http://www.leerburg.com/puppygroundwork.htm

http://www.leerburg.com/groundwork.htm

http://leerburg.com/markers.htm

http://leerburg.com/302.htm

http://leerburg.com/308.htm

http://leerburg.com/120.htm

I have to leave for a while, but if no one else sees and addresses the jumping up, etc., I will come back to the thread later.

There are several ways to end the jumping up, and to teach her to sit while a collar is being put on (by making the collar equal good times)..... if you even need a prong ....

I believe that you can do this. Nothing you have said so far sounds unmanageable. It sounds like you just have a drivey and energetic pup who doesn't have manners yet, and maybe grandkids who will have fun learning how to act around the dog.

Sounds like you have a very nice energetic puppy that gets too rambunctious. I would recommend that you buy a couple of Ed’s DVDs to get you started; the first two I would get are “Your Puppy 8 Weeks to 8 Months” and “Establishing Pack Structure with the Family Pet”. I have both of them and you will be amazed at how much good information is covered in both of these training tapes.

Your pup is a little too young to be using a prong collar on her, and I hope you don’t allow that so called “dog trainer” to touch your puppy again.

Good Luck,

Oh, and you have a crate, right?

Yes, right now we put the dog in the crate when the grandchildren are outside & we put her in the fence when our grandchildren are inside. She gets very excited when anyone comes to our home & we have to put her up because of the jumping, mouthing,etc.

Oh yeah, and "basic dog obedience" is a must have.

Wanda,
This reminds me of something I can predict withsome accuracy twice yearly; 'Free to good home, 8 month old German shepherd. No time, no room. Good dog, friendly, needs room to run. Country home would be best, good guard dog, etc etc etc.' I see these kind of ads in the papers twice a year in numbers more then one can count on two hands. Twice yearly! Think about that........
Okay now ask yourself, are you willing to do what it is going to take to show this dog how to be a good companion. If not, then give the animal a chance and start trying to find a good home now.
If on the other hand you want a royal friend through good times and bad, then settle in for the long haul. Start reading, studying, watch and learn from your dog. If something doesn't seem to be working try something else. It takes time for them to learn, and every dog is different. Patience is of utmost importance. This is a good place to start. Attention!.
Let us know how things are panning out. We're here to help. We know dogs. We love dogs.

If my dog isn't learning, I'm doing something wrong.
Randy

Have you talked with someone from a local schutzhund club

http://www.southeasternregionusa.com/clubpage.htm

There are some in the eastern part of the state. Maybe they can help you find someone willing to work one on one with you. It is worth investing good money up front........

I have 2 grown high drive dogs and I still crate them when the grandkids (2.5 and 5) come, then bring them out one at a time and have them do obedience while the kids are there (but yours is still quite the puppy nowhere near the proofing phase)

Thats why I'm here. To learn. Our last German Shepherd was a much calmer dog & we were 13 yrs. younger. I love this dog & I want to make the right decision for everyone concerned. I'm learning a lot in this forum & I appreciate everyone being so willing to share with me.

I have spoken on the phone with 2 members of the Southeasten Schutzhund Club. Both of them recommended that we find a new home for our dog. They said that they felt our high drive dog would never fit into our loud, large family. They explained that obedience training would not take away the drive that had been bred into her. I had never heard of "high drive" or schutzhund when we purchased this dog. It is a shame that breeders don't explain to their buyers about these things. Had I known what I know now, I would have never bought a dog with these bloodlines.

Wanda,
The key is to find something to focus that energy and drive into. Not to erase it. You can't. Ob. is a good place to start, but probably not the end all you're looking for. Think long term. Like 2 years. What do you want to see? If you want a good companion, then you have to find a way to channel his drives and energy (there are numerous avenues). Now if your life style doesn't support or your interests don't run to the dedication it takes to see the dog through; it's no shame, let him move on.. The real shame would be to isolate and keep the dog from your life by just maintaining him by feeding him in the back yard.
Off the top, without having spoken at lenght to you (life style, expectations, etc) I have to say; with few exceptions there is no reason a high drive GSD can not become a good family companion. One just needs to put the energy and time into what will be the true, trusted friend you always wanted and will never forget.

If my dog isn't learning, I'm doing something wrong.
Randy


Edited by randy allen (01/23/2008 09:47 PM)
Edit reason: spelling