Quote Originally Posted by arefem
Clicker training was shown by the puppy trainer and worked well for a while, but once we started to click and not reward every time he quickly started ignoring it.
Bingo. Would you go to work if you received nothing in return? Same concept. The click is not a reward. The click is a marker, a cue. If you don't reward after you click, it becomes meaningless jibber jabber. I highly suggest you take up clickering again, but use it appropriately (and always follow up with a reward when you click ).

I'll be honest, it sounds like you would benefit greatly from one-on-one work with a good trainer. At this point, it just sounds like you and the pup aren't quite on the same page, and I think a good, respectable trainer who uses positive reinforcement methods will help you sort things out.

However, this is my opinion on what you can do in the meantime:

Pulling on lead: I use the same method you wrote - dog pulls, quickly change directions, and keep walking. If dog pulls again, keep changing directions. If you can do this quickly and at a fast pace, the dog will eventually start pulling with less and less intensity. It would also help to reward the dog the minute he comes to your side. At that point, I click and treat. Repeat repeat repeat. With some very strong, persistent pullers, it could take a week of such training, but it will work if you can be consistent and persistent.

Him jumping and grabbing at you: Sounds very much like an adolescent dog There is usually some pattern right before the dog gets into that "mode". It could be staring into his eyes, it could be a slight stiffening of the body, it could be a tense crouch, etc. You usually know, though. As soon as you see him getting into this mode, LEAVE. Just walk into another room and close the door. It sounds like he's doing this to solicit play and attention, so what you have to do is remove what he wants. Give it a few minutes, come back out, get a Sit or a Down, and *then* praise him.

Odd behavior towards other dogs: According to those two situations, it sounds like he's fearful of other dogs. In the store, he was on lead and in an enclosed place, so he could not diffuse his fear and resorted to barking. Out in the open, he goes into a Down to show submission. That's what it sounds like to me based solely on these two situations, but I don't personally know him so I really can't be definitive. However, if it is fear and you've never dealt with a fearful dog before, I would definitely contact a behaviorist. Fear can deteriorate without proper management.

I don't know if I really buy the argument that the foods are making him hyperactive because they're too high in energy. Remember, energy is calories, and the side of the bag tells you how many Kcals are in a cup. If you feed him too many calories, it seems like he should get fat, not hyperactive. Or maybe I'm thinking differently He *is* a young adult/puppy still, so he should be hyperactive, and, believe me, I feel your pain. I have a 14 month old Dobe/Lab. Talk about high energy!! =)