I need some input on how fast or slow to take things with training a young (4 month old) pup!
I have had her since she was 7 weeks and we have been training since the 3rd day that she was with me. Nothing to stressful just very basic stuff at first. All with no commands. She does sitz, bleib, platz and hier. I have started her with heeling using the competition heeling video that of Ed's. She is quite weel but I am afraid that I am pushing her to fast. PLUS IT IS HARD TO WALK IN A CROUCHED POSITION <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" /> She doen't lose interest but gets distract very easily. Like a leaf blowing by. She just has to kill it <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> Great prey drive. Also I have had her doing tracking since week one. Is this to much for her. We do it 2-3 times a week. Usually for her morning meal with a few suprises. I have not put her on a long line yet. Should I wait a while for that. She is currently getting about 15 to 20 yards with 1 or two turns on her own. Am I giving her to much stuff to learn?

http://www.leerburg.com/120.htm
http://www.leerburg.com/108.htm
http://leerburg.com/101e.htm

Main thing is to go through the motions with the dog, for small periods of time, reward with treats. Don't correct the pup, look at it almost like a toddler that doesn't know the difference.

The videos should help. Many people could explain who have much more experience than myself BUT you need to see those videos I think. I would go slow at this stage.

I think each dog learn at a different rate, I think as long as she thinks its fun and seem to enjoy the training you are doing fine. When she starts acting like she doesn't want to train (at 4-6 months) then you are going to fast. Like the crawling crouch, that may be too much. Stick with the basics, socailize her and show all different people and things. It sounds like she has the prey drive of the typical GSD and the intelligence so keep up the good work. Like I've been told by the some of the memebers of this board. After she learns the commands, proof her with distractions until she as close to being 100% as possible.

Some suggest stopping until she is 100% proofed with basic five commands. I believe that she can be taught more and proofed as you go. Each test adding the new commands and distractions until she has a wide vocabluary of commands that she understand and can perform.

It gets to the point that you are almost able to talk to the dog. From the neighbor's porch, you command go get "In the truck" and she runs and jumps into the back end or through the window. Makes a man proud, you keep up the good work sounds like you got a hell'va dog on your hands.
<img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

Apollogsd,
Words of wisdom! DON'T do to much to fast and too soon! or your dog will shut down(Burn out), and then you will have to take some time off from training to give your dog a break. Then have too start again. Do it slow and take your time InPrint show your dog the basics with FUN! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" /> and make it motivational! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />
Get Ed's tape on puppies and the basic obedience tape and ASK a lot of question. A lot of knowledge on this board! use it <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> but use what is useful to your situation, not all training is for everyone use common scence!
Remember there are no bad dogs only bad owners, and remember a strong foundation at the begining of your training will give you a sounder and more confident dog down the road. AND enjoy your time together make it FUN <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />
Be Safe and enjoy
Lewis and Argo/Riley

Thanks for the feedback everyone! GOODDOGU, I was the the one doing the crouching walk <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" /> . It looks funny but it is hard one the knees. I will keep everything at a medium pace. Like you all said as long as she seems interested abd thinks its still a game then I will let her have fun. Believe me she is tons of fun! I will get the Puppy obedience video to go along with the competition heeling video. They really help! Like Lewis said "there are no bad dogs only bad owners," I know gsd's can be a powerful breed and an obedient dog is a good dog! Thanks again, I will be sure to keep you utd on her progress!