Hi Kirsty,
Sunna is a small German Shepherd. She is a great little dog who seems to have only one issue -- her person may punish her. Every time she does something she thinks is bad, or I tell her "No" she runs off and doesn't want to come to me. I keep encouraging her until she does come. Then she is amazed that all I do is praise her and tell her she is a good dog.
How can I punish her? She has never repeated something she has been told "No" for, so those aren't being bad at all. What she thinks is bad (and it could be) is using the garage for a bathroom and using the car for a bathroom. Garage was the fault of my yard people, who blocked her dog door and never unblocked it. I didn't realize she couldn't use it until she went into the garage and barked. Car was my fault. She'd wanted to get out when we stopped and I thought she was just acting up, so didn't let her. In both situations, it was a case of "I HAVE to go!!! What should I do?" So there is no reason to punish.
Actually, I suspect she is always going to be a good dog, with mistakes only things she either cannot help or doesn't know are wrong. I am looking forward to the day she realizes being called is NEVER a bad thing.
Good luck with Tilly and Joey. They are lucky to have you. I am impressed with what you have accomplished with Joey.
kjd
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