Training, videos and books, sticky?

[tds73]

Hello,
I have been searching and having a hard time coming up with what I am looking for. Maybe it is my search methods. Anyways, I was wondering if there was maybe a sticky or some sort of polls for training videos and books.
Our new puppy comes home on Oct. 20 and we are trying to get prepared. This is our second GSD, we lost our first one in February at 15 years old. He was great. But as always, thinking back there are things/areas we would like to improve on with the new one. The research can get so overwhelming. Maybe we are lazy, but we would prefer to get a couple good videos on training verses books. Don't get me wrong, we have a couple books, and plan on a couple more. We would just like to get an idea on the most suggested ones in both categories.
To clarify, we do not plan to show or train as a service dog, just a part of the family that is enjoyable to take out in public and outdoors and have him respect us and our wishes and for him to be safe and not be worried he is going to go "deaf" and take off.
We are willing to put in the time and do a more advanced training and maybe work in some more advanced commands, like guard, for example.
we will take him to local training classes, especially for the socialization aspects, but I think we are looking for something more than they will offer.
We just want to be as prepared as possible when he arrives home and get started right away, headed in the right direction.
One more thing I wanted to add, I say "we" a lot, it is my wife and I, I don't read a lot saying anything about your dog listening to both of you or anyone, seems all training/tips refer to "your dog responds to YOU". Maybe there is some insight somewhere on two person training?
Sorry for that long winded first post. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

[Twyla]

Look into BowWowFlix. Similar to NetFlix. Huge variety of DVDs available.

[tds73]

Thanks for the tip. I checked out the site. Still looking for some recommendations on exact videos, pup comes home Oct.20, so time is limited. I know some of the videos are a waste of time. I think one problem I am having is that the word "dvd" is too short for a search, making it hard to search the forum. I was hoping for something like a poll of videos, that way I would be able to see the ones getting the most recommendations and maybe narrow down my search.

[Cassidy's Mom]

Here you go: Book Recommendation - Please Add your Favorite!

[tds73]

Thanks. I have read thru that one.
Any ideas on a video/dvd one?

[onyx'girl]

I love bowwowflix, and rent according to where I'm at in my training journey. Michael Ellis's video's are a great place to start/ engagement/focus/recall/positions all those things to teach a young pup for a good solid foundation to grow from.

[onyx'girl]

Here are a *few* I'd rent if I was getting a pup:
Fundamentals - Foundation Training For Every Dog - Brenda Aloff
BowWowFlix: Sirius Puppy Training - Ian Dunbar DVD
The Power of Playing Tug with Your Dog - Michael Ellis DVD
The Power of Training Dogs with Food - Marker Training DVD
BowWowFlix: Clicker Magic - Karen Pryor - Dog Training DVD
BowWowFlix: Focused Heeling - Michael Ellis - Clicker Train DVD
Those should fill a few weeks worth before pup comes home!

[MaggieRoseLee]

Truthfully, I'd just get a general book on puppies (may not even that cause we have alot of info in our FAQ's with links to info), read everything here, and then spend your time and money on locating the best puppy/dog classes/dog clubs in your area.

It's hard to really recommend one book over another because all of us have different backgrounds and experiences, plus all those darn puppies are a bit different! The instant feedback and guidance from an experienced trainer is so valuable, and later purchases to supplement work best for me.

Truthfully, if I were you I'd read up and learn:

• Crate training
• Socialization
• Engagement training
• CLICKER training
• Look for great places to socialize/exercise your pup OUTSIDE of the house/yard

GOOD LUCK!