First, thanks everyone for giving me all the advice last week on my new pup. He doesn't scream anymore in his crate (knucklebones-great idea!) although he is still reluctant to go in.
here is my newest question/concern. The breeder told me this pup was food-oriented, but I'm not seeing it so much. I am not sure if pup is just to young to focus hard (11 weeks) or if I should try something new. I am supposed to start with the trainer at the end of the month. Until then, should I really make be asking the pup to do much more than eat hot dogs in a square (scent pad?) I have been asking him to sit with treats, he will sit but spits the treat out after. he will also stand from the sit more or less when asked, but same treat issue-spits it. I have tried lots of different treats. he will usually eat the first one then reject the rest. he is great at come-I have never had to use treats for that.
He eats most of his chow, but he's never in a hurry to get it (it's in his crate which is not his favorite place).
he loves play. He will fetch endlessly, and steals ands runs with important things if he's ignored. he will also body-slam me to induce play. Should I just switch from the treats to instead playing ball after a few minutes of work? Right now he gets only two very short periods with the ball a day. he has other toys which he plays with all day but this is his favorite one.
Also one more thing-now he is sneaking into the crate to pee. I take him out a lot, and he always goes then, so this is weird. I don't want to verbally reprimand him when he's in the crate since he has the issues with it already-what's going on? So far I ignore it, wait for him to get out and then change the paper after a few minutes. he does not crap in there, just the pee. I have given him the Phooey outside a few times when he peed indoors, is he just trying not to go inside but doesn't know how to ask for outside? All outside potty matters get the Good Outside praise, and I have to say he's overall housebreaking as well as most puppies.

I'm of the opinion that the more reinforcers you have in your arsenal, the better. I use treats, play, praise, scratching/petting, ANYTHING my dog likes and responds to.

First the peeing in the crate issue... did you say you put paper in there?? Perhaps the breeder paper trained these pups and your little guy thinks you are making him sleep in his bathroom... so.. I would get the papers out.. clean the crate thoroughly.. and start again.. no paper in the crate.. Feed his meals in the crate.. if you are feeding a kibble food.. put a bit of raw hamburger or ground turkey into his food..mix with a bit of water and feed.. give him 10 minutes to eat.. if he doesn't eat.. he gets the same for dinner.. you will probably see him eating well within 4 meals...

as for the training.. try really good treats.. cheese, roast beef.. sausage... porkchops! see what he might like... training with food is easier for most people.. you can always add the toy in later to build drive up.. You might make a couple of his training sessions before his breakfast and dinner..when you know he is hungry.
The problem with a toy in training at this age is alot of people throw the toy to reward the dog.. and what you are doing is throwing your dog away from you.. when you want him focused in on you.

Jody

My GSD dog was identical to how you describe yours when she was a puppy. She ate her regular food half-heartedly and she would spit the treats out at training too. She too, is also a fetching machine.

What I actually found she did like quite a lot as far as treats go, was those fruit leathers (I found out by fluke). Just don't give her too many right away for obvious reasons...

My trainer suggested not feeding her until after training time. IT worked quite well because she was hungry and suddenly the treats looked appealing. Something to try...

As far as her loving fetching - use it to your advantage. I put her favourite ball in my pocket (and make sure she knows it's in there)and work with her. After doing a few things well (depending where you dog is at) I give it to her and let her chew on it for a few seconds. Then I take it away and work again etc. At the end of the training sessions we play a good game of fetch. Works great for us!! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />

 Quote:

Originally posted by alex mankowich:
. The breeder told me this pup was food-oriented, but I'm not seeing it so much.

Alex,
Many pups are seen as food driven when they are still with the breeder, due to competition with littermates for a meal!! I can't tell you how food driven every litter I have raised is and many times after a week or two of no competition the pup starts picking at treats, food, etc...

I feed pups the same way I play with them, I always leave them wanting a little more. (whether it's food or toys) If your pup is walking away from his food, spitting out treats or leaving any in his dish you know to back off on the feeding amounts a little.

Glad to hear the crate is a quieter place to be arond now though. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

Once again, thanks everyone.
Today, my wonder puppy bit me really hard-he meant it-when it was crate time.
he is also barking and growling at people when we walk outside...good with guests in the house, but has scared several people outdoors. The growling seems fairly meaningful.
I think I may be in over my head.