Hello my name is Joey and I am new to the leerburg website and forum. I recently adopted a german shepherd a few months ago. As it stands now she does really well with everything that I want her to do but find she is easily distracted or lacks patience. I've yet to do any obedience training classes with her, however on my own I have been able to teach her sit, lay, wait, and working on a crawl/creep walk. I guess what I am trying to get as when doing all of this I don't see the full concentration from her. I have a friend that has two females that will not break concentration from her and thats what I want. After watching some of the videos here I wonder where do you get that from and how is it achieved. Maybe through your own experiences, classes, or video that you've gone through I would love to hear how I am able to get this out of my 7 1/2 month old pup.
Welcome to the forum! It sounds like you are making good progress with your dog for only having had her a few months. It can take quite a while to build a bond with your dog, and depending on what her life was like before she came to you, maybe longer. (How old are your friend's dogs and how long has he had them?)
Another consideration is your pup's breeding. Some working line dogs have that intensity and drive "built in" while other dogs do not. It might be able to be developed with the right, fun training however.
Have you read up on Marker training yet? It is very easy to learn and doesn't put any stress on your pup in regard to corrections. You can use it to easily teach the "look" or "watch" command.
Do you know anything about your pup's life before she came to you?
Unfortunatly I know nothing of the life that she had before I took her other than that an older couple had her and she showed a little aggression towards men. However since I've had her I've had no problem. I took her when she was about 5 months old and its been 3 months since I adopted her. Dn't get me wrong she is great I can't believe at times how much she has developed since we got here. She looks at me as alpha and for a yes and no if she thinks she isn't suppose to be doing things. Its just like I said when it comes down to training time and working with her she does great but easily distracted and bored almost. You can tell the focus comes and goes. I noticed with Natural Balance raw meat I can get her to do anything but still she will get bored and just mosely around. I watch videos on her and watch in amazement with the drive and focus some of the dogs have and want that.
It could simply be a matter of her level of drive. My dog's drive is pretty good in some situations, but he pales in comparison to a strong working line GSD. It may simply not be in her blood. (Be sure to train her at a distance from distractions at first and then build up to adding distractions.)
With that said, look into marker training and other high value treats. Train when she is hungry - even if you have to skip a meal. Keep things positive and fun.
I also love the focus and drive shown in the videos - it is simply amazing. Not all of that is simply training - it is the dog's lineage and very experienced handlers!
I see what you mean about not being in the gene's possibly. I guess its also me being a little impatient and wanting it all now. Today she had her first bath and she didn't like that at all. She went nuts and now I am worried that she is scared of a hose for life.
If I've been of any help, you're more than welcome. DO look into marker training - it will open a world of training and fun for you and your new dog. Best of luck and keep us posted!
Well barbara I have noticed over the past couple of weeks just watching her that she has a strong prey drive with two things a ball and my g/f dads golden retriever. They are inseperable when they are outside together. Constantly wrestling and when the golden retriever is walking around my gsd will lay down like she is trying to hide then just run after her to play. Then with the ball she is totally at a daze with it. I just want to know how can I harness that in other areas.
Hi Joseph:
You can use the ball (preferably a ball on a string to prevent an accidental swallowing/choking) as your reward in marker training instead of food if that's what your dog prefers.
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It can take quite a while to build a bond with your dog, and depending on what her life was like before she came to you, maybe longer. (How old are your friend's dogs and how long has he had them?)
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