This is Monte, a 4 and a half month old K-9 nation puppy. Awesome pup with a lot of drive, great to have around. We have been working on SCH tracking..while he is teething (mostly on me)

Super Duper puppy tracker!!

Al, all four of those dogs yours? Love your pack!

The 3 adults are mine but Francesco Carotanuto owns monty. My biggest weakness/inexperience is foundation work, so i'm learning with monty under Francesco's direction with his tracking. We're almost to the point of putting the hotdog in every other step, monty learns really fast, he's a super nice dog. When his mind isn't occupied he bites, bites, bites, hard too, , got me good on the old love handle today while learning the fuss position for the first time, yeeooowza, he strikes so fast, very cool puppy,
AL

Well smell you, Al Curbow....getting pretty high & mighty flinging around the name of Francesco Carotanuto of K9Nation. I can't believe you even bother to talk to the likes of us now that you hobnob with the stars. Actually, I'm so jealous I could spit! It must be pretty fantastic there. One day I hope to be able to attend one of his seminars.

I would be interested to know what Mr. Carotanuto's philosphy in general is with regards to puppies. Other than tracking, does he do any other formal training or does he wait for a certain age or level of maturity? What about with regards to bringing them to the schutzhund field during protection?

Congrats on a beautiful puppy, as well as your other 3. They're all beautiful. Who is the GSD in the foreground (and the other 2 as well)? The one in the foreground reminds me of a GSD I had.

Will Monte stay with you indefinitely?

Dear Susan,
I would like to answer your questions in reference to my beliefs on puppies..
I believe the key to success on the final training , is for you to be sure your puppy is mature mentally and physically before you put him through the desired exercise.
If you rush your puppy through training before he is ready mentally & physically the effects can lead to a devastating end.
Lately, I have had various clients come with their dogs and I could see the effects of rushed training. Even though they were all good dogs genetically , they were put under too much pressure(stick,whip)before they were even close too being mature enough.
About taking your puppy to the field and letting him observe , yes a good idea for different reasons. Good Luck to you and your dog and remember if you choose a trainer and you feel he is putting too much pressure on your dog, go with your instincts and common sense, you are probably right .

Be Well,
Francesco Carotenuto
Training Director at K9Nation
http://www.K9Nation1.com

Al ,it sounds like you are having fun with this pup, good luck...
Francesco ,I wish you were closer!!!!!!!!