Love them dogs

[OtterbatHellcat]

IMO if you want to take this on, you need basic commands....treats...and lots of time for progress, and positive affirmation to the animal. Training will help him understand he's not the boss....I'm not a pro on this, just trying to help. Get some hard rubber chew toys and bones instead of fluffy stuffed animal toys.

Kenneling will help the animal socialize with other people and other animals. Bailey had good points to heed.

[arbol]

Thanks all. Extremely helpful.

[arbol]

Here's Oreo...

(only slightly annoyed that I am taking a picture

[OtterbatHellcat]

Cool lookin youngster.

[Bailey Guns]

There are tons of videos on YouTube re: training dogs, specifically Heelers, and dealing with their specific issues. It's really hard to give advice without seeing the dog and watching how he reacts to certain things. Generally speaking, when he misbehaves (like when he nips) correct him sternly but calmly and redirect his attention to something else. Make him sit, for example. And when he does give him a little treat (doesn't have to be much...just a piece of his kibble or something like that).

I can't stress CONSISTENCY enough...in your commands, your body language, when/why/how you correct his behavior, etc. That's probably the hardest thing to do.

There's a book out there, very old school and probably out of favor with the times, but from a very talented dog trainer. The ideas and reasoning are very sound...I bought a copy back in 1989 (I think) when I needed to train an incorrigible black lab...turned out to be a fantastic dog.

https://www.abebooks.com/Koehler-Met...waAsfMEALw_wcB

It's an easy read and has some great information.

[Frac]

The type of training you need is formal obedience training. I would recommend sit means sit, so you both learn e-collar training. Unfortunately, it costs a small fortune and your brother is between jobs. Find something affordable with a professional obedience trainer.

Watch Donna Fenzi on YouTube.

Don?t use the crate as punishment.

To deter biting, you can pinch their cheek into their teeth. If he is mouthing your whole hand, stick a finger down his throat to gag him. They learn pretty quickly.

That dog needs exercise twice a day, up to an hour. Real exercise, not just a walk on a leash. Find something to mentally stimulate him so he gets worn down. Get him to run and stretch his legs, too.

Be consistent. Absolutely, unwaveringly consistent. Set a high bar for expectations and consistently enforce it. Dogs thrive on that structure. With time, that dog?s energy and persistence will be channeled into obedience.

Good for you for helping out your brother. If it wasn?t a family member, I?d flat out refuse to watch a neglected dog like that.

[OtterbatHellcat]

I've found that a quality laser pointer is just as effective on dogs as it is for cats. You want tire your dog out?...get one of those.

[OtterbatHellcat]

Unwaveringly consistent is a great point as well, among the others.

The dog will come to expect it regularly.

[00tec]

I've found that a quality laser pointer is just as effective on dogs as it is for cats. You want tire your dog out?...get one of those.

Yeah, until the dog stares at the space heater for hours expecting the led to move.

BUT, it wasn't my dog, so it is funny

[OtterbatHellcat]

lol.