I suggested using a citronella collar on Zack as a correction because it's the easiest way to correct (push a button), and with all the responsibilities Mom has, she needs an easy & effective weapon. I feel she should have it for the possible corrective aggression episodes at least. She's thinking about it. We started the lesson with the sit command, which Zack knew, then we moved into sit-stay using a six-foot leash and training collar.

He resisted at first, as all dogs do, and began to make quicker than normal progress because he decided to avoid the tension on the leash for breaking the command. Sit-stay is really important for all dogs, especially ones who have loads of energy to spare. It teaches them how to control themselves, and self-control is essential for the beasty dogs. I give my clients homework that consists of tests and distractions to use for proving the command to the dog. The point of the homework is to prove to the dog that under all circumstances the command is non-negotiable. If someone opens the front door real wide or a gorilla is hanging from the chandelier while Zack is in a sit-stay command, he is not allowed to get up and break the command, no matter how bad he wants to. If he chooses to break, he will be corrected by putting gentle tension on the leash and repositioning him into the sit position. This will happen EVERY TIME! There has to be a shift in the dog's perception of the owner (up until now, he thought she was a pushover). She has to prove she has some sort of control over the dog for the behaviors to change. I left her with 2 weeks worth of homework and the extra advice to praise the dog if she noticed him chewing on something appropriate, instead of the furniture. We'll see what becomes of the Zack vs. family saga.