Hey All,

I have a new 4 month old GSD. I ordered Ed's videos on raising a working puppy and Building drive and focus. They won't be here for a few days. Any pointers on where to get started until the videos arrive?

Thanks

How long have you had your puppy? I am a strong believer in relationship. This is the key to everything that follows. In every relationship there's an element of risk. This is no different with dog/human interaction. If there's no risk than there's no intimacy. You can see the stress (risk) on a dog when you go out to greet him: you'll quite often see the dog shake almost as if they are shaking off water. This is a calming or a deescalation of the stress they are encountering from coming into contact with you. I know it seems like they have nothing to be stressed about but that's the way it is. For now just have fun with the pup and allow him/her to teach him/herself. In my opinion this is the best way to build a good foundation with minimal stress. What I'm trying to say is when the pup displays the correct behavior such as sitting down, just tell him/her good sit. You see, you didn't tell her to sit, you only marked the behavior you want. Same thing goes for laying down (good platz). If your going to train your dog in german then when she goes up the steps tell her "good hop".