Need traing tips for GSD puppy

[ChewmonkeyBC]

Hi,
I need some tips on traing a German Shepard puppy.....so far we doing good in sit,and roll over......but not so good in laydown and stay....can neone help??
Thanks
Kayla:D

[Dixieland Dancer]

I would strongly suggest enrolling in a basic obedience or puppy kindergarten class. How old is your GSD puppy? If over 5 months then go straight to basic obedience classes.

One of the most valuable things any dog owner can do for their pup is to take them to a class as a puppy. Not so much for the dogs learning experience but for the socialization. I can not stress enough the importance of socializing in puppies. It is VERY IMPORTANT!

Along the way you will learn to teach your dog to sit, down, come, stand, and other commands as well. Find a class that teaches positive reinforcement.

[G-Diddy]

I completely agree. My GSD pup is now one year old and we had her in a puppy class followed by an obedience class starting when she was about 16 weeks old. I would also highly recommend it.

I'm not a professional, but in my experience with the GSD's I've owned, the classes are a good idea for a few reasons.

1. GSD seem to love to have a purpose and enjoy having their minds/bodies worked. They are so smart and classes are very stimulating for them.

2. GSD's get big and don't have the best of reputations with some people. For that reason I wanted to make darn good and sure that my Gracie had plenty of socialization with people and other dogs. You can do that on your own, but every bit helps and classes tend to be pretty structured. The classes are a nice neutral setting to interact with other dogs without having to get into the territorial issues that many shepards have.

3. My GSD was extremely dominant as a pup. Not only did the classes give my wife and I good ideas (my wife had never owned a dog, so the ultra-dominant Gracie was a shock) but it was another place where we are obviously in control and reinforced where Gracie's pack rank was.

4. They are just plain fun!

I hope you enjoy your Shepard pup. I will never own another breed!!

[ChewmonkeyBC]

hi,
THe GSD is my granparents pup that they sent over 4 me to work with,i might become ours though,(will if i have my way:D )
I have found a class around me but the group class is 80$ 4 a 6weeks session,and private lessions are 35$ and is only 1 day.....and we cant afford it:(
My prob with Sport(The GSD)is he is still got alot of pup in him and he get distarcted easily....we have got sit lay and roll over down purdy good......he is about 4 months...does any one have ne tips on stay???

[Dixieland Dancer]

I would still try to get the pup around other dogs for socialization. Perhaps a dog park or something else if you can't afford classes. Maybe even taking him to the Pet store that allows dogs to shop too! It is more for socialization than for training at this age.

However, to answer you question, here is a link to a dog obedience site on the web that I refer to frequently. Hope it helps.

dog obedience (http://www-personal.ksu.edu/~news1/OBED)

[ChewmonkeyBC]

Hi,
thanks,the closest dog park is 3 hours away its in dallas and we live wayyyy out in the country,but i have 4 dogs here and Sport seems to be making friends here...im going to try to get to go to the private classes hopfully......well i g2g ttul tt4n
:D

[G-Diddy]

This is how I was taught to teach my puppy to "stay." I'd still recommend a class b/c they will be able to show you how to do this better than I can explain it. Of course during this exercise, the puppy should have his leash and whatever training collar he uses on.

1. Have puppy sit on your left facing same direction as you are.
2. Put an open hand in front of his nose and say, "Stay"
3. Pivot in front of dog so his nose is almost touching your knees as you face him.
4. At first only stand there very briefly (1-3 seconds) then pivot back so you and dog are both facing same direction.
5. Give the release word and motion (I say, "OK" and wave my hand). This is very important b/c the dog must learn to stay until he hears the release word.
6. Reward dog

I wouldn't step any further back for a few days until the puppy has got it. After a few days, when you pivot in front of the dog, leave about 6 inches between you and the dog. Keep doing this and very gradually (probably over the course of weeks) you can increase the distance between you and the dog. If the dog isn't staying, you've moved too far away and need to stand closer to the dog.

Finally, while teaching "stay" make sure you return to your position and release him from there. This makes sure he knows he is rewarded for waiting for you and not coming to you.

As you can see, this takes a lot of time and it really helps to have a pro demonstrate this and critique what you are doing right/wrong.

[ChewmonkeyBC]

Thanks,
i will have to try this out when we go back out in a min.....thanks every one 4 your help if any one has ne tips or knows tricks to teach please send it thanks again

Kayla:D