any help

Is she digging in the backyard or is it just tore up from Courtney playing? Unfortunately the ground is incredibly soft right now and ALL of us pet parents with yards are having to deal with mud. How is she getting in or out when she wants? Colton is a big boy,about 120#, and he used to try rushing out the sliding glass door everytime we let them out. We were afraid he was going to bust the door out so we started making him "get back" and "sit" before we opened up the door. This solved the whole "rushing the door" issue. I know it it hard not to spoil our pets, but it sounds like Courtney might not see you as alpha. I had this same problem until I started enforcing the "rules". Dog are like children, they need rules and limitations and someone to ensure that they are sticking to them. You can start with some basic stuff without going to a trainer. Try making Courtney sit before being let outside. Also when our dogs get too hyper and out of control we have taught them to "go lay down". It's kinda like a timeout for children. They have to stay in the down position for at least 5 minutes and usually after that they are calmed down. If Courtney knows basic commands like sit and down these suggestions are some easy things to do and they might help. Good Luck! My in-laws used to have 3 very hyper boxers that were very obnoxious and hard to train.

I also recommend teaching the "sit" command before letting Courtney in or out. Sounds like you also need a shy dog class. I know www.caninesinaction.com has a shy dog class and I think someone posted that doggoneconnection has one. Also, check into the dog classes at Bark Tudor.

Theses classes are much more reasonable than you might think and socializing Courtney may help her.

She might be spoiled but she's also probably bored, and, as Rhonda said, unclear about who's in charge. Dogs really need to know that someone is in charge, and they will fill that position if they think no one else will. Most of them know subconsciously that they really DON'T want to be in charge, so then they get anxious and destroy things, etc. I'm glad you are going to fix this, because it can be fixed. BUT you have to be patient and consistent. My dogs are not allowed to race out the door, although they still try, and have to be told to sit and wait. They also have to go to their mats whenever I am preparing their food. They can't get up till I release them. Again, it takes time and patience, but if you use lots of good treats and are consistent in your approach you can help Courtney be a better family member.

One of the best things I learned in obedience class was that the class was for me the human, not Carolina, the dog. I was taught how to teach her what behavior I want from her. Mind you she's not a robot, she still barks, chases squirrels, rolls in goose poop/mud/on her dad's shoes/whatever stinks, sniffs people's crotches, wants to find out what cats are made of, still hates the mailman, etc.... I know you don't want to spend a fortune on classes, but you'd be surprised how affordable classes actually are, especially if you compare it to the cost of having to repair your screen doors all the time! Some classes are more expensive than others, like the private sessions some of my friends have taken, but we went to a PetSmart class that met once a week for several weeks, years ago and it was about $120. Seriously the best money, I've ever spent, but like all things, you'll get out of it what you put into it. I did my homework with Carolina and reinforced the lessons every chance I got. My friend, who paid for private lessons, sort of let the weekly sessions with her trainer do the work and the lessons didn't stick for long and two years later had to get another trainer...jeez... If your Courtney can sit, you're halfway there. Make her sit while you open the back door and keep her in "sit" with the door open and then tell her "OK" to release her. BTW--the best thing was teaching Carolina "wait." It just stops her in the middle of whatever she's doing and makes her focus on me to release her. It's great for when we go somewhere and I open the hatchback or door and she's ready to go bounding off before I can grab the leash, but I tell her "wait" and she waits until I say "OK!" Same thing when she comes in with muddy paws,I don't want her to sit, I say "wait" and she waits until I can wipe her paws. I make her "wait" for her treats, too. Like everyone before me (likely after me) has said, it takes time and patience and consistency. Lastly, no amount of training is going to stop her from being hyper if she's not getting enough exercise.
As for the shyness, is she just shy around strangers or anyone who isn't you?

I was having the same problem until I took canine training through the Indianapolis Humane Society. It was not that expensive and I bought the 3 month pass but they have different programs. It has been the best money spent. I have learned so many things and she follows my commands that could save her life. I'am happier and so is my Zoey!

I agree that WAIT is one of the most valuable things you can teach a dog. I hold up 1 finger and say wait when I don't need for them to settle in a stay, so they know that it is different. And I did forget to mention that regular exercise/play, not just opening up the back door and letting the dog out to run, is absolutely imperative. Walking on lead, playing with toys with you, throwing the ball for her, etc. can't be replaced by anything else. A tired dog is a good dog.