I'm so, so upset. I can't handle it :(

[elizabethann]

First don't beat yourself up. We all look at our dogs a bit differently than
others do. (that's because we love them so much)
I have a sister that spoils and doesn't train her love bug little dog
nearly enough, yet in her mind her dog is trained.

Looks like you have two choices.
1st I do not think the team captains should discipline your dog.
I think that should be done by you.
If you enjoy flyball and you think Zeke does too, than
bite the bullet and start disciplining him when he is rude to
other dogs by time outs etc. IF after awhile it looks like Zeke is still
not improving than try something else with him.

I would have loved for my Rocky to be a Therapy dog but he would made a
lousy one. Sheba, I would have loved to compete in obedience with, but
she was not reliable off lead with other dogs.

Give it another try and see what happens.
Either way you have a wonderful dog in Zeke and you are a good owner.
Just my two cents.

Those are some good ideas. I like the therapy dog idea as well as the competetion obedience.

[slleipnir]

I'm waiting for Zeke to be tested to be a therapy dog, although I'm sure he'll suck at that too. He jumps up sometimes, and that is an automatic fail.

[dog_pug123]

I don't mean to be mean at all, but you're acting like he can do nothing. I'm sure he's good at many things that you haven't seen yet. I bet he'll do good for a Therapy Dog, from what I've heard he seems like a real sweetie. Have you ever tried agility or frisbee? Or freestyle?

[slleipnir]

All I ment was, he sometimes jumps up on people, and if he does, he fails. There is no question in my mind that he would be an excellent therapy dog. Then again, same with flyball. He would be excellent at it too if not for his love of dogs.

[Ginger's Mom]

I am sorry Audrey. Two thoughts, first I think it would be great if you worked with Zeke to be a Therapy dog. You already know that his jumping won't be acceptable, but that is alright, you have time to work with him (yes, you can you are a wonderful dog owner). And maybe try agility or frisbee with him. I heard you say that they are the only training group around, but if you get involved with them in an activity where all of the dogs aren't working at the same time it may still be as much fun for Zeke and less stressful for you. Good luck to you, and hugs to Zeke.

[cyber-sibes]

Awww, Audrey, don't be so hard on yourself, anyone would be upset and you are not a BAD owner!
Well,at least the reply you got back was civil. I think she's (he's?) trying to help you see what you need to do, if you want to succeed with this flyball group. It just sounds like not everyone in the group is tolerant of your inexperience, but you're correct in thinking that these things should have been explained to you long ago. Doesn't sound like much fun, though, for you or Zeke right now. So it sounds like you will either have to decide to do whatever it takes to be on top of Zeke every second you're there until he understands what's acceptable and not, or find something where the people are less competitive, that will be a whole lot more fun. Can't find anything around? Hmmm, I've seen people on animal planet that "dance" with their dogs- it looks like a blast! And maybe setting up an agility course on your own would be fun, no fancy equipment, but lots of imagination & creativity. keep your chin up.
BTW- I've been looking at your handome Zeke everyday on the Pettalk calander & thinking of you. He's got such personality! I hope you can find something better than this lousy situation.