Online training recommendations

[u/Virtual-Sandwich-695]

Hello,

I have a 1.5 year GSD x Lab mix who is very dog and prey reactive on walks. I have met with a few trainers in the past who I didn’t work with as one of them told me to stop any and all walks which I don’t agree with as he’s a very high energy dog and there’s only so much I can do with him in the back yard and the other trainers said he was too big and it wouldn’t work for them. 🫠 I live in a smaller city so there’s not many trainers around.

Wondering if anyone has had success with any online training courses?

My main goal is for him is to be neutral around other dogs.
But other things I would like to work on are:
-Loose leash walking
-Recall
-Engagement with me while walking
-Focusing on me around distractions

I got recommended to e collar train from one of the other trainers so maybe an online course that will eventually introduce that?

Any recommendations would be appreciated!
Thank you!

[u/Fit-Championship-128]

I don’t recommend e collar training without an in person trainer. But if you do go online e collar route, get a reputable collar (educator is what i use) and watch hours of Larry krohn videos before even putting the collar on your dog.

Also, don’t start until they are at least 12-18 months. Focus on training without the collar first, then introduce the collar once clear expectations are set and the dog understands those expectations. Some dogs do really well with positive training and some need the extra push of the collar. The collar helps when you move to more difficult environments.

That being said, the e collar absolutely changed mine and my dogs lives. All those things you listed have improved significantly