[Darnright]

>Even with all of the exercise she receives—tricks, obedience training, time off leash to run and use her nose—she still has to be a nuisance in the house. She counter surfs, paces, begs for and steals food, chews up the kid’s toys and other random items, eats out of the trash, and jumps on guests.<

Does this dog have a crate? When she gets obnoxious, she needs a time-out, given in a matter-of-fact, unemotional way.

Frankly, I see a couple of things going on here. The epilepsy and the dog’s genetics. Field dogs are by nature workers and need that work to burn off their higher energy levels. In addition, the dog may be experiencing hyperactivity as a result of the meds or simply from the condition itself.

You have my sympathy.

[needmorePaine]

Yes, she has a crate, and is usually pretty good in chilling out for a bit, but there are times where she demands to be let out by barking and pawing at the crate, which we ignore unless we know she has to be let out to relieve herself. One time she escaped, and we had to get a new crate!

The genetics are probably a problem in that, while we give her plenty of exercise in the yard with games and tricks, she may just need to be an all-day hunting dog because those are her instincts. I am not a hunter.

[old and tired]

Does this dog have a crate? When she gets obnoxious, she needs a time-out, given in a matter-of-fact, unemotional way.

I'm a big believer in crating a dog, and sometimes dogs do need to calm down in a crate, but I'd be careful not to use the crate as a punishment. A crate is like the dog's cave. A dog should always feel safe in his cage.