We got Remi 3 weeks ago Sunday. He will be 4 months on November 3rd. Remi is our first GSP and I have a few questions about training him.

From my understanding, it is best to have a firm but gentle (if that makes sense) approach to training these dogs. They need a leader, but someone they can trust. We have grown up with labs, and have 2 labs currently. I am obviously finding some huge differences in the training aspects of these dogs. My labs have always been very aware and concerned to be near me or close to me. Remi seems to wander off easily and be more independent. Obviously I know he is not a lab, and I don't expect him to be one. I am just looking for some advice on how I should start to train his recall and listening skills in general.

When we picked him up from our breeder, he was allowed off lead in the presense of his mother and he would come back immediately when called. this was something that impressed me greatly. His mother is not here now and he seems to wander off quickly and getting him back, is, well, an effort.

I think I need to go back to square one with him and get a long check cord and start teaching him recall. I have never had to result to this before, the labs were both easily taught with praise and if necessary a food reward.

Remi has gotten away from me twice now, and thats twice too many in my book. Both times, heading straight for the road and I'm very lucky i was able to catch him with out something bad happening. I want to get this fixed before we trust him off leash. Training classes are also an option. TIA.

That makes sense. Thanks! 

Any training we do with the labs we have always phased out treats with praise. I don't want them to rely on that getting that treat for everything.

For teaching the recall with the dog on a check cord you call the dog ONCE. If he does not respond you give the cord a good pop and as soon as he starts toward you get excited and praise him. You can even turn and run the opposite direction or throw a toy between you legs. The key is to get him to come to you willingly. If you drag him you may set yourself up for a tug of war and worse the dog will not want to come to you. If you have this problem, then your dog is probably not ready for the check cord and I would go back even further in training to a 6 foot leash. Put you dog in a sit stay and walk to the end of the leash. Call your dog (only once), if he starts toward you run backwards and take up the slack in the leash until he gets to you and praise him. If he doesn't start toward you give a pop and praise and run backward.

Practice until he is coming to you with no pop or movement, then go to a check cord where you are further away. Also, remember to sometimes go to the end of the leash wait and then return to your dog without calling. This will keep your dog paying attention and not anticipating your call. Good luck and keep us posted on your progress.

Thank you! I will stick with the leash for now, until he understands what we're doing and work our way further and further out.

I appreciate all the input and help!