So, generally the dogs I train are shy, nervous, or fear-reactive, but I do sometimes work with dogs that are just wild and unmanageable. The dog I'm currently with is one of those, and I'm having trouble. He won't stop barking, and won't settle down in the house, always has to be moving or getting into things. This is understandable to a degree, of course, but this is extremely severe.
So, a bit of context. He had a 2 mile walk this morning. and just got back from an hour-long walk about an hour and a half ago. We played for about an hour after we got back (flirt pole, fetch, tug) and had a "working dinner" where I had him navigate some agility obstacles and practice self control. I can tell that he is tired, his movements are slower, and he was panting for a bit. But for the last hour, he has been pacing the house, barking, and occasionally taking a break to play with his toy. He is not accustomed to working with people, so it is hard to get his behavior under control. In fact, he isn't accustomed to people much at all, so sitting quietly and petting him is impossible. (without physically holding him in place)
I didn't want to, but I eventually crated him alone for some down-time because his barking is bothering the neighbors. Any tips for how to get an energetic, restless dog with no motivation to work to behave? Or at least how to get him more interested in me and training? This dog is acting more feral than donesticated, honestly; although he shows no distrust or aggression to humans, he shows no interest or like for humans either.
So, a bit of context. He had a 2 mile walk this morning. and just got back from an hour-long walk about an hour and a half ago. We played for about an hour after we got back (flirt pole, fetch, tug) and had a "working dinner" where I had him navigate some agility obstacles and practice self control. I can tell that he is tired, his movements are slower, and he was panting for a bit. But for the last hour, he has been pacing the house, barking, and occasionally taking a break to play with his toy. He is not accustomed to working with people, so it is hard to get his behavior under control. In fact, he isn't accustomed to people much at all, so sitting quietly and petting him is impossible. (without physically holding him in place)
I didn't want to, but I eventually crated him alone for some down-time because his barking is bothering the neighbors. Any tips for how to get an energetic, restless dog with no motivation to work to behave? Or at least how to get him more interested in me and training? This dog is acting more feral than donesticated, honestly; although he shows no distrust or aggression to humans, he shows no interest or like for humans either.