100% Fed Up

[LucyA]

Ok, here I go!!
I try to shed Blitz in a good light on here but I've really lost my rag right now so here goes...
He NEVER comes back when called when were walking. We have to trick him into getting him back on the lead.
He pulls like a steam train on lead walks, we put most of this down to his obvious phobia of passing traffic. But I have to pre-plan every single walk and I constantly have the worry 'could there be cars, could another dog set him off'
Every day when I leave for work I'm thinking about what I might come home to - his separation anxiety is unbearable.
I don't know what to do, I am literally crying my eyes out. I will NEVER part with him, but this isn't how it should be and I need some help.
I know I sound stupid and pathetic but he is really controlling me and all I want is for us both to be happy.
Could some one please recommend me with a dog behaviourist!!
Blitz is my first dog and I'd bury myself before losing him but this isn't working!!! I'm in Hull, can any one help?!,!?

I'm sorry but sometimes a rant is necessary xxx

[gsdlover4ever]

What age is Blitz now?

[LindaM]

Hello Lucy and first of all a hug from me

I probably can't help you much but these dogs are not easy unless you have some understanding.

Someone will come on and help and you will find someone to help you train him. You have taken the first steps.

Lukey is our first dog and I am really much on my own with him as my husband has become ill since getting him.

I love him to bits but I have to be quite firm with him. I would love to cuddle and spoil him all day long but he would be such a handful. He wants to be in charge and there are ways we can put them in charge and ways we put ourselves in charge.

You are going to need someone to show you (in real life) or to closely mentor you (in my opinion) but I would say it can be turned round because you want it to be.

I just wanted you to know I am thinking about you and that this situation can be helped.

A friend of mine told me her dog won't come back (not a gsd) he sleeps at the end of her bed, he is always under her legs leaning on her and lots of other things I wouldn't allow.

I'm not saying a dog can't sleep where YOU want it to but in my opinion it would be by MY invitation.

Linda

[Cmseasman1]

We are seeking help from a trainer who was also concerned with our worry over biting, so we are having one to one lessons as well as puppy classes now, in the hope that we can stop this biting. It may well be worth you seeking help from a trainer too, may be one to one, think ours is too far from you but ask around and you may find a good one. I cant offer any other help as this is our first time too, and it can be really frustrating good luck!!

[JazzHarv]

Please, please don't feel like you're being stupid and pathetic, you aren't. It's better to ask for help now than when you really do get to the end of your tether.

Someone will be along that can help better than me. Didn't want to read and run.

Xx

[jesterjenn]

Do you take him to training classes? If not, what sort of training have you done with him?

May sound weird, but does he know his name (this isn't meant as an insult, just trying to figure why he isn't coming back).

When he doesn't come back, will he go into a down and tell him to stay, then go collect him and have a game of tuggy as his reward?

Is he toy motivated?

[Lutgard 1]

Lucy Hunni
Big hugs!
My Nephew is being a 'Kevin the teenager' and totally natural.
Go back to basics with him, but first of all get a crate for when you have to leave so you havnt got the worry of what you will come back too. Make sure it is big enough and he has a safe toy and treat with him and Obviously water.
It will ease some of the stress!
Next I will call you tonight Sweetie for a good chat xxx

[sami]

First Lucy you are not pathetic and you are trying your best so dont feel bad for asking for help.

GSD's are not the easiest dog to own but can give so much back.

I would agree with what everyone has said really. Training is the key.

I think Linda imo has hit the nail on the head the dog will control you if you let it. It isnt always that easy to see what you are doing wrong but I suspect you have fallen into the trap of letting him away with too much and now he has the upper hand.

I would look for a good training club near to you, preferably gsd specificly if poss.

You have to try and be firmer with him.

Big hugs to you.

Ehugs Lucy! It feels like Blitz will never get through this stage, but he will!

What everyone's said is right. You need to regain control. Make him earn nice things with you. If he won't recall off-lead you need to keep him on until he will. Work on that. What's he like if you walk the other way when he's off lead? I had trouble with Zee's recall so can sympathise!

Nothing for free. Even when I play with mine I make them do stuff - whether it's a down stay or a spin or paw before they get the ball or toy.

He needs boundaries re-setting. They're bright dogs and will work out what they can get away with. Ignore him more, generally. Make any interaction on your terms, so if he's mithering you for affection ignore that. When he's calm and doing the behaviour you want, give him a fuss.

Remove most of his toys, leave him just one. After a short training session, get a toy out and play with him, then put it away again. You control the toys. I don't do this now - they have toys out, but I still keep a special toy for training purposes.

The separation anxiety - how is that manifesting itself.. is he being destructive / barking when left?

[Stuart]

I think I am about to repeat everyone else.

First of all you are stronger for saying you are in trouble, its not stupid at all, GSD are not always an easy breed,.. but it will get better,.... breath!!!

The crate is the first thing I would do,.. if you have a crate you can control the situation when you are away,... try and train him to it, by giving him a few meals inside with the gate open at first, have him sleep in it, cover it over with something to turn it into a den, he is more likely to want to go into it on his own.

You are right, you probably do need a trainer or behavourist,.. so that Blitz is started from the begining,...but untill that time, buy a GENCOM head collar, so that you are able to control the pulling more effectively

Also by a long lead, maybe the type you get for horses, there are many on Ebay, try to get the leather ones as the nylon can burn your hands unless you are wearing gloves,..this way even untill his recall is improved you can get him back when ever you want to

...and keep this thread going, so that you have somewhere to vent your anger, we can get through it together