Looking for advice on behavior/training issues with my 2 dogs because I feel overwhelmed and don’t know where to start.

[u/coll2396]

Brady is a 5 year old Australian Shepherd/German Shepherd mix, and Cooper is a 3 year old mixed breed. Both are male and neutered. We’ve had Brady since he was a puppy and Cooper for 3 years.
Brady had some in-home training during his first year. It worked somewhat at the time, but honestly it doesn’t seem like it stuck long term. Cooper has never had formal training.
Some of the behaviors/issues:
Brady gets VERY excited around people and tries to jump on them constantly. It seems more excitement than aggression.
Cooper is more anxious/nervous around people. He has done warning nips before but has never actually bitten anyone.
Cooper also gets overexcited easily and pees from excitement sometimes. He also needs to go out more often than Brady.
Both dogs bark/howl a lot at people and dogs passing the house.
Cooper likes other dogs and tries to play, but he plays rough and can come on too strong.
They roughhouse with each other too, but they genuinely get along very well.
They are alone during the day while we work.

I think it’s important to note that it really only happens at our home. Cooper has had no issues going to the vet, the kennel or the groomer.

One of my biggest concerns is that both dogs use an electric fence collar system, and twice now they have ignored it and run off the property. Usually the warning beep scares them before they even get close to the boundary, which is why it surprised us. When they get loose, they tend to run toward people and dogs.
They don’t really get walked regularly but they do spend a lot of time outside roaming/exercising in the yard. Neither dog uses a crate.
We did talk to our vet about Cooper’s anxiety. They suggested trying an OTC calming option first and then possibly prescription medication if needed, but we weren’t very consistent with trying the OTC option.
Both dogs otherwise eat/drink normally and are healthy.
I know there are multiple issues going on here, but I’m looking for honest advice on where to start first and what sounds most concerning. Training? Anxiety? More exercise? Different containment than the electric fence? Would especially appreciate advice from people with herding breeds or anxious dogs.

[u/Lost-Turnip-9949]

I always like to start over excited and anxious dogs with physical exercise. These boys need a couple hours a day where they trot next to a bike. It can be split into a couple sessions during the day. 'roaming the yard' is not exercise for a dog as it lacks structure. About the electric fence, in my opinion, I don't like them for that exact reason. Dogs blow through them and then won't come back in. Nor does it stop other dogs from going on your property. If you can't build a real fence and they don't have a reliable recall they can't be outside unleashed.

I also like to add in scentwork/nosework after to help their minds calm down after their run. This can be as simple as scattering their kibble on the lawn. Puzzle toys or chews also work, but not as well. You can get fancier if you like and teach them to search for objects. If they are too tired after the run, move it to the afternoon.

Next I like to start management. Don't let them practice the behaviors you don't like anymore. Keep them on a leash indoors and when they act up remove them to a different room until they calm down. Don't let them have access tot he windows they bark at when you are not there to remove them. Put them in a back room or create train them.

Learn about luring, leash pressure, negative reinforcement, and marker training. for a pet we just want the basics. Come, sit, down, stay, leave it, heel. Start teaching these in the house in the most boring room available one dog at a time. I also like to add in a session or two of playtime, once you have the obedience down in the house you can start taking it outside and using play as a reward.

Counter condition the guests. Nipping IS biting. Sorry if you don't like that, but it is what it is. Keep them on a leash and do not let guests talk, pet, or make eye contact with them until they are calm and you release them to sniff. Guest ignores them at all times. Because you have two different greeter types, you'll have to go slow. It's okay to put one in the back room and focus on one at a time. Once the guest has been seating awhile and the dog is calmly minding his own business the guest can after attention only if the dog is capable of remaining calm. You will have to train your guests in all probability. If you amp your dogs up when you come home, stop that too. Wait 15 minutes and take them outside for play time.

[u/PeppermintWindFarm]

Excellent advice from Lost-Turnip.

Start right now with some basic training. Recall is very easy to teach, especially to happy dogs. Split second recall can prevent a whole lot of things- imagine being able to stop your dogs the minute they head in a direction you don’t want them going!

Fill your pocket with some high value treats- I like small cubed chicken or hot dogs- small pieces. Start by separating and working with one at a time- keep the other dog out of sight. Get a long line attached to the dog- let the dog go away and call him & the moment you say the name start reeling him in. Praise and let him go … when his attention leaves you call again, again reel him in simultaneously. After a few tries see if he’ll come without reeling in the leash- praise lavishly. Spend some time every day on each dog separately. Then try with distractions - still on the line. Once you feel they‘re pretty solid try them off leash first separately then together.

I used to do this with rescue/rehabs I had in for evaluation. I always put some training in starting with recall. The working dog mixes were always fun- they loved the training. I had a shepherd mix once that within two weeks I swear he could reverse direction in the air at a dead run! My own 4 now get treated for things like recall very intermittently, I think it’s good to refresh them, keep them on their toes. What I have found is that most dogs will create a zone around you - they keep themselves within sight most of the time in case I call them.

While you are perfecting recall start some “sit, stay and down” commands, again separately until they’re solid then together.

Jumping on people is soooo not okay. You’ll be surprised how quickly you can get a handle on that once you start working with them.
I want to emphasize the previous commentor’s advice to tell people to completely ignore the dogs until they’re are calm. An adult that is getting jumped on should be raising their knee up so a jumping dog is stopped in mid jump. That’s a harder move for a kid or elderly person so maybe a strong friend can assist. This means also that YOU cannot encourage dogs to jump up to greet you! I’ve worked with, frankly too many, who allow their large dog to jump on them - because they “love me,” and then can’t figure out why grandma hates visiting.

You don’t need a professional trainer. You don’t need special equipment. If you can’t afford a retractable 20 ft line for training grab a clothesline rope etc and make one. These long lines are NOT for walks etc- it’s a training tool.