beardog

hi there thats a lovley set of boys you have! I trained there a very long time ago when i was about 13 - 14. I imagine it would have changed a lot since then. (i am 37 now!) I remember it as very busy, lots of dogs and lots of grid formation heeling. I had a german shep pup at the time and they didnt have much time for teenage handlers. An adult perspective would be better so check them out and try before you buy. I have since worked with and for many trainers and that is my advice. Ask lots of questions and try out all the clubs in the areas you are prepared to drive to. See how they treat you and what they can offer in the form of help and advice. If you like what you see then go back and join up. If you dont like how anybody treats you then keep looking till you find what you like. There are many options available to you and what one person recomends might not be what you yourself are looking for in a training place. Good luck and happy hunting!

hi there everyone seems to have covered what i would have said. Wear him out first, have house rules re how rowdy they are allowed to be indoors and hoof them outside with a command if they dont settle. When he is settled and got the sillies out of the system then he is allowed in again. Mine have their own mats and baskets but prefer to wrestle each other at my feet on the couch. If it gets too rough then they get the "OI!" if they dont listen then they do time outside. The akita loves nothing more than a good session on a bone and will lie quietly all night now chewing instead of deliberatley blocking the telly or nudging for attention. Keep in mind he is just a kid and too much ignoring might lead to more destruction. Its when mine are TOO quiet that i check what the little brats are up to! Good luck and remember a tired dog does less damage! (survivor of 3 staffs)