Update on Kody- 9 month old WL GSD

[Tulip]

Hi everyone! Just wanted to share and update for anyone who was reading my last thread or anyone just interested in reading about the progress of my baby . I wrote up a daily training schedule (planning on writing each one one week at a time) which you can see in the file I attached. I also typed up the notes I wrote for today (I printed the sheet out for ease of taking it to school and to my dad's with me). I will be updating it daily (if possible) so that you can see his progress . If you have anything helpful to add to my notes for training him, that is appreciated! I'll take some pictures of my baby and post them here tomorrow as well . Next week my dad and I are going to try to visit a Schutzhund club or two also. Can't wait!

[Mary Beth]

Kody is certainly a busy boy - which he needs and is getting lots of practice - no wonder he is coming along so well.

[Mog]

He's definitely a busy pup I'll be doing something similar as far as keeping a daily log and trying to define what we need to work on, on a daily/weekly basis. Good job!

[Tulip]

Thanks! I just realized I forgot to take pictures...oh well. I have attached today's updated log. He did jump up on my back, hump me, and nip at my shoulders and back a couple times today though; any help on how to correct this? It usually happens when he gets overexcited or frustrated (during training- I try not to let this happen though!). I usually cross my arms and either spread my legs apart to get him to lose his grip or push him off (I only do this if he's really hurting me and I can't stand the pain any longer). Sometimes he'll nip at my back and shoulder's when I try to move while he's on me as well. Tips? Thanks again!

[Tulip]

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[Mary Beth]

I agree with you that Kody is probably over excited. My Sting did same at that age. He would get a glint in his eye - then come right at me. I taught him to come to my hand when I held it out - I had a treat in my hand - he had to come, sit/stay then got the treat. It was hard going at first because he was so wound up. I would even have to grab him by the collar and force him into the sit/stay then wait - back up - then have him come slowly to my hand and he got the treat. After a while, all I had to do when he got that look was to hold out my hand and he would come to it. Also I learned to ease up on the training and take breaks - take him for easy off leash walks - let him run and just do what he wanted - also alternate the heeling with loose leash time where he could sniff, look around not always having to concentrate on obeying.

[onyx'girl]

Originally Posted by Tulip

Thanks! I just realized I forgot to take pictures...oh well. I have attached today's updated log. He did jump up on my back, hump me, and nip at my shoulders and back a couple times today though; any help on how to correct this? It usually happens when he gets overexcited or frustrated (during training- I try not to let this happen though!). I usually cross my arms and either spread my legs apart to get him to lose his grip or push him off (I only do this if he's really hurting me and I can't stand the pain any longer). Sometimes he'll nip at my back and shoulder's when I try to move while he's on me as well. Tips? Thanks again!

Put him in a down when he's doing this. And mean it when you say DOWN!

[Capone22]

at nine months I would use a prong and give a correction for it. then reward for the correct behavior.

[Tulip]

Originally Posted by Mary Beth

I agree with you that Kody is probably over excited. My Sting did same at that age. He would get a glint in his eye - then come right at me. I taught him to come to my hand when I held it out - I had a treat in my hand - he had to come, sit/stay then got the treat. It was hard going at first because he was so wound up. I would even have to grab him by the collar and force him into the sit/stay then wait - back up - then have him come slowly to my hand and he got the treat. After a while, all I had to do when he got that look was to hold out my hand and he would come to it. Also I learned to ease up on the training and take breaks - take him for easy off leash walks - let him run and just do what he wanted - also alternate the heeling with loose leash time where he could sniff, look around not always having to concentrate on obeying.

I do alternate between loose leash walking and heeling .

Originally Posted by onyx'girl

Put him in a down when he's doing this. And mean it when you say DOWN!

I will try this, but his down isn't 100%. Maybe around 85%? I usually take him out of the crate and put him outside with water when I first get home so that I can feed and water my Yorkie in the house. Takes only like 5 or 10 minutes, and then I get my training and walking stuff and go out back to get Kody. First thing he does is try to push past me through the door, but I block him and close the door behind me. That's usually when he jumps up on me. He basically forgets all his training until I do a few commands and finally get him calmed enough to put him in a sitz and bleiben to put on his leash. What should I do if he doesn't lay down? I highly doubt he will. Anything I should do instead? Thanks for the input guys! I will post update later and pictures tomorrow (maybe... I should put a reminder on my phone since I can't seem to remember haha).

Originally Posted by Capone22

at nine months I would use a prong and give a correction for it. then reward for the correct behavior.

I personally don't like prong collars on any dog, but I wouldn't use one on a pup under a year to a year and a half. I don't like them in general though because often the dog is only behaved when he has a prong collar on, and isn't really trained. Many dogs will revert back to their behaviors on a normal collar once they learn they don't get the correction with that on.

This reminded me, Kody chomped through his leash today when I looked away for two seconds!! It was nylon... should I get a leather one? What is a good, strong material that preferably won't hurt my hands when he pulls (he's pretty good about not pulling... until he sees a leaf, flying bug, or car, and he absolutely has to chase it -.-. I've been working with him on getting used to passing cars thugh, so that's going well)

[Mary Beth]

"I will try this, but his down isn't 100%. Maybe around 85%? I usually take him out of the crate and put him outside with water when I first get home so that I can feed and water my Yorkie in the house. Takes only like 5 or 10 minutes, and then I get my training and walking stuff and go out back to get Kody. First thing he does is try to push past me through the door, but I block him and close the door behind me. That's usually when he jumps up on me. He basically forgets all his training until I do a few commands and finally get him calmed enough to put him in a sitz and bleiben to put on his leash. What should I do if he doesn't lay down? I highly doubt he will. Anything I should do instead? Thanks for the input guys! I will post update later and pictures tomorrow (maybe... I should put a reminder on my phone since I can't seem to remember haha)."

Can you reverse it - take care of the Yorkie first, then let Kodie out of his crate and go outside. Kodie has missed you and is excited to see you that is why he gets so upset and tries to follow you back inside.

"I personally don't like prong collars on any dog, but I wouldn't use one on a pup under a year to a year and a half. I don't like them in general though because often the dog is only behaved when he has a prong collar on, and isn't really trained. Many dogs will revert back to their behaviors on a normal collar once they learn they don't get the correction with that on."

I agree with you.

"This reminded me, Kody chomped through his leash today when I looked away for two seconds!! It was nylon... should I get a leather one? What is a good, strong material that preferably won't hurt my hands when he pulls (he's pretty good about not pulling... until he sees a leaf, flying bug, or car, and he absolutely has to chase it -.-. I've been working with him on getting used to passing cars thugh, so that's going well)"

He will chomp through a leather one just as fast. About the only thing he couldn't chomp through is a chain leash - you would have to wear gloves. For not hurting your hands - I use the Walk In Sync leash it is nyon but has 2 covered hand grips . For the pulling - it helps to anticipate when he will lunge after something and turn suddenly -change direction - even bump right into him -praise him when he follows.