Yep, he's been to puppy classes before but they didn't work. The instructors couldn't even get him to pay attention. It's like talking at a wall.

I bought a shock collar today and tried it on my arm, but it was a bit harsher than I thought, so I don't know if I want to use it anymore. I thought it would be milder but it was really startling.

I have so many problems with him. I will list them and maybe someone can give me some suggestions.

- He barks as soon as people or other dogs stop paying attention to him. He also barks when he hears things in the hallway of my condo building. Sometimes when we're out, he just barks for no reason at all.

- When I walk around, he bites my toes to get attention and if it doesn't work, he starts barking. When I say "quiet" or "no bark" he runs away and hides under furniture where he knows I can't reach him and taunts me.

- He jumps all over people. This includes me and guests who come over. He won't let them have a moments peace and if they don't spend every minute playing with him, he barks at them.

- He doesn't know how to play without biting fingers and hands. He doesn't bite aggressively, but it still hurts and is really annoying.

- He jumps at people's faces and makes a biting motion. He never actually bites, but it freaks people out.

- He never comes when I call him. The only time he'll come is if I'm sitting on the couch and it's very clear that I want to pet him or give him a treat. He never comes under other circumstances and never when we're outside. (I had him off leash once in a secluded area with some other dogs in the neighbourhood who were very friendly and tame. He handled that alright and didn't wander off too far, but I had a hard time making him come back to me at times. Sometimes he'd come when I called him and other times he wouldn't. That was the first and only time he ever came when called while outside).

- He seems super nervous and shakes constantly when he's outside.

- He's really awkward when interacting with other dogs. He's either really submissive and lies down, or hops all over them. If they stop paying attention to him, he barks at them continuously.

- If he knows that he's in trouble, he either hides under furniture and won't come out or runs around like crazy and taunts me. He knows he's faster than me.

I have tried positive reinforcement, like praising him or giving treats. I have tried crating him. I don't think he has any clue why I did any of those things, though. He's not very bright. It's hard to communicate with him. He's really unresponsive and seems confused.

So, as you can see, I have so many problems with him. Any suggestions?

This is what can happen if something goes wrong:
how electricity is used
HelpingAnimals.com // Animals @ Home // Caring for Dogs // Electronic Fences and Shock Collars
http://www.americanchronicle.com/articles/21472

Yeah I tried it on my hand before I was going to put it on my dog and it was kinda sharp, so I returned it today. Guess I'll have to find other ways to make him stop barking and listen to me.