Trouble with my dog

[Silver_Dragon]

I would really appreciate it. My only problem concerning training is, that I don't want to push her too hard. She seems very bright, but every
time I train her a bit too intensively, she (like described above) does
what I tell her to, and then a couple of days later, she does not, even
though I've been training her every single day...

I think you have GOT to have control over your dog. If it does not want to
listen, MAKE it! It is the only way a dog will learn. The best way is to
ALWAYS have a leash on when you do your initial training, that way you do
not have to chase the dog around, and can quickly and easily correct it.
As for the method of training the dog to sit nicely while being greeted,
there is a large process to this, but more than well worth it! It is
actually a part of the CGC and TDI tests here in the US... SO Ivy needed to
know them to pass these tests.
The first thing you do, is to have the dog sit in a heel position. Walk
forward using a treat as a lure, as in training to heel, and tell the dog to
sit. It should be in the proper position (if not, gently place the dog in
the position), and reward it with treats and praise. Do this untill the dog
sits properly each time. Then you can work your way up to telling it to
'stay' or 'wait'. Whatever command you choose, it does not matter. Then
just have the dog sit there for a few seconds at first, then a few more each
time it correctly does the given amount of time. Reward after each command
done right, and do NOT be afraid to correct! If the dog does not stay, push
it back into place and repeate the command. After the dog gets to doing
this right, then you should get someone as a distraction. Have him/her just
walk by after the dog is in the 'stay' position. If it gets up, correct it,
if not praise! Easy as that! Then have the person walk closer each time,
but just walk PAST the dog at first. Then, have the person approach the
dog. At first passing right by (preferably on your right side, away from
the dog). Then when that is sucessful, have the person come up and pet the
dog, then walk away.
Eventually people will be able to approach you and the dog will just sit at
your side (assuming you have given the command). This HAS to be done on
leash at first, untill it will ALWAYS respond to what you are asking of her.
You should take the dog for a 10 second 'walk around' break inbetween each
of the steps. For exaple, you are getting the dog to sit at your side:
walk, have the dog sit in heel position (if not right, correct) give treats,
and get up and move around for 10 seconds, and then do it again (maybe only
4 or 5 times in a 'session', maybe only 2 or 3 sessions a day).
But do use alot of praise, and in any of your training, do NOT be afraid to
clearly voice your commands, and place the dog where it should be. It needs
to be told EXACTLY what you want of it, or the dog will be REALLY confused,
and may not respond because it does not know what you are asking her.

I am going to be away untill Monday night, so that will be why I probably
will not respond to any mail untill then. See ya!

~Silver Dragon~