Question:
Shannon, I've read that some dogs go through adolescence where formerly obedient dogs start to challange your authority to see how far they can push you. Is Scooby going thru a phase like this?
Being part Sheppard, maybe Scooby feels that he needs a 'job' to do to keep his mind busy and keep him satisfied that he's doing something useful. Have you tried enrolling him in agility classes?
If he tends to run away when outside, maybe try fencing the yard that he will be in? When I had Keesha, she stuck to me like glue when inside, but once she got outside and spotted a squirrel, she'd be off like lightning and deaf to any command. Which is why I never let her off leash unless in a fenced area.
Have you tried tethering him to you when you are inside the house so that you can keep an eye on him all the time and correct undersirable behaviour as it happens? It's probably the most effective way to teach him that what he is doing at the time is not allowed rather than correcting him after he is done rummaging in the garbage. Dogs don't think like humans, they can't make the connection between what they did 5 mins ago and getting disciplined for it now when they are not doing anything wrong at all. Try to catch him in the act!
Have you tried a spray bottle filled with water or a can filled with pennies as a deterrant? If you haven't, I'll try to find the exact method for you, let me know.
I hope you work things out with Scooby!


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Update:
My new years resolution was to work more with Scooby. So that in mind I started early with the approach that he doesn't need to change I do, so I have started doing the complete opposite with everything. He jumps on the table, I call him to me and praise him for coming. He runs away I call him to me and praise him for coming (which I always did!) but this time I sneak a treat in too. For a week (the day after I posted this first letter) everywhere I went he was attached to me by a leash. Now I am in now way going to brag because I have learned everytime I brag about anything it stops. So I am just going to say it seems to be working. Today Kassidy had a mini pizza for lunch and she had about 3 bites left and normally those would be gone, but he tried and I called him to me and he left it. I left it on the counter to see if he would go for it and it stayed there all afternoon. Same with supper!! I am soooooooooooooo.......happy!! . I am still going to try to swing getting him into obedience or agility training but it is going to be tight for a few months yet! Have bills to pay and needles to get first!
I am currently watching the buyer flyer for a used underground fencing unit for the spring, and see if that might do the trick, for all the dogs.
Anyway thanks guys for all the advice and keep it coming!


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Sounds like Scooby is making good progress! I'm glad that your efforts are having an effect on him and that he is responding well


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That's a great start Shannon... I hope it keeps working! I know it can be very frustrating at times... of course, my 2 dogs are


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Shannon, I am so happy to hear Scooby is improving as you are working with him. That is so encouraging. I hope his behaviour continues to improve.


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5. Dogs are not capable of being "sneaky". They are opportunists. If they see an opportunity to get food, they'll take it. There is no pre-planning or evil plotting going on in their minds. You will just have to prevent him finding opportunities.
I have to disagree with this one,,,Sasha IS sneaky and I have caught her being sneaky
she LOVES beanie babies, she has her own and I have mine that she is not allowed to have, well I have a shelf in my living room that has my phone, a picture and my dragon beanie baby that Sasha is not allowed to play with, one day i noticed the beanie baby gone, found it on Sashas chair,,no biggie, figured the boys did it,,,after doing this a few times I suspected it was Sasha and not the boys at all,,SO I stayed behind the kitchen wall and watched,,,she stood up, looked around, stood there for a few more seconds,,,,took another quick look around then she stood up with her paws on the back of the chair, looekd aorund again, seen nobody, ever so gently with her teeth, grabbed the beanie baby then put it on her chair, she then went and laid on top of it so I couldnt see it under her when i came around the corner
tell me thats not being sneaky


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That's great Shannon! Just a warning about the underground fencing...many dogs (especially smart ones) learn how to get out of the fence. You see, they are only zapped when they are within a few meters of the fence. So if they can run through the zap onto the other side, they are free and the collar doesn't work once they are far enough away.


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Be forwarned about this method of fencing. While it *might* keep your pet confined, it WILL NOT keep other dogs out!
Having said that, it sounds like you are on the right track (again?) and doing a good job so far with him. Sounds like he just needs more one on one with YOU. And thats a good thing most of the time.
Keep up the training and before you know it you'll have yourself one of the best behaved and well mannered pups in town!


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I have to agree with Candice about the underground fence... Over the years I've seen many, many 'stray' dogs come into the shelter with those collars on... I don't know if after awhile the dog thinks "It's only going to shock me for a second then I'm free! " I think it depends on the dog though...


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Thanks for the info on the fences guys. I hope his progress continues!