I ended up going with Taste of the Wild dog food for kibble, until I switch to raw. It is at a feed store here (Coastal Farm and Ranch), grain free, all ages, great price, and I can amazon prime it. I get the two that rated 5 stars, and I mix them. That way they are used two the two, in case they are out of one. I made sure they weren't allergic to either first. It is really hard to find high rated food that isn't 80 bucks a bag. This stuff is 47.00 I think, and as I said, rated well.
Don't feel forced to stay the whole time at puppy class and participate. Do little windows, and watch for panting. Pup is gonna get tired and stress. While at home, reward behavior without a command for a while. Keep a nail pouch (2 bucks at depot) with hot dog with you. Every time pup sits, give him one. Every time he comes to you, pay him. Don't worry about the command. Pup will teach itself to do whatever it did that got the treat. As the behavior is consistently happens, then add the command (or continue it from training).
Start playing with a rag. Go order a jute rag from amazon 15 bucks. Don't tug, but allow to bit it. Allow the biting of EVERYTHING. What I mean is, don't discourage it, simply substitute it. If you get bit, just trade to the toy/rag/whatever. If chewing something it shouldn't, it is ok - trade out with rag/toy/etc...
You are going to have a beast. First your need that bond. Nothing is wrong, bad, or punishment. You don't have to reward bad behavior, but you don't need to acknowledge it. Just trade out.
Nutshell:
Nothing is bad. Always good tone.
keep toy and treats near at all times.
DO the leash work people recommended.
Only work a few minutes at a time, keep it fun.
If pup comes to you and sits, BOOM, pay him. Don't say anything. After it gets it down, then add command (unless past that already
). Things they teach themselves, stick more concrete than commands we teach with behavior.
IF IT IS NO BIG DEAL TO YOU, IT IS NO BIG DEAL TO HIM.
Don't react. Keep him engaged. Trade out. Build that confidence and drive, and you will be able to do anything. Get ready for the beast lol. I'm in teenage years right now, and didn't get to start with mine as early as you. You have a great start. The border collie will train it. I have an aussie with mine. You would not believe how easy it is compared to if we had our pup solo. Our pup has no idea he is a presa, he thinks he is an aussie. Copies the high pitch barks and everything. Stalks things down, patrols the yard.
I'm excited for you. Oh and learn his body. When the tail curls up as he gets alert, the way the ears move, everything. Learn it, remember it, nonstop. It will help a ton soon.
