5 yr old german shepard

Question
Hi there...I have a 5 yr old male german shepard who can be troublesome at times....some of the problems are barking excessively when strangers approach our home (which is great to an extent) and he understands what sit, down, jump and leave it means however only when i have a treat in my hand..otherwise he don't do anything, only if he feels like it...also, he's quite aggressive when on leash..to any male or dog, however off leash, he loves playing with dogs, but still is wary of strangers..my question is that we're thinking about enrolling him in obeidence school for dogs but he is quite old...what do you suggest? also I suppose we should consider private lessons? Thanks for your help

linda :)

Answer
Hello Linda

A dog is never too old to learn. Never too old to train.  Never too old to teach new tricks to.

Obedience classes are great for both the leader and the dog, you learn together with others and its fun.  What I suggest, if he barks too much when people come, a little bark is fine to alert you.

Take hold of his hair in each hand on both sides of his face below the ears, shake his head back and forth and say loudy and firmly, NO. Mean it!  Use this for any corrections, it works.  On leash when he gets agressive, use the sit command and shake his head, say NO.  This does not hurt the dog, gets their attention and teaches them your not happy and he is going to change now.  Your going to be Boss at all times, when u speak he listens.  When he does not do the HEAD SHAKE.  Be firm with it for it does not hurt him just gets his attention and he learns your most upset, when he is good, he gets a pet and praise and a big hug.  

Dogs live to please us and be happy.  They do not want to misbehave if taught rigth from wrong, so its our job to take over and start corrections immediately of what we do not like nor want.  When he does good, give a big hug and pleasing words. He will want the love and attention, not the HEAD SHAKE.  

Enroll in obedience classes for fun. You most likely will not need them if this works for you like it does for me with  my pack of 6.  I keep mine all in line for they hate it when I am upset and I let them know it verbly and physically.  They can smell my anger, yes I bitch at them as nobody is around but me for they live to be at my feet all day long, kenneled at night for safety.  They run free on 3 acres all day long together, check out my site and look for the playful page.

If you need further help, let me know.

Kind Regards
Pat
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