good point! To be honest i didn't think of that.
You're absolutely correct, if he distracts her then it would not be the best thing.

I do think it would be a good idea for him to observe you interacting with your other dogs though. He needs to understand that you are the leader so that he can relax and understand that with you there with him, he doesn't have to worry so much. Sometimes seeing how other dogs act around you will imprint that on him and help him understand. The whole point right now is for him to feel secrue with you and bond.
My own case in point, when I first got my guy, he was on alert constantly (kind of the opposite problem you're having)and aggressive towards other dogs when he first came to me. Not because he thought he was top dog, but I think it had more to do with he had never had anyone around that showed him that he didn't have to act that way, that he didn't have to worry about other dogs because someone was there to take care of them and drive them off. It took a few weeks and a couple of instances where I had to correct him for the behaviour but he did eventually stop hackling and growling at any dog he saw because he had learned that I would take care of him, and if I wasn't worried about the other dog, he didn't have to be either.
He does still have some instances with dogs off leash, but he looks to me first to read my reaction. When he sees that I am taking care of it and everythings honky dory...he just observes them.

I wouldn't move his crate now, might cause more insecurity, unless the other dogs are harassing him. If he's comfortable with his crate where it is, next to the other dogs, it's good to leave it there. If you're going to try tethering him to you, now would be a good time since it sounds like he's comfortable with his personal time with you already. I agree that it's not time to work him though, during your personal time with him and/or while on the tether. Also I sure wouldn't worry about whether or not he wants to chase a ball or toy right now. Eventually, when he feels secure, he may play more and begin to chase a ball. I admire your commitment to him, every dog deserves a good and often long chance. Some have some genetic faults (not that yours does, I don't know), and IMO one who is committed decides to live with those things, just working to minimize them as much as possible.

Some good links on NILIF as well as becoming a pack leader, including Leerburg's excellent article on the above:

http://www.germanshepherds.com/ubbthread...p;page=0#640483

I agree with separating the pups. You may want to rehome one of them to another experienced home in order to devote your 100% time and attention to one.

I just wanted to say THANK YOU to everyone who posted. I will follow your suggestions and advice and work with Harley (the male) more, and most of all be MORE PATIENT... I am so anxious to turn over a new leaf with him and try everyones suggestions. Again thanks to everyone who posted.

Diana, thank you for providing the nilif link. I don't get on line until early morning.

Hilario, I notice that you're from So. CA and in the military(?). If you're in San Diego by chance check out and see if the San Diego Obedience Club is still offering obedience lessons. If they are, they are very good for basic obedience when the dog is ready.

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I just wanted to say THANK YOU to everyone who posted. I will follow your suggestions and advice and work with Harley (the male) more, and most of all be MORE PATIENT... I am so anxious to turn over a new leaf with him and try everyones suggestions. Again thanks to everyone who posted.

Just make sure to let us know how things are going!
I think everyone that posted here would like to have an update on how the dogs are coming along.
I think thats one of my pet peeves actually, people that post and then we never hear how things went with our suggestions!!! lol <img src="http://www.leerburg.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />