Photos to come because they turned out awesome but this weekend the family and I took 2 of our dogs (we have 3) for a hike at our local mountain bike trails.
My family on hike consist of myself, wife, our 2 year old son (on 7/11/16 he will be 2) and my 8 month old daughter in her car seat fastened to her radio flyer red wagon! Kiera, our 8 year old 22 lb poodle and Jupiter, our 16 week GSD pup.
Two very important things for me is that Jupiter does not jump up on anyone including me and that he does not use his teeth on anyone. I know this is a lot to ask for a WL GSD dog pup. hah
Also, off leash control is very important for me and the dogs freedom so of course he has had on a long drag leash everyday no matter what out doors and a short 10 inch drag leash when we are just casual around the house. The purpose, for leash corrections. My 8 year old poodle is immaculately trained which makes training Jupiter much easier. I swear he watches and learns.
Back to point, Jupiter was VERY nippy and bitey and loved to jump up on everyone!!!! Geez, a true landshark. I had to educate my wife on the term and let her know this was possibly to be expected from a GSD dog through the teething stage etc. He would nip to nip, nip a hand while petting, couldn't get around his face without teeth and he would sneak in a lip bite in if he was licking you. Even if it was only a couple of licks. She was concerned. I KNEW I COULD GET HIM OUT OF THIS!
For the jumping, leash corrections. One training session with my wife and her best friend. Done, I now trust him to not jump up on adults. Next day same scenario except with my son Atom Orion (very controlled situation knowing what to expect from my pup, remember he 100% has a line on him. This was at 14 weeks old.) The session went great. Jupiter did exactly as i thought and I was able to correct him instantly when or just before he made his move. 5 times, he wont think about jumping up on him anymore (obv, have to keep this training refreshed but I trust Jupiter. I literally see his intelligence.)
The biting and nipping... immediate swift correction not hard just uncomfortable. Message for details lol He went from nipping with every interaction to not one "Nip Slip" haha at 1 day before 15 weeks old. He will be 17 weeks tomorrow.
Im proud to say Jupiter has my trust in those two areas and when i post pictures later of our hike you can see how Jupiter welds with the Castos and will be a great companion to my family and our children.
Long story short. Jupiter did just as good on our hike as Kiera the 8 year old poodle did. He just had his drag leash on. Kiera gets to be off leash everywhere and is verbal and signal trained... by me as is Jupiter to the commands he knows: Sit, Down, Stay, Come and, off
lol The photos of Jupiter and my 2 year old running at the camera side by side will tell the story much better than i can type. Lol I hope yall can make it through the post. kinda wordy and everywhere.
I love my GSD !!!