my border collie x is a bit naughty, at times he won't come to me ( when his playing or when his got something his not suppose to) his great with other dogs though a bit bossy at first & usually loves my 4 yr old sister but yesterday he snapped at her. I was wondering if anyone had ideas to get him under control and to listen to me, I don't want him to be scared of me or anything.. sometimes he will come to me with something his not allowed but not often.. I've recently been told to hold him down in dominence ( on the ground on his side) to show him who's boss for 20 minutes everyday.. I feel awful though. His a sweet playful dog who loves cuddles & attention from people but has a few issues.. we have also moved house a few weeks ago & he has a new friend who's very well behaved most of the time & her owner is worried my dogs going to teach hers bad habits.. id also like to be able to have him off leash at parks etc. I use to let him off at a park I took him to everyday, but I have recently moved & the closest place is very exciting for him with water to swim in ( he loves water), other dogs & plenty of trees.and roads not far. I'm not sure how to get him to come back & stay with me again he comes when whistled to but I can't whistle.. please help (: thanks

Well I don' think it is a good idea to hold your dog down, I believe this only shows him more aggression, and would become fearful of you every time you come close to him, or could think this is a new and strange play time, and become more excitable. I would suggest Obiedience classes. And it will take lots of time and effort to teach you dog manners. If you want to show him that you are the pack leader, then when he is doing somehting wrong then you need to stand tall and say "NO" in a very firmative (but not yelling) deep voice. Also you need to reward him when he has done something good. How old is the dog, and is he neutered?

A lot of trainers use the method of holding the dog down... honestly, I don't think it does much good in most cases.

I'm a bit fan of positive reinforcement, and while mine do get punished they get praised a lot more.

Just getting your "grump on" and putting on an angry voice usually works to show you are boss as well as time outs.

Thank you (: yeah I don't really like the idea of the dominence thing.. he does listen sometimes when I growl at him but sometimes he thinks its game as well.. ill try & be a bit more firm when I do though.