Yay! I am soooo excited! Any tips from you dog owners? (anything would be appreciated).
2006-10-02 08:43:42 · 18 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pets ➔ Dogs
Congrats.
First thing I tell my Clients when they aquire a GSD, is be prepared to become the best fit person sever. GSD's are smart, but like every dog, they need to be started on a routine...now!
DO NOT START OBEDIENCE TRAINING on a rigorous level until older. Let him be a puppy the first 6 months, then start off slow. In the beginning, teach house manners (No sofa/chairs/housebreaking)
Start with Boundries and Socialize, Socialize, Sociaize. Do not allow ppl to make eye contact when they walk into your home, until the pup has calmed down. This will help as they get older and not jump on ppl that come over.
Start Leash training, as they get older. They get strong and burly. Walk your dog, don't allow your dog to walk you.
After you've established that you are the Alpha Female, they will be happier to know they have a confident pack leader and follow your lead.
Try to feed all Natural Dog Food. I recommend Innova or Wellness, best stuff around.
Good Luck!
2006-10-02 09:29:36 · answer #1 · answered by TexasKitty 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Love him, be kind to him, teach him obedience, and tricks starting at a young age. Remember consistency and reitition is important. The dog will learn through this. He will get to be a big dog!! you might want to keep him off your bed and furniture. The chewing thing, bones, are a must! I have a German Shepard, Rottwiler mix, he's 1 yr, and 90 lbs. I have given him bones from the start (got him at 6 wks) and never had a problem with him chewing. Just make sure when he is kenneled while you are gone he has toys, this will help in the future of being able to leave him roam ashe gets older.Putting hima kennel as a pup will help in the potty training. Enjoy him.
2006-10-02 08:56:24 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
My grandmother raised Shepherds for over 40 years, they are great dogs.
My advice would be that GSD's are territorial, make sure your dog knows YOU are the alpha of the pack, if you can, get a trainer familiar with Shepherds for basic obedience.
Take him to a puppy park often, get him used to being around other dogs.
They like to chew, invest in some good chew toys! Kongs are great!
I also recommend you start him off on a good food, the higher quality the food, the less puppy's poop (all the good stuff gets absorbed, so there is less waste) and makes housebreaking easier.
Best of luck!!
2006-10-02 08:54:45 · answer #3 · answered by Nikki T 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Congrats!!! You are on your way to a great relationship!
I've raised 4 dogs and the best advice is to do your homework!
Here are 2 "must have" books to get you started:
The Art of Raising a Puppy by The Monks of New Skete
Cesar's Way by "The Dog Whisperer"
Order these from Amazon.com and while you're there check out the book called "Raw Dog Food". The knowledge from these 3 books will practically make you an expert! Then add lots of love and you're on your way.
2006-10-02 09:00:55 · answer #4 · answered by smartgirl 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Male grownup German Shepard's will in general get approximately 25 inches tall and can weigh sixty six-88 kilos. It could be exotic for him to damage ninety lbs. whilst he's thoroughly grown except he's obese or so much taller than the common German Shepard puppy. Hope this is helping!
2016-08-29 09:07:12 · answer #5 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
congrats, i recently got myself a puppy rotty. start training from day one. the dog has to know that you are the alpha. if it is going to be an inside dog, expect a lot of cleaning up. you could be the best trainer in the world and there will always be accidents. be very patient. routine is very important. he should eat at the same time, go out at the same time sleep at the same time, so on and so forth. study your dogs behavior, they will tell you everything you need to know by bodily behavior. if you want your shepherd to be as large as possible, don't give him and milk products after nine weeks and exercise the hell out of him everyday. let him get extremely tired, take a nap, and do it all over again. good luck. just be patient and everything will work out. if you get a chance to watch the dog whisperer on tv i would do it it is very good
2006-10-02 08:54:59 · answer #6 · answered by Lew 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Always remember that a tired dog is a good dog. GSD's being from the herding group have LOTS of energy. Make sure you get him good and tired but don't over stress his bone structure as GSD's can have CHD. Just get him a good workout but do it on grass rather than hard packed dirt or pavement. And avoid the stairs for the next several months till he's a year. I'm planning on waiting at least that long when I get my Labrador.
2006-10-02 09:11:42 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have a 6 year old German Shepard. I would recommend crate training him for 2 years. But most important to any German Shepard owner is to only feed him adult dog food.... This will slow down his growth so his bone will not out grow his hip. Please they are known for the hip displacement and this is how i prevented it. There is too much protein in puppy food this is why they grow so fast. Any more questions email me .
2006-10-02 09:02:01 · answer #8 · answered by mikviv1 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Give him lots of exposure to all the different creatures, people, etc. Protect him, but at the same time, give him proper exposure so he's not fearful of other beings later in life. We made that mistake with our puppy - not enough "other" human socialization so she's a little wary around strangers (though that could also be the chow in her) and she's also scared of other dogs because we never allowed her the chance to meet and mingle with other dogs.
Go to dog parks when your dog is old enough. Take them with you to PetSmart or PetCo or other "dog friendly places" as often as possible. Even if you don't need to buy anything, just to socialize.
Like others have said, teach them what's good and bad for chewing. Provide lots of toys for them to chew on, and be sure you supervise them while they play. (no swallowing of small parts!) cuddle and give them lots of love, and make sure you take them for walks and give them plenty of exercise (fetch, running around, etc.)
Congrats on the new addition to your family, and good luck!
2006-10-02 08:56:03 · answer #9 · answered by Lexie 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
He will chew for the next 2 years. Start teaching him what is appropiate to chew on now. As in, the second he sets foot in your house. And keep a supply of what he can chew on. You might want to consider buying stocks in chew toy/rawhide, whatever.
He'll grow fast, too. Take pictures every month, lol. I compare the 3 month pictures to my puppy now at 6 months and he's a monster!
2006-10-02 08:49:07 · answer #10 · answered by nokhada5 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋