Ready for my GSD!

[WireNut]

I have been looking into getting a GS for a long time, i love the breed and their looks. My main question comes to training. There is a few things i want to train the dog to do, but im unsure if need the help from an experienced trainer. After everything is said and done, i would like the dog to be able to preform the following, flawlessly.

Walk by my side, anywhere i go, unleashed, and never have a fear of them darting at an cat/person/car.

I have a shooting range on my property and would like the dog not to be scared of the sound and be effected by the use of guns.

Very play full with kids and other people/pets.

basically i would like to be able to walk threw a crowd of people and the dog walk calmly with me, uneffected by the surroundings.


Is this too much to accomplish on my own?

Thanks for any advice!

Adam

[WendyDsMom]

How experienced are you with training dogs? Most of us need professional help and advise. I start "Positive Puppy Training" with my new pup in December - just because training is constantly evolving and there are always kinder or more effective methods.

I suggest a pro helps you - many dog training facilities offer one on one sessions that are focused on just you and your pups needs.

[marielrowland]

Early socialization is a very crucial key & what better way than starting in puppy class. Your pup is around other puppies & humans while your working on training them.

[GSDBESTK9]

Maybe find a breeder that tests for sound sensitivity??? Something like this:

Temperament Testing - Evi Litter - Girls - YouTube

Temperament Testing - Evi Litter - Girls - YouTube

If you tell us where you live, we can direct you to some reputable breeders, but testing is the key. The dog must have sound nerves.

[DanielleOttoMom]

No this is some thing you can accomplish! I use a trainer and now currently in a working dog club. I highly suggest "puppy training classes." Have you looked at any breeders in your area? Do you know what lines you are interested in? You are going to need a dog with strong nevers being on a gun range.

[Caitydid255]

I cannot vouch for walking unleashed, there are too many things that can go wrong.

Gunfire: Introduced Freyja to .22 fire once she was with me for about a month. She now doesn't even blink if we fire a shotgun, handgun or rifle. Although when we do shoot near the dogs, I cover their ears for fear of hearing loss. If a human ear can be harmed from the sound, and dogs have superior hearing, I don't want to take chances. Angus will wear hearing protection and Freyja is slowly warming up to the idea.

Kids/pets: socialization. Introduce your pup to people, animals, everything they can possibly come in contact with. Try to ensure that they are all positive experiences. Angus and Freyja were introduced to children, cars, trains, other pets, farm animals, etc. We continue to have them experience new things all the time.

I try to turn everything into a training experience. For example, today I'm baking cookies, I see this as an opportunity to introduce the dogs to the mixing machine, new smells (coconut cookies) and an additional reinforcement in not taking food from the counter. Freyja is still learning that the oven is not something you want to lick to sample the flavors (don't worry, door is closed, she likes trying to sneak a lick at the vent)

[mysweetkaos]

I agree a dog with SOLID nerves is going to be a must for what you want. I always start out in a class enviroment to get them used to working with distraction and no reaction. After we do some of the classes though, I always do the rest at home.

[WireNut]

Working lines, but im unsure of breeders in the area. I live around Daytona Beach, FL.

Ive not had much training. My previous dog(a lab mix), was a pup from my first dog. There was not much training involved. We have lots of land so they ran pretty wild, but were very good dogs and great with kids.

The the GS that i would like next, i want to be my companion to go with me everywhere i go :-)

[Suka]

You should seriously consider a GSD with lower drive.

[Cassidy's Mom]

Originally Posted by WireNut

Walk by my side, anywhere i go, unleashed, and never have a fear of them darting at an cat/person/car.

I don't know how realistic this is. What kind of environment are you talking about? Off leash as you walk your land or off leash walking through town next to streets with cars? Personally it's just not worth the risk to have my dogs off leash around cars, but I do take them for walks at off leash parks.

If you don't have a lot of training experience you should plan to enroll in at least a couple of obedience classes. Private trainers are going to be much more expensive, and while they can be invaluable, I don't think they're usually necessary for the basics. Plus, a class provides valuable socialization opportunities. It's one thing to have your dog obey perfectly at home, it's another thing entirely to keep his focus and attention in a room full of other people and dogs.