In order to harness the instincts of A German Shep"herd" understanding the temperament of the dog you have is of the utmost importance before you start any training. With that said there are alot of all breed training classes out there that IMO are not the best choice for correct training with this breed, unless the trainer has alot of experience with GSD's. I'm going to disagree with the Monks of new skeet training...especially with a novice owner of the breed trying to train. Take my word for it, I don't know any qualified GSD trainer that would recommned half the things in their books, in fact some practices are down right dangerous. I also don't like to start a GSD in clicker training before anything else has been applied. Another thing is while learning to train your GSD correctly for his/her temperamanet it might be helpful to find out if you have an american line or a European line GSD, as each lines were bred quite differently. European lines, especially those from east Germany tend to be a lot more intense as their lines were bred more stongly from working lines and there fore you may find you have a dog quite wirey because being a couch potoato was not it's original breeding plan. A knowledgeable GSD trainer should be easily able to identify which line your dog most likely comes from. Another point for finding a Trainer well versed in GSD's is differnet lines are structurally built different as well. Someone who doesn't understand your lines body structure or proper temperament may not realize certain training problems may be not be working due to a health issue verses the dog not getting the lessons. Get the facts about your breed here...http://www.cluebus.com/holly/gsdfaq.html than decide what training you want to do with this dog/dogs. My advice is to start off with "functionable obedience" & Prevention and Problem solving type classes. This will give you a good assesment on what are you and your dog's strengths and weakneses when it comes to training. Below is a link supplied that can take you to all different types of Dog training. Find one that you are inerested in,email the person on the lnk and see if they can recommend a qualified trainer for your breed that is in close proximity to you. Also Can I suggest you check out some of the GSD dog websites such as http://p197.ezboard.com/bgsdlounge, or the AOL GSD messgae board, just to name a couple. Most people here can really help you walk through things while working with a trainer. best of luck Here is a link that might be useful: all kinds of dog training links

Thank you all for the great responses! you have some funny stories!! Kim okla-I'm from Okla too! Live in Norman. So glad to hear the doggy door can be a good thing. I still need to do some research on the kind of doggy door. We live in town so hopefully not too many wild animals running around. I have always dreamed of having a dog that walks and wanders around the house and sleeps in an area of his choice. Although, I can definately see the crate being a good thing also. My sister has a dog that she keeps in the crate while she is gone-and on the occasion she is out shopping or whatever, she has to make sure get gets back to let him out. It cuts down on her time away a bit. But, she doesn't have to worry about him chewing her furniture either. Both have their advantages and disadvantages, I guess. I didn't think about what he might take outdoors/indoors-could be interesting-LOL! Were any of your dogs older when you brought them home to use the doggy door, or were they puppies, or would it matter you think as far as them taking to the doggy door easily? I guess what I'll do is keep him in his crate and let him out right by the doggy door for awhile until he gets it? olliesmom

I played once and got all eight tracks - I'm quitting while I'm ahead!

Thanks Linda!!! Now just when do you think I am going to get my work done for Christmas? LOL My eyesight isn't what it used to be so I play this one that is bigger. Here is a link that might be useful: train