Socializing my German Shepherd

[Sgt440]

I was just given a German Shepherd to train for search and rescue. Buddy is 9 months old and apparently has never been socialized. He is nervous around everyone he meets and a lot of noise/excitement makes him literally stick to me like glue. Our instructor told me to take Buddy everywhere with me as much as possible to get him used to being around people, noises etc. I have about a month to get him socialized before I will have to give up and move on to training another dog. Any suggestions will be appreciated.

Also, Buddy doesn't like toys. He will not chase or play with anything I've tried (tennis ball, knotted rope, kong with food stuffed in it and a rubber squeek toy.) Getting him to do this is a big part of SAR training. I've only had Buddy for a week. Could this be the problem? Again, any suggestions will be appreciated.

Mark

[dobetaztic]

definate;y take him every were reward him with praise and if he likes food then treats. as for toys marmite works a treat smother the balls in it and let him have them you gradually reduce the marmite on the ball till you only put it on now and again. it is a big problem if he wont play as sar will not except them. encourage buddy to di stays and recalls so you train him it is good to work at a distance cause he can still come back for love when its time.