Yes, my own general philosophy is no hitting, anyone, ever. It is kind of like saying "do as I say-not as I do". I can smack you, Hans, but do not retaliate. I am not new to having animals, but am totally new to training a GSD that has been allowed to fall back into horrible habits by the previous owner. Perhaps these types of dogs are even more of a challenge than starting from scratch, so to speak, with a really young pup. I watched the trainers carefully before I left him for several days to see how the other GSD (trainer owns her) and the other dogs (dobie- fear biter) as well as the dogs in the class, reacted to the trainers. I saw no cowering, only respect in their eyes(if that makes sense). How do you think I should handle some of these new situations that are cropping up? I've tried ignoring the mouthing/biting and immediately offered a prized toy as a substitute. That method, however, only works for that session and then we are right back where we started.
Do you think the prong collar is a bad idea too or mainly just object to the smack under the jaw? I travel to a job site approx. 3 hours from home and stay in that area 3-5 days during the week and then Hans & I come home on the weekend. My limitations are that I don't know very many people or the area very well, so I found the trainers (who are close to where I work and have owned several GSDs) from searching online for that area. I tried asking at the vet in that area with no luck. They have helped resolve many issues with him, but like you, I don't feel good about hitting.
Angela
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