I'm kind of new to teaching tricks so I've been adding ones that work for us or seem to come more naturally. Shy is one of those. By the way, when he does it, his head is tucked down toward chest and paw/arm comes over muzzle; it's like he is covering his eyes. He's not putting both paws over his face or anything, although I am sure that can be taught too!

My pup is very food motivated and, like most GSDs, really smart. I would hold the treat in my hand under his left paw (hold it there- don't release) and say Shy (or Whos's Shy). He could get the treat by tucking his nose behind his leg, not backing up or moving his foot. I would do this 3-4 times and then leave it be/get back to it another time. He quickly figured out how to get the treat. The I started raising my hand off the ground (still reaching around behind the leg/paw). You get the direction I am going now. He would lift the leg as he reached his nose down and back behind it to get the treat. When he was in shy position I'd say GOOD SHY and he'd get the treat and lots of verbal praise. Then repetition, and a little dumb luck got me there I think!

Francis,
I'm with Earth Dog Bob, enre to your query. For the moment just relax and have some fun. Pay attention and learn from your dog. He'll show you how to train (shape) him by what lights him up and what doesn't.
As for the 'Drive and Focus' cd, for me it's value was showing me another way I could empower the dog to get what she wanted. Well worth having and referencing for my money.

Have a good vacation! Have some fun.
And don't get all in knots worrying about mistakes. It'll all work out.

If my dog isn't learning, I'm doing something wrong.
Randy

 Quote: francis daigle

Heh, I think my principal problem is anytime I do something, I fear I could be wrong. I'm getting obsessed about doing everyting straight from now on.

Relax, breathe deep and most importantly ENJOY. Mistakes are a part of life. Learn from them and use that knowledge to your advantage. Some of the greatest bonding with my dog has come from those lightbulb moments of "ah! this is wrong!" Because I have come to understand what is right. Understanding and communication are key in any relationship.

As far as the stalking game, I don't see any harm in it as long as you initiate and end and have him on a long line so he can't escape and become injured. His recall will have to do with your leadership and thorough training of the command. One other thought, while playing your game if you do call him to you if his return is not immediate begin to reel him in on the long line; the recall could be damaged if he finds he can ignore you and you can't get to him. BTW I play the same game with my dog; we call it Pink Panther, I hum the theme and he gets into a frenzy because he knows the game is about to begin. I have never seen any bad effects from this game and he is over 8 years old.

Another really simple game is "Race". Ready, on you mark get set and GO. I take off he does too we race to a fence, a tree, a ball whatever I feel like running towards. Francis, you have a JRT, this game will teach itself automatically, and if you stop it while he is still wanting more, it will be a great attention getter as soon as you utter the word "Ready".

Your dog is young and behaving appropriately, the bond you are looking for is something that grows over the years that is what makes it special......

 Quote: Francis Daigle

Heh, I think my principal problem is anytime I do something, I fear I could be wrong. I'm getting obsessed about doing everyting straight from now on.

That's worse than doing something wrong. Play, have fun, share experiences, do things together. I bet he knows he could outrun you easily. Thing is he doesn't because you are the center of his life. Best advice I can think of is stop trying so hard. Let it happen in it's own time. Just enjoy having a dog for a while. Laugh and relax with him. He'll pick that feeling up from you and you'll both benefit.