It's Me or the Dog!

I'm living in an "It's Me or the Dog" episode. Yesterday my fiancee took Skyler out while I was doing some homework. I was sitting in front of the computer and it shocked me when he burst into the room and slammed the door behind him.
     "I'm sick of this bullshit! He doesn't listen to a thing I say!"
       He complained about the pulling, the barking, but mostly the ignoring. Skyler's graduated from two different obedience schools now. He knows "sit," "down" and "come." He gives high fives, walks on a loose leash and drops things from his mouth. BUT only when he wants to or if there's a treat involved. (He loves Lil Bits. An older trainer of ours recommended them because they're strong smelling and are small enough that he won't hurt his stomach after training.)
       I calmed my fiancee down. I've never gotten that angry about it, but I knew exactly what he was talking about. 

    Skyler's yanked me down the street after birds and squirrels plenty of times. And the moment he hears me turn on the shower, he raises havoc. He's chewed pens until the ink explodes, chews holes in my comforter, destroyed high heel shoes and gotten into my fiancee's DVD collection. I know what you're thinking, put him in the cage. But he cries and whines. I feel so awful cooping him up.

       With our current financial situation and the horrible experience I had with the last crazy trainer, I wasn't convinced that school was the best choice. We negotiated that we'd make a trip to Barnes and Noble this weekend and pick out a book to follow. Don't get me wrong, we play with Skyler all the time. We aren't looking for the PERFECT dog. We love his energetic personality. (I've added some more silly videos to the right.)
       I would never want a robot dog that just waits for his next command. I just want to be able to go on walks without so much chaos.


If you have any similar experiences, I'd love to hear them! Book suggestions and photos are welcome!