Frustrations and Furies

My collie mix, Quick, is given to temper tantrums of truly toddler proportions. He throws himself on the ground (literally) and flails his front paws, yodeling at the top of his lungs.  If it weren’t so frustrating, it’d be hilarious!  This, after I went to grab his collar to bring him inside when he didn’t wanna come! Oh, the cruelty and horror of bringing a dog in on a –5 degree night when they want to play!

He’s given to this behavior when he doesn’t understand in training, too, and it can be intensely frustrating for me! I’m very lucky he and I get along as well as we do. It’s rare I make him that frustrated that he literally shuts down and tantrums. I’ve done it a few times, and it’s hard to get him back! I’ve found what works best is speaking in a gentle, firm tone (not too low) and tell him to lie down, spin, or shake. Those are his absolute favoritest tricks EVER.  Once he has some success, he tries learning again.

How do you snap your dog out of a funk? What works best for your dog?