Hi everyone,

I now have my GSD pup and he is 10 weeks old, as its a few years since I have had a pup, some advice would be very much appreciated please.

Firstly, I am lead training him and he is excellent, watches me all of the time with encouragement and I keep the sessions very short. I do not exert any pressure on the lead, instead calling him in the direction I want him to go. I don't want to tug and pull as it will put him off and I hate to see others doing it....BUT, at the moment we are going round in circles because he won't walk in a straight line. He weaves between my feet and I am scared I am going to fall on top of him. How can I correct this? I am doing something wrong here.

Second question. I also have an 11 year old Briard and she is naturally not as playful as she used to be. She is a bit sore and stiff and likes her sleep. He will not leave her alone. He jumps and leaps all over her and despite her telling him off and nipping him when he goes too far, he is coming back at her with more puppy exuberance than ever. I was hoping that she would teach him to play nicely but he isn't learning this yet. I have to intervene all of the time and the sessions are lasting no more than 5 minutes before it gets too much for her and she wants to hurt him. Obviously I separate them before anything happens as its not fair on her or him, if he got hurt. She is used to other dogs as she has grown up with others but he does like to play rough. So at the moment I am keeping them apart as its just too much for her and naturally, when he does get to meet with her, he is worse than ever. Advice on that would be also appreciated.

just to expand on the "hoping she would teach him to play nicely" what I meant to say is that another dog is far better at teaching what is and isn't acceptable and I was hoping that he would learn this way. I appreciate that he doesn't understand yet boundaries, manners and bite inhibition. He is also teething right now which doesn't help matters but he is a quick learner and is learning already that biting human skin is not acceptable. I redirect him to a toy and provide lots of things to chew.

Is the briard on anything for her joints?  With a bouncy pup around you really want to make sure her pain levels are minimal and if she's sore and stiff, she may be needing a little extra help.

Yes, she is on pain and anti inflammatory management plus Yumega, omega supplements, chondroitin, green lipped mussel and Glucosamine and a very balanced raw diet, as she has been all of her life. She manages to bounce around on our walks playing with her ball and swimming so I don't think that pain is the main issue here, more he needs to learn some manners.

Personally I feel that an 11 yr old shouldn't be asked to tolerate a pup....the fact that your bitch is in her self fantastic and makes her a credit to you... establish some boundaries and teach " leave it be" now command. I would also be "doing" alot of things separately to build confidence and a focus between you an pup.. giving time out for all..she will tell pup off if needs be, enjoy .