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If anyone has some advice or tips on faster housebreaking without a crate, I would appreciate them greatly.. I have an 8 week old german shepherd girl.. she seems very smart, but the potty thing will take time I have a feeling. Also.. we have a two year old little boy and since he is right down there on her level she likes to get a little rough, but those puppy teeth hurt! She has had him down on the floor a few times crying as she mawls him and chomps him in anyplace she can get. I tell her "NO BITE!" firmly and sometimes she stops but she gets a little carried away, but I would like to break that habit asap.. thanks!!

Kasey
* Belle, Scotty, & Sophie*

>>If anyone has some advice or tips on faster housebreaking without a crate, I would appreciate them greatly.. I have an 8 week old german shepherd girl.. she seems very smart, but the potty thing will take time I have a feeling. Also.. we have a two year old little boy and since he is right down there on her level she likes to get a little rough, but those puppy teeth hurt! She has had him down on the floor a few times crying as she mawls him and chomps him in anyplace she can get. I tell her "NO BITE!" firmly and sometimes she stops but she gets a little carried away, but I would like to break that habit asap.. thanks!!
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>>Kasey
>>* Belle, Scotty, & Sophie*

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At the link below my signature you'll find an article on Puppy Biting and 3 about children and dogs. Little boys are the number one category for dog bites and deaths, so be really on the ball in that department.
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Kathy Diamond Davis, author, "Therapy Dogs: Training Your Dog to Reach Others," 2nd edition, and the free Canine Behavior Series articles at http://www.veterinarypartner.com/Content.plx?P=SRC&S=1&SourceID=47

Puppy classes are mandatory for a household with children. Once your puppy is 12 weeks old, do not hesitate to start.

OK, for now, leash your puppy to you and have her with you supervised at all times. This not only helps with the potty issue, it also helps supervise with the child's interactions.

What is the problem with a crate? I find it a valuble tool- especially in your situation where you have two toddlers runnign around the house. That puppy will need structure and a safe place AWAY from the child. Just like the child needs a safe place away from the puppy. Crates are very effctive for potty training and for "time outs" when puppies get over excited. Also, puppies need a LOT of sleep in order to function properly, so really, it's the best tool for you for now. It doesn't have to be a lifetime thing, but many dogs learn to love their crates and it helps if you have to go on trips, etc.

Just my humble opinion though.
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Chelle and the rest of the crew including, but not limited to Kita and Taiko (the shiba inu wrestle maniacs), Adi (reserved and dignified tabby cat), and all 28 reptiles

We did end up getting a crate for her.. and she seems to like it. I am keeping it open for now, so she can go in there and nap throughout the day. Tonight will be the first time making her sleep in there, and I am expecting her to cry a bit, I just hope after a few nights she accepts it. You said 12 weeks is a good time to start puppy classes? Good I was wondering that also. We're going to have to work on the leash issue because when I put it on her she pulls with all her might and pulls out of her collar. She just got used to the collar itself because she's only had it on for five days, any further tips would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

Kasey
*Belle, Scotty, & Sophie*

Patience patience patience

You have a young dog that has a lot to learn. GSDs are smart and a bit stubborn at times. It already seems like things are getting better from the above posts.

I personally go to puppy classes that are geared towards positive reinforcement. Clicker training is one of my favorite methods of training. It takes a bit of skill, but actually all training does so once again, just be patient, realize both you and your puppy will make mistakes. Thankfully puppies are highly adaptable and realize humans are inconsistent. Teaching tricks as well as regular obedience exercises helps tire out the brain (and a tired dog is a happy dog). Also, always have fun training. That doesn't mean training isn't a time to learn, just keep it upbeat.
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Chelle and the rest of the crew including, but not limited to Kita and Taiko (the shiba inu wrestle maniacs), Adi (reserved and dignified tabby cat), and all 28 reptiles