how do you create a bond if the dog is 2yrs old and have a not so good experience with the previous owner.
2006-12-11 16:32:05 · 12 answers · asked by ? 2 in Pets ➔ Dogs
yep i got my youger bros. in my house 14, 11. 9 yrs of age. im also concerned with their safety but i feel sorry for the dog. he looks kinda sad..
2006-12-11 17:00:01 · update #1
The best way to create a bond with any dog is through training. Training doesn't have to be serious - even teaching tricks is a good way to go through the learning process together and share success. German shepherds are generally loyal to a single person, but they can transfer that to a new person fairly easily. You do need to be a good leader so get some help from a local professional if necessary. Check out http://www.canineprofessionals.com for a trainer in your area.
2006-12-11 16:56:59 · answer #1 · answered by keesnbcs 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have taken in many rescue dogs, including a German Shepard. Rescue dogs usually have been mistreated by previous owners. What I find that works is giving them a little bit more attention and affection will be very helpful. Most dogs like this has not had much attention or affection by prior owners. They also need time and this will vary dependent on the seriousness of the mistreatment they have received. Most dogs just want love and to please their owners, if you love this dog it will love you back. Also, because it is 2 years old (still young ) it may not take as long to create a bond. Just shower the dog with love and maybe a toy or two; and I am sure your pet will come around. I have had several rescue dogs of various breeds. I have two that are with me now, but many in the past.
2006-12-11 16:48:01 · answer #2 · answered by VLEEKS47 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Have you ever watched the "Dog Whisperer" on the National Geographic channel? If not, take a look at the program. You will learn so much about teaching your dog; rules, boundary's, and limitations. Correcting how you react to a dogs behavior is key. My sister who worked with a dog rescue and has 4 very different breeds including a German Shepard also swears by the information she has gotten from this program. We Love Caesar Milan! You can get his books at any book store.
2006-12-11 17:07:13 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
You have to be gentle and loving. Give lots of treats and go very slowly with this dog. German Shepherds are one of the most intelligent breeds of dog, so it isnt' likely to every forget what happened with it's previous owner. Start with just sitting on the floor with some good treats around you on the floor (start farther away if he doesn't want to come too close) gradually move them closer to you and finally have them in your lap so he associates you with pleasant things.
Make sure all your training is done with positive reinforcement rather than punishment (even a correction on a choker chain is a negative reinforcement). Maybe you can find a trainer who has a "special needs" class for situations just like this. These types of classes usually only have 3-4 dogs and 2 trainers, so lot's of 1 on 1 time.
Good luck, be patient, and don't be afraid to get professional help with this dog.
2006-12-11 16:42:37 · answer #4 · answered by dogandcatluvr 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
German Shepherds are highly trainable.
Unfortunatly, they are also a one man dog.
He is still young, and you say he did -not- have a good relationship with the previous owner. There's definatly still time to bond with him if he doesn't have any behavioural problems.
My suggestion? Enroll in obediance school with him, or learn to train him well on your own and spend time with him doing that.
German Shepherds love to feel usefull, playing Frisbee is a nice way for him to do just that and get his exersize. Go for long walks, make sure YOU are the one who always feeds him and lets him out to the bathroom, etc.
The main priority if he has had an abused past is to make sure he has no behavioural problems. After that, time will give you the devotion you want from him. If you truely devote yourself to him,.as well, that is. = )
Edit: Do not listen to the first poster.
Also, to teach your dog to play frisbee, bring two frisbee's. Throw one, when he is interested in getting it and brings it back, show him the other. WAIT UNTILL HE DROPS IT (This is important.) When he drops it, throw the other.
He will associate dropping the frisbee with the other frisbee being thrown. Thank Chetco for that strategy, he's the one who shared it with me.
2006-12-11 16:37:22 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
Patience and kindness, every day. I'm working on the same thing with a cat right now. It's taken three months, but she finally comes to me to be petted. So take heart, because that was an incredibly rewarding experience.
2006-12-11 16:36:28 · answer #6 · answered by mfunk23 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Time, patience, and love. Dogs are generally very forgiving (sometimes to a fault), and when he's realized that the place he is now isn't like the place he was before, he should be okay.
2006-12-11 16:44:37 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
If there are children in this household then don't keep this dog, if it is a one person household once the dog learns to trust in you and knows that you will be there always he should reciprocate the same.
2006-12-11 16:44:45 · answer #8 · answered by kiss 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I suggest training him. I've found that I develop the closest bonds with the dogs I work with the most. Obedience, agility, tracking, tricks, whatever. Your dog will love it.
2006-12-12 02:43:44 · answer #9 · answered by DaBasset - BYBs kill dogs 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It will take a little time, but just keep loving it and these dogs are so smart they will respond to your love and care.
2006-12-11 16:47:45 · answer #10 · answered by Fauna 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋