Originally Posted by
Jost
Thank you all for the ideas!!! I knew I came back to the right place. I think it may be time to work harder on the "go to your spot" training. We currently do this, and the excitement returns as soon as he is released. However, I may be able to find a length of time or a way of releasing that will work. I'll readily admit that part of it is unconscious reinforcement on my part. He and I are very much alike in the sense that we're both very active and high strung (I suck at relaxing too LOL). I'll brainstorm for more mental stimulation "games". I've tried different puzzle toys/games, have put him in his spot while I hide treats around the house, etc. The little weirdo genius in him always figures those puzzles out insanely fast and then I stand there asking myself "Did I just spend $50 on a toy that took him a minute and a half to figure out???". I've always been a very strong proponent of serious training. My ex used to call it puppy boot camp. It continues to this day with constant refreshers and always revisiting older commands or tricks that may not have been used much lately. One of the games I started playing with him at a very young age was naming his toys and then sending him on a search to go find that specific toy. Example: "Jost, go find your choco teddy" or "Jost, go find your wubba". It's progressed to the point that he now knows over 20 toys by name and we play that game multiple times a day. I can only imagine what a wild child he would have been if not for the strict training and years of obedience classes and competitions. It is funny that one of you brought up that your dog goes between your legs. Mine does the exact same thing. As someone who's 6'4", it's really never bothered me. However, it's definitely a problem when shorter friends come over. I have to remind them to not stand with their legs spread too wide, haha. Thank you again for the feedback!