Definately crate train. I may have missed something on one of the posts, but, reguardless of the age or training methods, if the dog doesn't have the genetic makeup to guard, it wont happen.

Barbara, I was old school too about crate training too, but I wised up finally. I love have a crate trained dog. My house didn't get chewed up and I knew the dog was safe when I left. I don't plan on ever not crate training again. See. old dogs can learn new tricks.

Oh yes! I will most definetly crate train the pup. BUT, I sure would like for her to be out of the crate when she is older to protect the house while we are gone running erronds. Due to my inexperience with this breed I had purchased a very weak GSD 2 years ago who was more like a overgrown toy dog. He had more fear in him than anything. I just could not repect him, so we decided to start from scratch and learn about the breed, incorporate proper obedience training into our homeschooling and finally get a pup that shows confidence (among other things). The more I learn about this breed the more I have completly fallen in love with them! I am waiting for my first Leerburg video for pups, I am sure this will help us greatly. I wish he had a video on the CD title, for now I will continue to read, read and do more reading. Thanks all! You have been very gracious. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

BTW: I have decided to crate train her as a pup mainly due to your good advice. My earlier posts does not mean that I will take this crate away when she is an adult.

Tammy,

There are a couple of tapes on the beginings of attention heeling. Most of it is for SchH, but the techniques will work as well for getting a CD. The Flinks' tape on Drive, Focus, & Grip is a good place to begin development. The tae with Tom Rose on Compition Obedience is anther one. There is another tape on Compition Obedience that Ed is working on from the series with Flinks that is supposed to be out this year.

For leaving the dog out, it is just a question of the dog matureing to the point that the destructive puppy behaviors stop. That is going to depend on the puppy.

The other thing you may as well decide now is what do you mean by "protect the house". Are you talking about a dog that is trained in protection or just one that will make noise to alert a person to their presence? If all you want is a noise maker, do nothing other than praise for the dog barking when people come over and it will come on it's own. If you want a dog that will truely protect there is more that you need to do. I would start by getting the tape/dvd Bite Training Puppies. It will set up a sound foundation for later training. The next thing I would do is start looking now for a Protection/"Sport" trainer. It isn't as easy as it sounds. Also hang around and watch the training so you have an idea about what you will be doing. Also plan on taking the puppy and letting it watch training sessions. It seems to help and provides a good place for socialization.

Just to pipe in here for no apparent reason. I am 100% in favor of crate traning. Usually they are not ready to roam free until about 2 years old. My dogs are the most expensive thing I own so I care what they take as long as it's not the dog. The main thing I like about having protection trained dogs roaming the house when I'm gone is I know when I come home the house has no unwanted visitors.

Great to hear Tammy, I feel alot will be accomplished with crate training as it has been my experience that it benefits all.

My pup Gypsy will eventually roam free in the house after I am confident she is mature enough to be fine, of course I expect some issues at first but with the goal in keeping it to a minimal.

Wishing you all the best w/your new pup <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

Tangi

Thanks you everyone for the sound advice!! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />

And ERIC!! I just looked at your site and found you are in Green Bay! Hello to you! I used to live in Milwaukee myself (now in North Carolina). I miss seeing the Packer Games big time! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

I will also look into those videos. But one thing. I would love to bite train the dog as one other person said on the board, at 5 weeks old, she shows lots of love to bite, tug and shows little fear. ((I have been taking her out of her litter each day for 30 minutes to play with her, at the end of a good 30 minute playtime she catnaps in my arms and is sent back to her litter))

I digress...
If I bite train her, then I would need help correct? I wonder how much that would run me ($$)?

Also if I did follow through with the CD, would I need outside help as well?

And finally as Eric stated: The main thing I like about having protection trained dogs roaming the house when I'm gone is I know when I come home the house has no unwanted visitors. So since my humble country area has had such a rash outbreak of invasions, I would feel more secure with a dog that has something behind her bark.

Crate training is great. Here is a bit of information that will be helpful.

Remove any cleaners that are ammonia based from your house.

Limit your puppy to one room at first hen left alone.

When you take it out to go potty do it on-leash and in a “special potty” area – A pain in the butt at first but ultimately will save you time because the puppy will eventually go potty when told to.

Do not place any think that will soak up liquid.