[Euro Ford Fan]

Flofocus,Mar 28 2006, 02:52 PM Wrote:All of the breeds you just listed are very smart breeds, and should be relatively easy to train.  I say easy because I've owned dogs all my life, and I've dealt with some stubborn breeds (my pitbull for 1, and our old great dane were very stubborn, not stupid, but stubborn and there is a difference).  The german sheppard and lab will be better for running, the golden retriever is an active dog but not the best for a running partner.....I'm sure you could get away with him/her as a running partner though but Im pretty sure their stamina isnt as high as the sheppard or lab.

Now...the thing is with a german sheppard is they are VERY protective...all dogs will be protective of their master and property, but some just have a little bit more aggresive nature to them, like the GS.  That breed can also be dog aggresive, so make sure you socialise the thing with many different type and sizes of dogs when you can, the earlier the better. 

Training....most go to a professional but I'll say you can get away with freindly advice and reading lots of books.  My tips for training....

-Put a bell at the door knob the minute you move your dog into its new house.  Make sure its on a long lead so it can hit the bell with its paw, nose or whatever at the bottom of the door.  Everytime you go out, grab the dogs paw, show him how to ring the bell, then go outside, let him/her do his business, praise them, when you get back in, give them a treat.  Repeat, repeat, repeat.  Try and do it at the same time everyday, that way your dog will get accustomed to a schedule and will make your life easier.  You probably wont beleive me, but my dog has NEVER pee'd in the house, he got it really quick, 1st day.  And hes stubborn....trust me!

-Start with basic commands, Like sit, lay down, give paw, etc right away.  Most say that you cant train a dog until 6 months old....thats BS.  My dog was sitting and giving his paw to people on command at 4 months old.

-If they pee/crap in the house dont grab their neck and shove their nose it in the stuff, its your fault for not letting the dog out in the 1st place.  ;)  A firm and loud "No" or "Bad dog" will be good enuff.

-Praise the dog when its being good, give it treats and lots of positive attention.
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Fantastic information thanks!!! I've been told that GS's are more protective by nature one breeder told me that her dog will get up in the night and check each of the rooms in the house to make sure all is well then go back to sleep. I'm not a fast runner by any means so I don't think any breed would have trouble keeping up with me I'm more interested in one that could be trained to run with me while not jumping out at cars or racing off after anything that catches its attention. Lots of people have told me about socializing them early, the neighborhood I moved into has a dog park and club so there are lots of them around.

I like the bell idea! LOL