My husband and I are both teachers and failing our dog test with honors. We have 4 dogs and 3 are angels and one is a GSP....aka devil dog. We rescued her from the streets in March 07, she was a year old with adult heartworms. We even lied to the SPCA so she could start treatment before their 30 days waiting period that you should own a dog before treatment.

We live on an acre with 3 horses. We throw the tennis ball for at least 20 mins a day, go on LONG bike rides at full speed, and spend at least an hour at the barn daily playing with the dogs. The jack russell (10), lab (4), and kelpie (2) are just wonderful to be around. The GSP, even after all of her exercise, chases the horses, runs and finds mice (obsessively), barks and starts fights with the other dogs, pees on everything, eats the horses food (obsessively), digs out to find animals, and is driving us out of our minds. When it was too cold to leave her in the kennel in the barn, she came in the laundry room  but somehow the door was not closed and she quietly made her way through the house, peeing on everything she passed (yes, she was fixed as soon as the heartworms were treated). She is kenneled during the day and out when we are home. The more we exercise her- the stronger she gets. We both know there is a screw loose and she isn't playing with a full deck. We also both know that there are kids that are overly medicated, and there are some kids that NEED their medication to even make it through the day. We are at the medication point with her and will try that before we find her a new home. My husband grew up with GSPs and never had one as bad as her. Some might consider her actions 'normal', but she doesn't fit in with the rest of the kids, she isn't normal !!

I can give more details, but I have to go put her in her kennel, she is barking at the horses again.

Any suggestions...?

Sounds like you have a pack order problem as well as an obedience problem.  I would start obedience training immediately with your GSP.  Also, keep her on leash until she is trustworthy or in a crate. You might want to also enlist the help of an animal behaviorist to get a good evaluation of what is going on within you pack, along with recommendations.  A good ecollar could also help, but only after some obedience training, and you would also need to know what you are doing to use it.  So, a good trainer would also be in order here.

I would have to agree with Moose.  GSPs are really smart and need mental stimulation.  Working the mind of the dog also tires them out.  That is why I suggested you enroll in obedience with her.  It gets you both away from the house and it works her and her GSP brain.  Tricks as Moose said are also good.  Find games work really well with these guys and also teach tracking skills.  GSPs are not normal laid back dogs which is why many end up in shelters.  However, if you work with her and stimulate that GSP brain she should calm down some.

I still recommend a behaviorist too to assess your situation as it still sounds like there may be some pack issues going on as well.  By the way there is nothing wrong with leaving the bark collar on her all day.  She will get used to it and come out eventually and if it helps the situation why not. Just take it off at night when she comes in to go to bed.  Also, you should still do the other activities with her.

GSPs are wonderful dogs once you realize you have to spend some time working with them. I have three and wouldn't trade them for the world, but I work on training with them every day (usually 3 times a day in 10 - 15 minute increments).  I won't take you that long as you have only one.  In the morning work on a recall, around noon do heeling, and in the evening do sits and downs.  Even it she knows the commands you can work on perfecting and proofing (addind distractions).  Some other good commands are leave it, watch me, easy, etc. You can setup a play agility course with jumps and things in your yard (just use what you have on hand and be creative) and work her on that course as well. Spend time having fun with her instead of always fussing at her.  You will be surprised at the dog that emerges.  Be patient and consistent.  Good luck!!

Have you ruled a medical reason for the peeing issues?

Gail