Hi I was wondering if anyone had some ideas to help me build my dogs confidence in himself and in me as a leader?
We have done lots of obedience and some agility but I was looking for something fun to help us have a better bond and for him to become a bit less protective.
Thanks in advance

[german sheep]

Hello puppymamma,

and for him to become a bit less protective

what do you mean by that?
In which case is he protective?

LG
gs

He is mainly very protective around our property and around door greetings. He has in the past barked and snapped at people close to me in response to a movement that he perceives as threatening. I really feel that he doesn't have confidence in me to make the decisions necessary to protect him or myself so he overreacts to certain situations.
We are doing some intense dog training but I really think that if I could show him that I am a good leader with some positive activities he might trust me more to make the decisions. I have had shepherds before and I know they are very protective but he takes it just a bit too far.'

I am curious what you mean by "intense" dog training.

If you are doing obedience and agility you should have a good bond and your dog should be following you as a leader. I would recommend a book for you to read. "Leader of the Pack" by Steve Duno & Nancy Baer. I recommend it to all my puppy people. Another good one is called "The Dog Whisperer" by Paul Owens and Norma Eckroate. These books have been around for a long time and are written by well respected trainers. Not to be confused with Cesar Milan, these books use non-violent, non-threatening methods.

Thanks orange dog I will check out both of those.