Dog is becoming a problem.

[roadkill]

Well i guess my dog is beginning to "challenge" me. Recently he has quite frankly been getting on my nerves. He is coming when called much less often, now flat out refuses to get back into his pen (i have to force him in by leash) and one instance, when i had him out for a long run, he protested at having his leash reattached by using his mouth (gently but suggestively, which is unnacceptable).

Behaviour classes seem to be on the agenda, which i'm not looking forward to as he hates other dogs (except for the family shi tzu wheres theres a curious bond). Regardless, i am first to admit the cause is entirely down to me.

So, any other advice?

He's around 14 months by the way.

[Mochasmom]

So you have been having problems since January. Have you not sought the advice of a trainer yet?
Maybe a good idea to consider neutering him now.
I also suggest NILIF (nothing in life is free search it here and google it for more info)
If he is dog aggressive a few private lessons may be in order to assess his temperament and fitness for group classes.

[roadkill]

I'd been meaning to hire a trainer now for several months on account of his foolish aggression. Everything else appeared to be fine. Come, sit, stay, lay down so it slid into the "things to do" side of things.

But this recent behaviour, i.e. against me, has made it a no choice ASAP situation in my book.

NILIF - yeah, i read that last night. I've been trying that today, it'll have to do untill i get an appointment. Private one i hope!

[Sargeant_C]

I would also look into a private trainer since you do not feel comfortable in classes. And I would suggest yesterday since it will get worse.

Step up and get on the NILIF program and do not slack. And do not let him decide when it is time to get in the crate. Or mouth the leash. Step up big time.

[BostonRott]

When was the last time you rewarded him for coming to you?? Why do you usually call him? I'm guessing to get him to come inside, or get in his crate, or in some other way to end his fun. He's not stupid, he's learned that "come" means "fun ends." So of course he's not going to come.

This is a basic mistake in training, and this is EXACTLY the reason that we are adamant that ALL owners attend training with their dogs. It is very hard to "untrain" a behavior (such as you have now) versus do it right from the start.

You need to find a public class, at a training facility or obedience club, and get involved. Start with the basics, as I'm sure there are other foundation steps that aren't correct or solid.

Start rewarding him for coming to you. Call him for no reason, reward him, and then send him loose again. When you do this, reach for his collar, then reward, then set him loose. This way, he does not think that every time you call, or every time you reach for his collar, that you are going to end all of the fun.

[onthedl74]

As far as the "coming when called", Gretchen is absolutely correct! Junior was a runner! If he got out of the front door, the chase was on. If he was in the yard and I called him, he would look at me like "you talkin to me?"

I used the methods she is offering to you and now Junior comes when called.

BTW, I would keep treats on me and just call him around the house to come to me in addition to our "outside" work.