Hi. First off this is by far the best site I have ever seen about dog training. The information contained here is voluminous and extremely helpful. I am planing on picking up a few of the videos to help me get off on the right foot as well as repay what I have already received for free.

I have a new 9 week old GSD who is showing great drive already. I purchased the dog to be a house dog and provide protection. I have a wife and 5 year old son. We are going through what seems to common GSD issues with nipping and play biting. We have started training sit, come, down, and go to your place, this seems to be progressing nicely.

My question is what level of interaction I should have with the dog if I am going to be the one doing the training. I read that it is good to be aloof around a new dog for a period of time to establish groundwork for dominance in the pack once I begin training in earnest, but am not sure if this pertains to an infant dog as well. What about my wife and son? should they be distant as well. My instinct is to show the dog care and establish a good relationship through training, feeding and moderate play.

Thanks again for your wonderful site. I am going to be picking up puppy 8 to 8, basic obedience, and pack structure with family pet in the next day or two to kick start things with our new pup.

 Quote: Sean Thorp

I read that it is good to be aloof around a new dog for a period of time to establish groundwork for dominance in the pack once I begin training in earnest, but am not sure if this pertains to an infant dog as well.

No. This advice applies (and works well with) adult dogs.

Ed has an article about establishing groundwork with puppies, as well as a DVD entitled, Your Puppy 8 weeks to 8 months.

http://leerburg.com/puppygroundwork.htm
http://leerburg.com/120.htm

At 9 weeks not everyone goes into much obedience, things like walking on a loose leash, teach to stay close, and come when called are the first things I teach. Socialization is important and environmental things- teaching the pup to crawl into an empty garbage can, expose him to loud noises like a train going past, climb over a pile of hula hoops, be creative, all in a positive way. Play is great, throwing a ball, light game of tug. Be careful playing tug as your pup begins to be teething because it can hurt.

I don't see any benefit of being aloof, bond with your dog! I like to introduce myself to dogs and bond and play around with them before I EVER try to train them, I want them to be comfortable with me and not feel dominated. I do notice that when people have the tendency to smother their dogs with constant affection and petting, it's worth less to the dog, and they are often praising for the wrong things or for nothing at all. Timing is important in training, and timing to praise.

Thanks so much. That completely answered my question.