Hello,

I have a 14 week old GSD. He is very playful and is probably more toy drive driven than food driven. I have been working with him using a clicker. I've watched the "marker Training" video I purchased from Leerburg, and have also read quite abit by Karen Pryor and others. Although he started out very slow, he seems to be getting more and more focused and motivated to train. Even now, however, if there is a gnat within a half a mile, it's difficult to keep hiss attention. We are going to a puppy socialization class, and it is useless to even attempt to get him to sit or down, as the distraction is just too overwhelming for him.

So, my question is this: As he grows more mature, and the training continues at home, without hardly any distraction, will he slowly become more focused on the training and commands as the distractions become less exciting, or is there something different I should be doing? I have made it a point to use the best training treats I can find, including freeze dried liver, weenies, even steak pieces. I try to keep training fun, interesting, and very positive, and the sessions short. Still, his focus just seems to be very lacking. Any help would be appreciated! Thanks!

Kerry

First of all get rid of the clicker and use (yes) instead. You wont always be carrying a clicker but your voice is always there. Second I think puppy classes are a bad Idea if its just a giant distraction, he's telling you something with his behavior and it's not "mamma i'm ready for this level of stimulation". You should be his only source of fun not other dog/pups and that's all socializing in that class is gonna teach him that other dogs are FUN and more interesting than you! Socializing isn't what most people think it is, its more about odd situations and the pup learns how to deal with them properly with your guidance of course. Get the Michael Ellis video on food training http://leerburg.com/220.htm and then the video on playing tug http://leerburg.com/221.htm both will help you gain the focus I think your looking for.
Also are you crate training him?
When do you feed him?
Are you opposed to holding food back before training?