Thanks for the responses so far. I like the idea of specifically training in the car and not just trying to work on it while on a car ride. Some points to respond to are below.
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Originally Posted by Bring_Back_Shantz
Okay, I didn't read every word of your post, but a few things stuck out at me.
I'll start this with saying this. There is no such thing as an untrainable dog, especially labs. They are just about the most food/fun oriented breed, and can learn to do just about anything with enough patience, repetition, consistency, and kibble.
Firstly of all, you said he's obsesed with tennis balls, and you've tried to get this out of him. WHY? You've found a VERY STRONG motivator for your dog. If he'll do anything to get that ball, then instead of trying to train it out of him, use it as a training tool to work on the other behavior.
Secondly, the biggest problem with any poorly trained dog is almost always a lack of consistency/repetition from the owner. With a new baby in the picture I'm not suprised things have gotten worse with your dog. You say you don't take the dog places and and he gets excited and it makes the problem worse. Chicken and egg man. The dog is bored because you don't take him places, then when you do he gets excited and freaks out so you decide not to take him places. You're short on time, and the dog is missing out on the attention he used to get, it shouldn't be supprising that he's acting out, especially since it's a lab, which are usually pretty quick to figure out what they can get away with, when the owner isn't around/paying attention.
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He's actually very trainable which is part of our confusion. You are right, no dog is untrainable ... I just don't have the knowledge at this point to approach his unique issue.
We tried to minimize the tennis ball fixation as he nearly took a little girls hand off at the dog park. Had he connected there is a very strong chance he would have been put down. He got my hand once and it was
brutal. With the kid on the way our goal (at the trainers recommendation) was to eliminate that reaction.
You are correct as the baby brings a certain level of change. We do focus on getting him proper exercise every day, but of course sometimes he misses a walk. I can't say I notice a huge discrepancy in his behavior after a lot of exercise vs. too little exercise, but that could just be me seeing what I want to see.
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Originally Posted by Cowperson
I would doubt that but what else would he say.
This pooch might not fit the energy level of your family. Sounds like he needs more frequent exercise.
It sounds like the pooch is under-socialized with other dogs, hence the aggressive behaviour to other dogs. In your frustration, you are reducing his socialization, which is a common reaction (guilty myself in the past).
Dogs key off the emotions/reactions of their owners too.
You'd probably get some great clues or tips from a few episodes of Dog Whisperer. In a lot of cases, the behaviour of the dog is more often than not directly the result of something happening with the owners.
Your dog is watching you. Seriously. At the very least, a few episodes with Cesar Milan will put your head in the right place.
If that doesn't work, next stop - doggy prozac!!!
Cowperson
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I do believe the trainer when he says he doesn't use the shock collar often. He's an older guy and pulls no punches about his method. He could very well be lying, but I've met many of the dogs he's worked with and as far as I know none of them used the collar. I think there is a time and a place for the shock collar, but I don't think my particular situation calls for it.
I remember being so judgmental of people who don't give their dogs the amount of necessary exercise. After about 6 months of daily walks where he'd fly off the handle each and every time leaving me exhausted and frustrated it began to wear on me. That's kind of where I find myself now ... I walk my dog because it's my duty as his owner, not because I get anything out of it. That is breeding a pretty good amount of guilt, hence the thread.
I do watch the dog whisperer often and have read 2 or his 3 books. There must be something I'm missing because the techniques don't seem to totally work for us.
I don't want to give the impression that we don't walk the dog because of these problems ... he does get daily walks (probably 1 exception per week). Perhaps his walks aren't long enough, but we do try to get him out as much as we can. As for the dog park, I would say my negative experiences have me guilty of keeping him away from them.