My family and I are getting a German Shepherd puppy next week. We are experienced with dogs (we had a rotweiler for 10 years) but his is MY first time raising a puppy.We have 3 kids and I want them to know as much as I do about how to train the puppy. Any advice on training and getting to sleep through the night would be greatly appreciated!

Crates are great for housebreaking. Mine had to sleep in them till they were compleatly trustworthly. Decide now what the house rules are. For example if in a year you don't want a full grown dog on your couch, don't let him on it now as a puppy. It's not fair to change the rules as he grows. Having lots of toys he's allowed to chew on can save what he shouldn't. Remember patience, patience, patience they learn what you teach them. Good-luck

Congrats on getting a new puppy. I would definatly suggest a puppy class.. not only for the puppy, but also for you!!

if i were u i would teach him a lot of tricks while he is only a puppy. When he does something bad say no in a stern voice.I also reccomend obedience class.Good luck
From,
the poodle owner
and the poodle

Why don't you want to use a crate?

Crates are great for lots of reasons.

One they help a lot in the potty training stages.

They are also good for when you aren't home. They keep the puppy from getting into things they shouldn't get into. This is also true for night time. When you are sleeping and he could be roaming. Plus the accidents he could have since he has full use of the house.

I am sure you know from your past dog that everyone in the house needs to be consitant. So writing down or at least discussing rules and commands that are going to be used is a very good start.

Then have the eagle eyes ready for when he needs to go out you can get him out before he starts to go in the house. Also to give him something he can chew on instead of what he shouldn't be chewing on. The best way to stop bad behavior is to catch it before it starts. So don't let him do somethng he shouldn't or stop and redirect as quickly as possible.

Good luck with the new puppy. They are lot of work, but worth it in the end.

Puppy and then obedince classes would be great for the whole family and the puppy.