Wanda, you are getting a lot of great advise on this message board and I hope you are ordering at least one of Eds' videos by now. What I would like to address is your stress level. I run a German Shepherd rescue and have had plenty of high drive dogs go to awesome homes as companion dogs. Many times owners of these dogs are at the "end of their leash" over these problems. My bit of advise is to relax, and find a way to channel your dogs drive into something you and the children can enjoy(be creative). Chief is a high drive 2 year old that we rescued 7 weeks ago, and we found that playing "hide and Seek" with him (my children ages 6,10,&13 were hiding) calmed him down and provided a wonderful bonding experience with my kids. We use marker training for obedience, and the kids participate. The only time we use our prong collar is when one of my kids are walking Chief (for safety reasons), and he has never been made to yelp. That being said, if Chief becomes too rambunctious I simply crate him until he calms down(usually 10 min.s or so) then I let him out again. The key here is to relax and find a way to enjoy your dog. Again, relax and be calm even when your puppy is being naughty. Remember, a healthy GSD puppy is going to be naughty.

Ken Flippin,

 Quote: randy allen

Wanda,
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.

DITTO...

All of the info that has been given from the DVD's to the fact that your rambunctious pup can become a good companion and family pet is great.
I don't think I have to add anything, except that whoever the trainer was that told you to make the dog yelp in a prong needs to be FIRED. Using treats and making it a positive thing for the collar to be placed on her will help immensely. It will take time a patience but it can be done.
Remember to take her out and wear her out a bit before trying to do any type of obedience work. A tired pup is much easier to work with and it helps them focus a bit more on what you are wanting them to do. Short, positive sessions.

I think you will be just fine.

This forum is an answer to my prayers. I have had many a sleepless night worrying about doing the right thing. I intend to order some of these dvds as soon as I finish writing this. I don't know how to thank everyone in this forum who has been kind enough to take time out of their busy life to offer me suggestions as to how to work with our dog. My family would probably like to thank you, too. One of my daughters informed me that the dog is all I talk about anymore. And she is correct. Thank you all again & I'll keep you posted to our progress. I would add our dog's picture but I don't know how to do it on here.

Wanda -- great advise and encouragement given to you here.

I have a high drive 2.5 y.o. GSD and at times thought that I had too much dog for myself. A statement someone made when she was a puppy really gave me the right perspective.

"You have to show the dog how you want it to live with you -- ie what is acceptable, what's not."

It takes time and patience but now I have a dog that can lay at my feet and follow me from room to room in the house very attentive and well mannered.

The foundation you establish now will pay off with many years of companionship.

Oh and for a signature pic -- go to My Stuff, My Profile and scroll down to Signature Picture. Insert the link to the photo inbetween the two icons below. Your photo needs to be uploaded say to Photobucket in order to link to it here.

insert image link here

Katie

Edited by Katie O'Connor (01/24/2008 08:54 AM)
Edit reason: add signature pic info.

When I add the pic to my signature the pic is very large. I've resized on photobucket but it doesn't change in size when I paste it to my signature. When I scroll down I only have Signature not Signature Picture.

Wanda, try it again. It had resized when I viewed it a little while ago. (it was not huge...)

Your sig pic was coming through smaller earlier. My computer did that too. The pic looked huge to me but smaller to all other members.
Then, magically one time I logged in and it was showing me the correct size as well.

Also, if you post in the members bio section you are allowed to post two images. Then in all other threads you are allowed to post the links to your pictures. This really helps the board load faster and not clog it up.

Yeah -- the place where you insert the picture is just titled Signature. Sorry.

In any event, I choose the website,email size when resizing the photo in Photobucket for my Leerburg signatures.

After you resize it, you may have to go back to your album and choose to copy the Direct Link again and then paste that inbetween the two signature icons and preview.

It took me a couple of times to figure it out initially.

Katie

Thanks y'all. I think it finally worked this time.