, not sure Diesel would be bothered doing enough to want to come.

Oooh nice wish I could come . . .