New puppy coming. Recommendations please!

Buzz.babes · 02-09-2013, 12:58 PM

I'm new to the forum ( and gsds ) and I'm looking into what they prefer. For our lab Molly we use a coated wire crate, but she's never been a big fan of being away from me so she rarely uses it. I was thinking about buying them both vari kennels in the hopes that they're more "den like". She also preferred a plain old stick to any toy we ever bought her and from the reading I've done so far many gsds prefer balls or some string thing ( what is this thing everyone is referring to lol?! ) and most importantly what is everyone's favorite training book? I'd like to try clicker training but I'm open to options. Thanks for your time everyone!

Mary Beth · 02-09-2013, 09:36 PM

If you want to use the crate you have, you can put a large towel or blanket over the top and 3 sides for privacy. I'd recommend you start with the Monks of New Skete "The Art of Raising a Puppy". And then go on to:
1. Turgid Rugaas (Norwegian trainer experienced with German Shepherd rescue dogs)
http://www.canis.no/rugaas/
2. Natural Dog Trainer
http://www.leecharleskelley.com/

3. http://dogwalkinsync.com Alecia Evans Walk In Sync
Books:
1. How to Be Your Dog’s Best Friend by the Monks of New Skete
2. Books by Turid Rugass – also available in DVD
a. Barking: the Sound of a Language
b. On Talking Terms with Dogs: Calming Signals
c. My Dog Pulls: What can I Do
3. Natural Dog Training by Kevin Behan

GoSailGo · 02-09-2013, 09:41 PM

The Monks of New Skete book are my favorite book. I also liked Ian Dunbar's book "Before and After Getting You Puppy". I didn't like it at first glance, but it had a lot of good ideas I'd never thought of before.

freezen1979 · 02-10-2013, 08:03 AM

I would recommend getting a certified trainer to come to your house.

After only two sessions we have a very nice foundation to work off of and my puppy is doing great.

I'm a pretty smart dude and I can tell you it would have been a big mistake for me to try this without a professional (no matter how much research i had done). I'm sure many people do it on their own....I'm just saying of you want to stack the odds on your side.....

Most should be around $50 a hour. Money doesn't grow on trees...but lets say you do four sessions to start. What's $200 over a ~10 year relationship for the life of the dog????

Get a crate, kong, big bully sticks, and a food dispensing bobber...

Buzz.babes · 02-10-2013, 08:59 AM

Thanks so much everyone! I bought the book that everyone recommended by the monks of new skete. For anyone else wondering I found it on iBooks so I didn't even have to leave home for it. I'm eager to learn as much as I can and am open to any advice. Thanks again!

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02-09-2013, 12:58 PM	#1 (permalink)
Buzz.babes Junior Member Join Date: Feb 2013 Location: Dalton, Massachusetts Posts: 28	New puppy coming. Recommendations please! I'm new to the forum ( and gsds ) and I'm looking into what they prefer. For our lab Molly we use a coated wire crate, but she's never been a big fan of being away from me so she rarely uses it. I was thinking about buying them both vari kennels in the hopes that they're more "den like". She also preferred a plain old stick to any toy we ever bought her and from the reading I've done so far many gsds prefer balls or some string thing ( what is this thing everyone is referring to lol?! ) and most importantly what is everyone's favorite training book? I'd like to try clicker training but I'm open to options. Thanks for your time everyone!

02-09-2013, 09:36 PM	#2 (permalink)
Mary Beth Elite Member Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Pierre, South Dakota Posts: 1,370	If you want to use the crate you have, you can put a large towel or blanket over the top and 3 sides for privacy. I'd recommend you start with the Monks of New Skete "The Art of Raising a Puppy". And then go on to: 1. Turgid Rugaas (Norwegian trainer experienced with German Shepherd rescue dogs) http://www.canis.no/rugaas/ 2. Natural Dog Trainer http://www.leecharleskelley.com/ 3. http://dogwalkinsync.com Alecia Evans Walk In Sync Books: 1. How to Be Your Dog’s Best Friend by the Monks of New Skete 2. Books by Turid Rugass – also available in DVD a. Barking: the Sound of a Language b. On Talking Terms with Dogs: Calming Signals c. My Dog Pulls: What can I Do 3. Natural Dog Training by Kevin Behan __________________ Sting Chance von Gaard AKC GSD 2/8/2006

02-10-2013, 08:59 AM	#5 (permalink)
Buzz.babes Junior Member Join Date: Feb 2013 Location: Dalton, Massachusetts Posts: 28	New puppy coming. Recommendations please! Thanks so much everyone! I bought the book that everyone recommended by the monks of new skete. For anyone else wondering I found it on iBooks so I didn't even have to leave home for it. I'm eager to learn as much as I can and am open to any advice. Thanks again! Sent from Petguide.com Free App

02-09-2013, 09:41 PM	#3 (permalink)
GoSailGo Member Join Date: Sep 2012 Location: Vancouver, BC Posts: 193	The Monks of New Skete book are my favorite book. I also liked Ian Dunbar's book "Before and After Getting You Puppy". I didn't like it at first glance, but it had a lot of good ideas I'd never thought of before.

02-10-2013, 08:03 AM	#4 (permalink)
freezen1979 New Member Join Date: Jan 2013 Posts: 9	I would recommend getting a certified trainer to come to your house. After only two sessions we have a very nice foundation to work off of and my puppy is doing great. I'm a pretty smart dude and I can tell you it would have been a big mistake for me to try this without a professional (no matter how much research i had done). I'm sure many people do it on their own....I'm just saying of you want to stack the odds on your side..... Most should be around $50 a hour. Money doesn't grow on trees...but lets say you do four sessions to start. What's $200 over a ~10 year relationship for the life of the dog???? Get a crate, kong, big bully sticks, and a food dispensing bobber...

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