Okay yall, sorry for the long post in advance.

I was recently given a GSD/Bloodhound puppy.. He's 11 1/2 wks old now. I have a few questions..

First, I'm on a rather limited budget, but would really like to get some of the DVD's I see offered here. I'm wondering what DVD and/or training materials I should get first! I can probably afford one, maybe two, DVD's a month. Any suggestions?

Second, I'm wondering if I have too many expectations of this pup. I would really like to see if he would be able to do some search and rescue, but I'm also wondering about doing some protection training with him as well. Is it reasonable to think a SAR dog could do protection too? (A note on tracking.. this pup runs around with his nose to the ground half the time he's out of his kennel. I've left him downstairs, ran upstairs.. he's really slow at climbing stairs.. and hid in one of the bedroom closets, and he comes straight to me with his nose to the ground. I realize this is inside, and probably not a big deal, but is it a good sign? lol)

Third, to neuter or not to neuter?!?

Some general information: Between my wife and I we have four children, ages 3 months to 11 years. The pup is getting good about not jumping on and nipping at me or my wife, but the kids, especially our 8 yr old daughter and 5 yr old son, are a different story (he's not allowed around our youngest, period). I have never trained a dog (other than the extreme basic 'sit', 'stay', and 'come') and I've never had a puppy to deal with either, so I'm kinda at a loss sometimes!

Any suggestions are welcome, and if you need any other information let me know!

Thanks in advance,
Jon

What a beautiful puppy. I think you should neuter, as you won't be using him for breeding. I think that I would focus on the search and rescue with this puppy. There is alot of beginning things that you can do with a puppy to start him in searching that is fun. I will leave all the training suggestions to the trainers on this forum, as I only train my own dogs.

All the videos that I have are great, I think I would start with the Puppy 8 weeks video , and the establishing the pack leader
( I believe that is what they are called).

Also read as much as you can about raising a puppy. Joining this forum is a great start. You will learn fast which of the members have great suggestions, and which works for you and your family.

Personally, since you are new at having a puppy with small children I would not train for protection. Believe me he will protect his family if the need arises, so I would focus on the search and rescue. Others may have different opions, this is just my opinion.

Oh yes, also watch having him going up and down steps to often as a young puppy for play, due to his hips in a large breed puppy. Be sure to read information on this subject also.

Emjoy that wonderful puppy.

Welcome, Jon! Claire made some good video suggestions.

You might want to read some of the thousands of posts about neutering mixed breeds; you will want to read up on waiting for full growth, if you do neuter. Here's a good start:
http://leerburg.com/search/dosearch.php?terms=neuter&Submit.x=0&Submit.y=0

 Quote: Claire Stadt

Believe me he will protect his family if the need arises

I disagree. But I do think that big dogs are a pretty nice visual deterrent!

http://leerburg.com/dvd.htm

You might want 8 Weeks and Power of Markers, or 8 Weeks and Basic Ob and
Markers .....

Others will have other preferred starter lists.

I only have a couple things to say.

First, check with your SAR association. Many will not accept a dog with bite training (protection training) of any kind. Some will, though.

I also recommend neutering. I had my male done at 12 months. 12-18 months is best because it is when they have stopped growing for the most part. If you are not 110% sure you can prevent an unwanted litter, then neuter sooner.

Edit: Connie's suggestions are great. 8 Weeks to 8 Months puppy video, Training with Markers and you might also want to consider Raising a Working Puppy.

Thanks to all for your suggestions!
I'm thinkin I'll get 'Puppy 8 wks to 8 mnths' for now.. Perhaps the 'training with markers' next month? We'll have to see.
Oh and as far as the protection bit goes.. He's very friendly to strangers, I'm trying to keep him away from strangers right now, but kinda difficult due to kids bringing friends over, etc. Oh, and if he grows up to be anything like his dad (the GSD half of his blood, and the biggest GSD I've ever seen in my life), he's gonna be frikkin HUGE!
Anyway, thanks again!