German Shepherd confused when his human hides. Adorable video:

[A HERETIC I AM]

16. Yes, and thanks.

He's been gone 13 years this past summer and I miss him every single day.

I don't think I had a magic formula, and in retrospect, perhaps my post above was too much of a broad brush.

The book I used is "Good owners, Great Dogs" by Brian Kilcommon, a student of the late Barbara Woodhouse. Ms. Woodhouse was famous for, among many things, being able to take a random shelter dog and get it to heel and have manners within minutes.

One thing Mr. Kilcommon stresses in his book is the training that effects outside behavior is served best by certain inside behavior modifications. Things that are sort of counter intuitive, like keeping the young dog (or even adult) on a leash INSIDE until it becomes aware of what you want, etc.

I didn't mean to diminish your efforts, not by any means, nor the poster above, and I'm sorry if I came off that way. I also understand that each dog is different, some more strong willed than others. But as I said above, once the dog is emotionally attached to you, its fondest desire is to please you. That is the key.

I wish you many years of happiness with your dog (Edit; ALL your pets!) and hope he (they) live a long and healthy life.