MzSim Posted March 28, 2016 Share Posted March 28, 2016 Hi, My partner & I currently have a 14 month old German shepherd. We are in desperate need of a dog trainer or behavioural specialist. Any recommendations would be greatly appreciated. By the time we purchased him from the breeder he was already too old to start puppy classes at our vets & we signed him up at KCC for obedience training with other GS. However he is just so excitable & not treat orientated at all in classes so we ended up not continuing with classes. We have also tried taking him to another training school however the trainer wouldn't let him participate in the class and had my partner on the other end of the room copying the same things as the class, we weren't happy with this and didn't go back. Our GS Is lovely with other dogs but he is just overly excited as mentioned before in a class setting which is why I am looking at private lessons/training. Other issues we currently need to deal with are his pulling on his lead when walking, he is a big boy 44kgs & we have tried all the harnesses but they don't help, he also jumps & tries to hump both of us, bites my partner in a non aggressive way & bites skirting wood & his kennel wood(won't sleep in his kennel) & lastly he barks at any little noise he hears out the front or if he smells people or dogs walking past so his barking has increased lately. Sorry for the essay I'm just hoping someone may read this & be able to help with any suggestions. We love him & eventually want to find him a companion & have children in the next few years but in order for that to happen we need to train ourselves and correct his behaviour. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Spotted Devil Posted March 28, 2016 Share Posted March 28, 2016 I know he is probably a hand full at the moment but all I see in your description is loads of potential so don't panic :) I will PM you with a couple of trainers. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Two Best Dogs! Posted March 28, 2016 Share Posted March 28, 2016 I use these guys in Kew http://www.positivek9training.com.au They do one on one sessions in addition to classes, there's quite a lot of excitable teenage gsps (and dobermans and huskies and all manner of excited big dogs that pull and need manners) in the classes so you wouldn't stand out or anything if you decided that way. He sounds like a very excited boy! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MzSim Posted March 28, 2016 Author Share Posted March 28, 2016 Thank you both for your PM & replies. I'll research them tomorrow & contact who I think would be suited for our boy & us :). Kew might be a little far for classes as he's not the best in long car trips but I might still look into their private sessions. You both have made me feel a bit better about our situation, he is a very excitable boy & doesn't understand his own size or weight. I know he's smart which has potential, he knows the basics sit, shake, drop & stay but that's where it ends so hopefully we can both learn. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
El-aus Posted June 15, 2016 Share Posted June 15, 2016 I know he is probably a hand full at the moment but all I see in your description is loads of potential so don't panic :) I will PM you with a couple of trainers. Hi, could you please PM for me as well, thanks Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Spotted Devil Posted June 15, 2016 Share Posted June 15, 2016 I know he is probably a hand full at the moment but all I see in your description is loads of potential so don't panic :) I will PM you with a couple of trainers. Hi, could you please PM for me as well, thanks Yes, happy to :) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cosmolo Posted June 15, 2016 Share Posted June 15, 2016 We service all of Melbourne's south east www.underdogtraining.com.au Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Willem Posted June 15, 2016 Share Posted June 15, 2016 Hi, My partner & I currently have a 14 month old German shepherd. We are in desperate need of a dog trainer or behavioural specialist. Any recommendations would be greatly appreciated. By the time we purchased him from the breeder he was already too old to start puppy classes at our vets & we signed him up at KCC for obedience training with other GS. However he is just so excitable & not treat orientated at all in classes so we ended up not continuing with classes. We have also tried taking him to another training school however the trainer wouldn't let him participate in the class and had my partner on the other end of the room copying the same things as the class, we weren't happy with this and didn't go back. Our GS Is lovely with other dogs but he is just overly excited as mentioned before in a class setting which is why I am looking at private lessons/training. Other issues we currently need to deal with are his pulling on his lead when walking, he is a big boy 44kgs & we have tried all the harnesses but they don't help, he also jumps & tries to hump both of us, bites my partner in a non aggressive way & bites skirting wood & his kennel wood(won't sleep in his kennel) & lastly he barks at any little noise he hears out the front or if he smells people or dogs walking past so his barking has increased lately. Sorry for the essay I'm just hoping someone may read this & be able to help with any suggestions. We love him & eventually want to find him a companion & have children in the next few years but in order for that to happen we need to train ourselves and correct his behaviour. IMO you should also ask yourself whether rehoming the dog is an option - it is not a puppy anymore and the list of unwanted behaviour is pretty 'impressive' respectively very serious, so the question is justified whether this type of dog is really a suitable dog for you. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cosmolo Posted June 15, 2016 Share Posted June 15, 2016 I have MANY clients with lists just as if not far more "impressive" than that one and it doesn't mean they should be looking at rehoming the dog! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Willem Posted June 15, 2016 Share Posted June 15, 2016 (edited) I have MANY clients with lists just as if not far more "impressive" than that one and it doesn't mean they should be looking at rehoming the dog! I didn't say that they should rehome the dog (I really don't have the information or are otherwise in a position that would allow me to make a judgment about this), however, with so many issues which seem to be caused by lack of commitment for the required training I think it is worthwhile to contemplate about such an unpopular option. I have no doubt at all that the issues can be fixed via an appropriate training and skilled trainer, but I'm not sure whether the owners are ready to embark on this journey, which is now that the dog is already 14 month old a lot harder than it was when the dog was younger. Edited June 15, 2016 by Willem Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Simply Grand Posted June 15, 2016 Share Posted June 15, 2016 MzSim, in your position I'd definitely contact Underdog Training (Cosmolo). I think with the right guidance you will be able to get his behaviour under control :) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Simply Grand Posted June 15, 2016 Share Posted June 15, 2016 I have MANY clients with lists just as if not far more "impressive" than that one and it doesn't mean they should be looking at rehoming the dog! I didn't say that they should rehome the dog (I really don't have the information or are otherwise in a position that would allow me to make a judgment about this), however, with so many issues which seem to be caused by lack of commitment for the required training I think it is worthwhile to contemplate about such an unpopular option. I have no doubt at all that the issues can be fixed via an appropriate training and skilled trainer, but I'm not sure whether the owners are ready to embark on this journey, which is now that the dog is already 14 month old a lot harder than it was when the dog was younger. Um, your dog had issues at 9 months old that you hadn't been able to get under control, I don't see how not having all the knowledge early on in a dog's life indicates that an owner isn't ready to embark on a training journey. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Willem Posted June 15, 2016 Share Posted June 15, 2016 I have MANY clients with lists just as if not far more "impressive" than that one and it doesn't mean they should be looking at rehoming the dog! I didn't say that they should rehome the dog (I really don't have the information or are otherwise in a position that would allow me to make a judgment about this), however, with so many issues which seem to be caused by lack of commitment for the required training I think it is worthwhile to contemplate about such an unpopular option. I have no doubt at all that the issues can be fixed via an appropriate training and skilled trainer, but I'm not sure whether the owners are ready to embark on this journey, which is now that the dog is already 14 month old a lot harder than it was when the dog was younger. Um, your dog had issues at 9 months old that you hadn't been able to get under control, I don't see how not having all the knowledge early on in a dog's life indicates that an owner isn't ready to embark on a training journey. I think you compare apples (13 - 15 kg dog at the time that got over-aroused when seeing other dogs) with pears (44 kg dog - leash pulling, over-aroused most of the time, humping both owners, biting, barks); the OP asked for 'any recommendations', hence my recommendations is also to think about 'unpopular options' - again, I don't say the dog should be rehomed. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Simply Grand Posted June 15, 2016 Share Posted June 15, 2016 I have MANY clients with lists just as if not far more "impressive" than that one and it doesn't mean they should be looking at rehoming the dog! I didn't say that they should rehome the dog (I really don't have the information or are otherwise in a position that would allow me to make a judgment about this), however, with so many issues which seem to be caused by lack of commitment for the required training I think it is worthwhile to contemplate about such an unpopular option. I have no doubt at all that the issues can be fixed via an appropriate training and skilled trainer, but I'm not sure whether the owners are ready to embark on this journey, which is now that the dog is already 14 month old a lot harder than it was when the dog was younger. Um, your dog had issues at 9 months old that you hadn't been able to get under control, I don't see how not having all the knowledge early on in a dog's life indicates that an owner isn't ready to embark on a training journey. I think you compare apples (13 - 15 kg dog at the time that got over-aroused when seeing other dogs) with pears (44 kg dog - leash pulling, over-aroused most of the time, humping both owners, biting, barks); the OP asked for 'any recommendations', hence my recommendations is also to think about 'unpopular options' - again, I don't say the dog should be rehomed. Do you not feel confident that the training methods you employed with your 13-15kg over aroused dog would be successful with a 44kg over aroused dog? If not then yes, I guess you would be comparing apples to pears. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Willem Posted June 15, 2016 Share Posted June 15, 2016 (edited) I have MANY clients with lists just as if not far more "impressive" than that one and it doesn't mean they should be looking at rehoming the dog! I didn't say that they should rehome the dog (I really don't have the information or are otherwise in a position that would allow me to make a judgment about this), however, with so many issues which seem to be caused by lack of commitment for the required training I think it is worthwhile to contemplate about such an unpopular option. I have no doubt at all that the issues can be fixed via an appropriate training and skilled trainer, but I'm not sure whether the owners are ready to embark on this journey, which is now that the dog is already 14 month old a lot harder than it was when the dog was younger. Um, your dog had issues at 9 months old that you hadn't been able to get under control, I don't see how not having all the knowledge early on in a dog's life indicates that an owner isn't ready to embark on a training journey. I think you compare apples (13 - 15 kg dog at the time that got over-aroused when seeing other dogs) with pears (44 kg dog - leash pulling, over-aroused most of the time, humping both owners, biting, barks); the OP asked for 'any recommendations', hence my recommendations is also to think about 'unpopular options' - again, I don't say the dog should be rehomed. Do you not feel confident that the training methods you employed with your 13-15kg over aroused dog would be successful with a 44kg over aroused dog? If not then yes, I guess you would be comparing apples to pears. I'm very confident that they would have been successful, but I'm also very confident that it would have been much more work with a 44 kg over-aroused dog,...much more work...E.g., while it wasn't really pleasant my wife could still walk our dog, thus sharing the work, but she wouldn't have been able to walk a 44 kg dog that pulls like crazy and tries to hump her. Eta:...we getting a little bit of topic, sorry. All what I wanted, was to suggest to put all options on the table, also the unpleasant ones. Edited June 15, 2016 by Willem Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pretty Miss Emma Posted June 20, 2016 Share Posted June 20, 2016 Have you managed to find someone and get some help? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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