[Jaidann]

If it helps, I too was raised with the "yank and crank" method of training. I've been around animals all my life. From hunting dogs and horses to dobermans and finally my greatest love, the Rottweiler. I'm 46.

When I got my first Rottweiler, I had found a fabulous trainer who taught me that above everything else, nothing but GOOD things and love should come from my hands. A light bulb came on in my head and from that point on, I understood my animals much much better. I also got a much better response from them. They did things for me because they really wanted to. Not because they felt they had to. That doesn't mean they never got corrected. It just means I approached things in a totally different way and found out I rarely needed to correct them when they understood what I was asking of them in the first place.

Gina's advice on how to 'correct' if you have to is good. Listen to her.

And dog parks are bad because most times you are setting your dog up to fail. And that is because for the most part, the dogs that are at dog parks are rude dogs to begin with. The owners themselves are clueless on what is correct behavior from a dog and what isn't. It's a recipe for disaster. Especially considering the tough legislation that is knocking on everyone's door to get rid of our breed of choice.

Find the money for classes, or as suggested try the SPCA or Humane Society nearest you. There you will find like minded owners who want to have well behaved dogs. You can learn together and let your boy interact with dogs and owners that are learning what you are and have the same goals in mind.

Hope this helps :)