Training For Stubborn Australian Shepherds

A little background: I’m a fairly decent amateur trainer, having trained 3 previous Australian Shepherds and other breeds to where they were above average in practical obedience, able to free heel in crowded places, obey hand signal commands at a distance, and basically be trouble-free and easy to deal with in most situations.

Now we have a particularly stubborn Aussie that is showing me that I don’t know as much as I thought. He’s absolutely lovable and loyal but only comes when he’s ready, tugs on the leash, etc.

What I’m looking for are suggestions on "outside the envelope" training programs that might address my shortcomings in the training department. I’ve read all kinds of literature on the subject, including Guide To Australian Shepherd Training and Care (good stuff there) and lately have been checking out other sources. Doggy Dan is apparently centered around showing the dog who’s the alpha, not exactly new material, and recommends ignoring your dog when you get home (ain’t gonna happen in our family). Another is "Brain Training for Dogs" which sounded interesting but after many attempts to get login and password info squared away I gave up so I’ll never know about that one.

Does anyone here have other suggestions? Thanks and sorry to be so long winded.

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