Tonymc

Poms,first cab off the rank would be to see how the lead is actually being put on the pup.I mean the way in which the owner physically puts the lead on.Have others put the lead on and take note if the pup reacts the same way.That will tell a story.sometime's people will carry out a task with a dog in a way that spells out threat to the dog. Tony

Blai, its never wise to drug any animal as all it usually achieve's is to mask the real problem.Firstly have a read through of K9's Puppy development info on this site. A big help for you would be to read "Natural dog training" by Kevin Behan. When this dog gets excited are you shutting him down?One has to be careful when doing this as it can teach a dog that its not safe to express drive around the owner.The end result is alot of resistance towards the owner. Blai,just because a dog responds a certain way on a leash,is no guarantee he will respond the same way off leash.I would be starting to get into distraction training. How much stimulation does this dog get and what outlet for drive has he got? Tony

Law,many times in situation's like this your dealing with a conditioned response.Very similar to Pavlov's Dogs. Tony

Bailey, have a look at this site.www.mccallumk9.com The site is Tony McCallum's.He is a good man with a dog. Tony

In any situation in life, firstly we must be totally honest with ourselves and be prepared to look at the role we are playing.Also when we are not getting the result we want,we change the approach till we do get the result we want. Tony

Good move, Deelee. Tony

First thing I would be checking Carlin if possible is,how are the littermates to this dog behaving. Tony

Juileanna,what would the simulated course be like and what would she be tracking in the comp? Tony

Some great photo's and very good to see dogs working. Tony

Julieanna,in the simulated tracking what is she actually tracking? Tony

Firstly,the dog doe's not know what you want.We teach our dogs how to behave,whether negatively or positively.The slinking around is an indication that this dog is carrying alot of built up resistance. Yes a prong collar may help,but in all interactions with dogs,we have to look at the role we are playing.Inorder for change to happen with the dog,firstly we must change. Tony

Temperament tests are a worry to me!!!I have seen many so called temperament tests that are not worth two bob!!!! The way this dog is behaving is nothing out of the ordinary and not surprising.I do not see this dog as a major problem.One would expect him to have the tendency to nip as he is half heeler.Tugging clothes is also part of the heeler heritage. First thing I would as k is what leadership is being given to this dog and secondly what outlet for drive is this dog being given?Of course he gets restless when physically restrained as many dogs will interpretate it as threatening behaviour. Tony

I would go with a normal standard prong collar, especially if it is the first time you will be using one. I would have to second Jeff's advice above. Tony

Mine get right into the fresh lungs,so I could not see why they would not go for a dried version. Tony

Prey drive at work. Tony

Belinda,I would consult a good Trainer for both the dog and yourself.The relationship between your family and the Dog will depend on knowledge and applied knowledge.You mention that you have never really trained a Dog in your post.One could start off with little knowledge and through much time,frustraion,worry,trial and error eventually get there or you could follow a trainer's advice and take much of the trial and error and time out of establishing a mutally beneficial partnership between the dog and your Family. Tony

No problems at all Laeral.Please let us know how you get on as I am interested in where the problem lies. Tony

Like other posters have said go back to Steve.He will get you on the right track quick. Tony

Jeddica,be good to see some photos as I have a fondness for the ol Stags. Tony

Penny, your on the right track with Trish. Tony

Thank you Erny,longtime no talk. Tony

Have to agree with Kelpie-I and Erny. As Erny say's, the map is not always the territory. Tony

CBL, its all about the trainer encouraging you and hubby to treat the dogs as dogs.A good written resource is "Natural Dog Training" by Kevin Behan. Tony

I agree entirely with Cosmolo.A flat collar is quite adequate for a pup. Tony

Exactly SAS, I have seen a couple of similiar disasters!!!! Tony