I just noticed that it has been almost two months since my last post. Things are getting better. We found a way of getting Samson to pay attention and to calm down.
I had signed us up for a puppy behavior class, as much for reminding me how to train and to give Samson the chance to socialize with other dogs. We went to four of the classes, two which actually allowed the dogs to play after the training sessions. I pick the wrong class, but the socialization was very successful. The classes were geared for agility training and competition and I did not want to make him a show dog. Not that I think anything wrong or bad with show agility or show in any form except for the grooming requirements. Some shows require certain breeds have the ears cropped or vocal cords cut, etc.
We want a companion dog and thats the focus of our training. So after some deep thoughts and a lot of phone calls, Samson and I joined in a members only dog park. Part of the membership is doggie day care. That is probably the best money I have spent in a long time.
The dogs that live at the park (the park is on the property of the owner so there is onsite kenneling and pets there all the time to play with). Are all very socialized and the visiting dogs are tagged as to degree of playfulness and socialization. The owners also foster a couple of LARGE dogs, one( Faeden) who is part wolf. Faeden is extremely gentle and loving but is also the ALPHA. So Samson is getting doggie play and doggie life lessons. He has matured a lot in the last six weeks, he understands that he is no longer top banana but part of a pack and must behave like one. So for all of our training ups and downs I have discovered that letting a good dog pack train the puppy is the best way, and will advise anyone who has a puppy without others around to play with should make arrangements for a day care visit at least once a week for the mental health of all.