Is it possible that your dog just doesn't understand the commands you are giving. If the dog has never had a strong understanding of the commands it could be that you are just thinking she understands what you want.

It is never too late for obedience!!!!! Older dogs can learn new tricks it just takes a little more patience! Even if you think your Sadie understands you, it sounds like their might be some confusion going on. It may even be a dominance thing where she doesn't regard you as Alpha (the pack leader).

My suggestion is to go back to basic obedience and start from the ground up. Find an obedience club that you can take classes at. Positive reinforcement obedience classes seem to have better results for my dogs than the correct by choke methods.

Postpone, (or work in conjuntion with) Agility training. You need basic obedience skills in order to have your dog understand what is expected in agility too! Fundamentals can never be replaced and all dog work incorporates basic obedience so make sure it is down pat before moving on. You can learn obedience from a book or video but I STRONGLY SUGGEST classes. Trained instructors are able to pick up things you might not even be aware of!

Happy Training

[ September 10, 2001: Message edited by: Dixieland Dancer ]