My wife and I have bought our first working line bitch.

The breeder is a friend of mine, so some of the usual breeder vetting was unnecessary.

"Xena" will be 3 months old on 22nd June.

I've got lots of training plans for the future, but it's early days, I know...

This is Xena;



I'm told her pedigree will stand her in good stead.

Sire: Hirro Vom Weinbergblick
Dam: Seigerhaus Shera ("Nitro")

Grand Parents: Ernst Vom Weinbergblick, Hella Vom Haus Pixner, Dasty Von der Berger Hochburg and Lakatamia Nitro

Great Grand Parents: Lewis Von Malatesta, Carmen Vom Haus Pixner, Iwo Vom Bleichen Sand, Biggy vom Haus Pixner, Pike von der Schafbachmuhle, Forma von Karthago, Pasco Vom Peko Haus, Stebara Dieka

I would welcome any advice regarding the early months...character building, do's-don't,...

The previous 2 x GSDs that i've owned in my life were aquired as adolescent/young adults.

This is my first venture into a puppy....

So, I'm learning all the time... please advise away

Gary

I don't do anything with pups till 6 months old. I use a crate to control them and limit the mistakes they are able to make and start very basic obedience at 5 or 6 months old using food or toys or whatever works for that particular pup.

I know some people like to start pups young, I personally don't see the need to, 5 or 6 months old is plenty young. If they are a house dog then they will automatically fall into their place and routine if you are patient with them

Good lookin boy!

 Quote: Mike J Schoonbrood

I know some people like to start pups young, I personally don't see the need to, 5 or 6 months old is plenty young. If they are a house dog then they will automatically fall into their place and routine if you are patient with them

Thanks for reply Mike and info

 Quote: Mike J Schoonbrood

Good lookin boy!

She's a girl

She a beautiful girl--she looks very proud in the photo.

I do start doing foundation training with pups young, even if they're just house pets. Nothing complicated--only easy things that are fun for the pup and no long or terribly frequent sessions. The pup should think it's playtime.

I do this because I think it's a great way to bond with your pup, it's an easy-going way for the pup to see you as the one in the family who is her head honcho, they love it if you make it fun, it helps you to become even more familiar with your individual dog's potential and temperament, and also...it teaches the pup how to "learn how to learn."

For example, I often teach puppies how to make eye contact as a first training session. It's easy, it gets the pup treats, it establishes a positive marker word ("YES!" or "GOOD!"), it focuses their puppy attention span, and it begins a process in the dog's head that goes something like this: "I do something, I get a great treat, he's happy, I'm happy. I love this game!" This is what I want a dog thinking through all training stages during the dog's whole life span so it's a good foundation.

Formal training I wouldn't begin until about 6 months as a general rule, but I currently have a dog that's an exception to that rule, and have met others. Some just seem to love training and pick things up so quickly that there's no reason not to continue if everyone's still within their mental and physical comfort zone (I'm speaking of obedience here, not the various trainings that require maturity from the dog).

Just another opinion! I love your girl...good luck with her. What are your plans for her?

thanks very much for your post Amber and your advice..

She looks well on that photo, I agree. She's only quite small, but that pic makes her look bigger.

My plans for her are Personal Protection and working/sport.

There are a couple of good sport clubs near me and one particular with doesn't particularly specialise in any one discilpine and therefore might be better for me. ie: working trials, Sch, ring etc... A bit of each...

Will give me (and Xena) a chance to see what we like best and what we are suited with.

I am very security aware and work in law enforcement where I deal with some serious scumbags. Consequently, the protective side of Xena's nature i'm looking to positively work on, with obvious control always being there.

I've only had males before, this is my first bitch and a working line at that... so i'm really looking forward to it.

Ah, the great divide.

Me? I don't get the waiting game.

A few minutes a day at meal time. So what?

Short bouts of food motivated sitting, downing, coming, heeling isn't exactly rowing in a slave galley.

Steven,

Your dog seems to have similar markings as my bitch..

Gary

I'm 100% with Mike on this issue. I let puppies work on growing and playing, everything falls into place. I find waiting until there is a little maturity makes training much easier & faster in the long run.

notonly that...but training a 6 month old pup is easier on ur nerves than with an easily distracted litll pup of 3 months!