Having had as many dogs over these many years as I can I will say this:
Go to one of the pet stores or buy on line an air kennel big enough for when he hits his full growth and start CRATE TRAINING HIM NOW!!!!! It is easy to do really, start feeding him in his crate with
the door open, then in a few days close the door while he is eating and lock it. When
he is done eating,leave him in the crate for at least 10 minutes more. Increase the
time each day until he is in his crate for at least a half hour.
Then start giving him his 'treats' in his crate. Again lock the door and leave him in
there for longer and longer periods of time until he is staying in his crate with a toy
or two for several hours (up to 4 or maybe 5 )
Then when it is bedtime, after his last potty for the night, put a treat and a toy in
his crate and tell him "crate" or "kennel". Over time he will become very
comfortable in his crate andit will become his 'cave.'
Every one of my dogs is or has been 'crate trained' over the years and they love
their crates!! Usually if I don't see one of my dogs (I have 4 at the Moment) and
I go looking I will find them sleeping in their crate with the door open. When
Shania (the dog in my avatar) wants to be left alone she will even hook one of
her nails in the door and pull it closed roflmao as her means of saying "leave me
alone."
I have found that even with a puppy, crate training is a wonderful way to start
teaching the pup some restraint and the pup starts to learn how to behave and
that his//her crate is their sanctuary.
I also have crates in my Blazer so if I am taking them anywhere, (the vet, the
park, the river) they ride in their 'car crate'. In case of an accident, they will be
safe in the crate/air kennel that is proved and successful for air travel, so they
are very safe in my vehicle.
There are places that have some real fancy, oak or cherry or walnut, to match
with ones decor and can be used as 'end tables; to a sofa or loveseat. That way
dog is not 'locked away' but can be with y'all but not with y'all. They are not
cheap, but I am thinking about getting 2 of them for the 2 of my dogs that want
to go into 'protective mode' when I have people over that they do not know.
As you can tell I am a 'strong' advocate for 'crate training' one's dog and as young
as possible. Now I have to admit that two of my dogs were 3 1/2 and 5 when I got
them from Rescue, but both 'crate trained' in under 3 weeks, and are very happy
with their crates.
I would hope that you are going with him when he 'sees the trainer' and that the
trainer is allowing you to give the commands so that you become 'alpha' to him.
He is a cutie but with his breed mix is going to be a fairly good sized dog/ I had
two one after the other, that were shepherd/dobie cross and both of them got to
be a slim, lean, dog of 90 pounds. This is the perfect time for him to learn 'manners'
among other humans and dogs. Socialization is a MUST and once he finishes up
his 'shots' is a good time to take him everyware. Stores like Pet Stores like
Petco and PetSmart, hardware stores like Lowes Home Depot, feed stores, and
anywhere else that dogs are allowed, other than the dog park.
Based on the pics you posted he is going to be a very handsome specimen of
the two breed cross. If you avoid playing with his ears, they may stand on their
own as he gets older and they may not. Either way his coloring shows his breed-
ing and what a handsome boy he will be.
No you are not being codie with him YET, this is a wonderful time to teach him
how you want to be treated, ie no jumping up to greet, that greeting means
sitting in front of you to be petted. It would be hazardous if he were to jump
up on a younger smaller child. Manners are a MUST.
Enjoy your new puppy, they can be SO MUCH FUN and to me it is a treat and
an honor to have a dog that wants to be with me. You are truly blessed to
have this cute puppy in your home.
Love and hugs,