Hey guys,

Does anyone have an opinion on training a GSD when there are two owners? I live with my fiance and we are getting a GSD puppy. I am of the opinion that the dog should have only one designated trainer who works him daily, takes him to training class, etc. I have no problem with my fiance working with him at home like sitting for food, staying, etc. I would just prefer to be the only one who formally trains him.

I guess I just want that special bond between us that really only happens when you work with a dog.

Anyway, any opinions on this matter?

Thanks.

If you are going to be the primary handler, then you need to be the primary handler until you establish a good, solid bond with the pup/dog.

If this is going to be a working dog (even a pet I would do this with), then I would do the following:

Fiance needs to stay minimally involved through this process. If she has to handle the pup, she needs to do what she needs to do without a lot of interaction. Ie: take puppy out to potty, take puppy back in and put in crate.

Fiance needs to be on the same page as you as far as what will be acceptable behavior and what will not be. For example: No sneaking the dog on the couch if you do not want that to be acceptable behavior or vice versa.

There is no reason you cannot raise the dog together, but you both need to be communicating and for the time being (housebreaking and such) the pup really should just bond to one of you.

If you two are different in your training techniques or methods, or RULES, this will just confuse the pup and he/she will have a difficult time trying to do what you want.

Just my opinion and I am sure others may be different.

I agree totally. I just think my fiance wants to make sure she'll still be able to play with it and cuddle it, etc., which I have no problem with as long as the training portion of it lies with me.

He is going to be a pet, althouth from working lines. His sire is Jabina Fjolle. I do plan on attaining his BH however.

I agree with Carol, Will.

I am the trainer/provider in the house and my dog does love my BF...but he loves and respects me more.

I think the biggest challenge when a pup is young is making sure pup isn't getting mixed signals from the other person. It happens oh so easily. I've learned the hard way it takes a good amount diplomacy to tactfully point out to the other person "Hey, that's not a good idea...and here's why."

Training pups is a snap compared to training people :wink:

Thanks Sandy. I'm glad there are people out there that agree with me!

My husband pets the dog, feeds her breakfast (kibble) when I'm not around, talks to her, lets her in and out of the house, and occasionally rubs her belly.

But I am Danke's handler. I feed her the good food (raw), I play with her/train her, I give her treats, I brush her, I trim her nails, I wrestle and cuddle with her.

She'd follow my husband to the edge of a cliff- she'd follow me off.

You can make it work Will, my dog will cuddle with my wife but he heels for me.

Great comments! Thank you all. I'm feeling a lot better about things now