Minnesota dog/puppy training - Page 1

Does anyone know of a private dog trainer in the Minneapolis area that specializes in GSDs? Thanks

Let me elaborate: I need someone to come to my house a couple of times per week to help with puppy biting, tearing up the house, basic puppy stuff.

Melissa: You could try contacting Irina at Red Star Kennel in Hudson, Wisconsin (they have a web site). Red Star used to make weekly trips to the western suburbs of Minneapolis to do in home training in years past. I don't know if they still offer this service. Irina was a top dog trainer for the Russian Military before she migrated here. I saw some of her work first hand and it is very high quality. Her dogs have fabulous temperament are unbelievably well trained.

Melissa, I have a 14 week old Triumph's Gucci Grandson, who is also going through the ALLIGATOR STAGE!! Maybe this will help you. My pup is sitting, doing a down, and coming to me. When he tries to bite, I get him to concentrate on something else...Doing a sit, down, teaching the stand etc.... I also have chew toys for him, when he tries to bite, I move the chew toy around and he starts biting on the toy. He also does not have run of the house. When we walk thru the house, he is on a leash. He has a crate to sleep in and for down time. I hope this helps. If you have any questions, you could always e-mail me privately. My pup will be starting puppy kindergarten class this Sunday. Check out to see if there is any Dog Clubs in your area. Dawn Bonome P.S. I know this is frustrating, but don't give up!

Thank you! I'm hanging in there :)

Keep up the good work. Blitz was a PIA too, they all are when puppies LOL.

Melissa, Why don't you contact Minnesota Valley Schutzhund Verein, http://mvsv.org/, especially if you are going to do SchH training with your Ben? I don't think club members will come to your home to rescue you from puppy problems, but going to the club weekly, showing your pup to people who know a lot about GSDs, talking to these experienced people, asking them questions (about every aspect of GSD ownership), seeing their grown up "puppies" is SO MUCH MORE USEFUL then sitting in front of the computer and posting thread after thread after thread... No forum can compare with a real club. I would have probably ended up in a mental institution if I did not join a Schutzhund club with my pup a couple of years ago. Just like you I have a very active male with high drives and he is my first GSD (now 3.5 years old). Good luck!

Thanks, we are going to go to the MN Valley Sch Club. Also, Ben has had a major turn around. He is no longer biting me at all. He is still nipping at my husband but not nearly as much. I think he really gets it now. Last night, we took him to his puppy preschool and he was the best puppy there. Not overly dominant with the other puppies - he had a great time. He's been a total love bug. When he's bored or being aggressive I just put him in his crate and he naps for an hour. After that, he's back to his wonderful self - and I'm feeling sane again. He's super smart too.. He can sit AND platz even from across the yard when I say the words! He's still a bit reluctant around strangers and is really afraid of children. He has no idea what to make of them. We are going to the park today to find some kids. Thanks for all the advice! Melissa :)

I live in Minneapolis - where do you live - I have information for you. Plus I have worked with trainers over the Metro - Remember - the basic foundation for the puppy is the most important - I would not go to the MN Valley Sch Club till your sweet puppy is ready with the basics - can be very over the top and I have 2 examples of individuals who thought they were doing everything right by taking the puppy to Sch - and it blew up in their face - start smart - you are imprinting the baby - do it right - I have a 4 year old GSD from Steffenhaus and at 7 months he was CGC'd and at 1 year was tested out to be be a Certified Therapy dog - we also did some SCh work with him as he was young -but everything was fun and not intense. Lots of good reading and DVD's - is this your first GSD? Dawn G. has really good advice - diversion etc. - AT THIS POINT - Socialization is what I would work on more than anything. Now Sch people - please do not beat me up - I have raised 4 GSD's to be the best they could be - which was fabulous - They above is only my opinion

No, I would never start him in Schutzhund at this young age. We are going to *maybe* when he's older. Also, his training has really turned around in the past 3 days. He's doing so well at puppy preschool also. We will see how it goes. I live in South Mpls - up the street from Lake Calhoun, in Linden Hills. Thank you! Melissa