Good Collar for Walking? - Page 2

Well petsmart is like any commercial place;  you have the street dogs, but possibility of finding an experienced trainer their is questionable, you could go watch a class, meet the trainer then see what you like and dislike,  I won't say it is better than nothing as bad training should be eliminated, period.

Maybe a place like that is OK during winter as it is indoors, maybe OK for socialization, you need to go first, without dog and check it out.  Best of luck  Nan

Nans gsd, thanks! You've really given me some good advice! I'm a first time GSD owner, and I need all the advice/help I can get. If there is any thing you can tell me to help me raise a happy, well rounded GSD, I would love the input! I am very grateful for everyones thoughts & advice.

It's your choice but for me I would not go to petsmart for classes. All you have to do is wait outside and watch some of the animals entering. Some of them are in the class. And once inside, watch some classes. First, figure out what type of obedience; Heavy? Light? If you have time and friends with dogs, (and doesn't need to be GSDs) as long as the majority have their heads on their shoulders and they're not their to goof then set some goals (baby steps) and start. Socializing, imprinting, obedience, verbal and non-verbal commands and progress to distractions, the other dogs as distractions, on/off leash.

All this takes time. IMO to make a happy well rounded pup/dog takes only a few things. I tell people a dog can only be one of two things: A leader or a follower. He/she can not be both. That is just how they are wired. Now if you are the leader they are happy being a follower but if you are not a leader they will step into that position. That is just how it is. But if you are a leader they will be just as happy following you. They can not go back and forth. Bonding, love and with that IN TIME comes loyalty. We have seen different versions/definitons of these traits or characteristics in posts and in my eyes it's a shame that some have mixed definitions. But I guess that is how they know the meaning? Loyalty is not a given. And it doesn't happen automatically. Yes, there are different levels with I would think one of the highest levels displayed was by the Akita, Hachiko, in the movie, (true story). We have had a couple of threads I believe on "Bonding" also.

Where do you live?

I live in Northeast Georgia. I'm not sure of how to set the leadership roll, I always discipline or correct her, but lately she seems to just do whatever she wants... It's driving me mad! She use to be a good listener and mind me... I know it's my fault, that it is something I'm not doing or doing incorrectly... I would like to bond with her but honestly I have no idea how to start. Suggestions??

Hi

Is your puppy food or toy obsessed?

I found when I was walking my dog I would always carry chicken with me. He is now 3 and I swear that dog will still leap through fire for chicken.

I always walk him on my left side and place a fist full of chicken in my left hand very close to his nose. Every couple of steps I would repeat "heel" and then I would reward him with a piece of chicken. Patience is the key.

I am not a fan of any pronged / choker collars. Its just a personal preference. Good luck with the training.

Hope this helps. Just another alternative method you might want to try.

I also used this method for recall. I would give him a piece of chicken so he knew I had some and then I would call him in different areas of the house. For example I would call him inside and he would come bolting and then I would reward him. As he got  better, I would limit the reward to one in every three and give him heaps of pats for the time he didn't get the chicken.

Find her weakness and make it work for you. I would also suggest that you excercise her. GSD can become very bored very quickly. Keep her mind active.

Cannot help you with any training in America because I am not a resident of US.

Cheers

FallonGSD,

I can relate to your post! We brought home our first 7 months ago. I did read in a book about raising pups that they will go through a teenage stage, and challenge you, I was told to just keep at it, and stay consistant, you will get there.

BUT, I will be keeping an eye on this thread, I would love to learn more as well!