how do I control my German Shepherd's wimpering?

Question

My husband resued her last night and she looks to be about 2 to 3 months old. last night she did not make a noise when i put her in the bathroom to goto bed but tonight she is going nuts. she had not made a single noise until 11:00 tonight. Is she scared or do they all do this? Should I leave a light on for her or what? I would let her roam but I wouldnt have a house left because she chews everything up. would it be better if a got her a kennal?

Answer 1

Yes - get a kennel. To save on expenses, there are kennels that you can get that are large but have a divider. You can use this kennel throughout her lifetime making this a one time cost. You want the space she is in to be just big enough to stand up, turn around and lie down. This will prevent elimination in the kennel.

Once in the kennel, get a nice comfy blanket (preferrably an older one that you wont mind if she chews or urinates - might happen). Under the blanket, stick a water bottle filled with warm water and a ticking clock. Sounds wierd, but these things simulate the presence of another dog. The warm water bottle simulates another dog's body heat, and the ticking clock simulates another dog's heart beat. You should only have to keep this up for one to two weeks. She will soon get the idea that the kennel is her "den" and that is where she goes to sleep. When you first put her in there, ignore her whining and wimpering.

For now until you get the kennel, you can try leaving a radio or tv on for her. The noise will help distract her.

Good luck with your new rescue! And remember - it does get better from here. Be sure to enroll her in obedience class asap as well! Never too young to learn manners! And playing with other pups and learning all these new and interesting things will help tire her out and help put her to sleep at night!

Answer 2

She is very afraid.
Where did your husband find her ?/ if she was out stray, she could be ill and needs to be checked by a vet.

If rescued from an organization, then she still might have been abandoned or mistreated.
Either way, she was taken away from mommy and the only family she knew.
It will take time for her to understand you are going to take care of her and she is not "lost" or abandoned.

Crate training is highly suggested!
You might have to endure some crying (or even howling) until she falls asleep/ or gets used to the crate, but it's the quickest and simplest way to solve the immediate problems.

Crate with a clean towel, blanket or rug, and maybe a chew bone, can become the sleeping place.
Crate her when you are going out, and that solves the roaming/ destruction.
The crate becomes their 'safe; place, their dog den - or like their 'bedroom' - a calm safe place to relax.

Suggest (small book)
"What all Good Dogs Should Know" by Volhard
Simple, easy to read and follow advice on training - it covers all the important "do's and don'ts".

Good luck, and hang in there.

For understanding dog behavior and psychology, nothing beats watching "The Dog Whisperer" on National Geographic Channel. Link to Web site below (videos, books, and clips available).

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This is GREAT and will help you understand dogs' needs
The Dog Whisperer
http://www.dogpsychologycenter.com/

See below for sources on training and pack behavior.

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Books
Good Owners, Great Dogs (Paperback)
by Brian Kilcommons (Author), Sarah Wilson (Author)

Training Your Dog: The Step-by-Step Manual (Howell Reference Books) (Hardcover)
by Joachim Volhard (Author), Gail Tamases Fisher (Author)

Dog Training for Dummies (Paperback)
by Jack Volhard (Author), Wendy Volhard ** be sure and get this authors' version, he is great

How to Be Your Dog's Best Friend: The Classic Training Manual for Dog Owners
by the Monks of New Skete

Answer 3

A kennel might work. But be sure to put a blanket in there, that has you or your husbands scent on it. You know, the reaction you are getting tells you something. . .the dog has already bonded with you. That says the dog will be a good companion. Very trainable. It takes time and patience. Me, I would have him right in my room. And enjoying every minute of the wet kisses, etc. Take note that German Shepherds are really intelligent, and a lot like a human kid! So when you decide on what to do with the little guy, think about that. Much luck with your new family member!

Answer 4

German Shephards are a very sensitive breed. They are working dogs and need something to do most of the time. They also are very people person dogs. If you leave them when they are young they will surely chew or destroy something! They need lots of exercise and play time with your in the first few months to a year. I have owned several over the years, including a k-9. They are the greatest, most loyal, family protective animal you will ever own. If you raise them right they will be your best friend and protector for life. They are very good with children of all ages, just be careful how you let the kids handle him. Teach them to be gentle and considerate of his needs and he will protect them with his own life when he is old enough to be able. Most shepards will put themselves between your child and another person who shouldn't be near them, they are wonderful dogs. If you decide to keep him, you will be so happy, he will most likely turn out to be the best dog you have ever owned! Good lluck.

Answer 5

Get her a kennel she will think of it as her place. You can wrap up an old ticking alarm clock in a baby blanket and give to her; it mimics the heartbeat of the mother.

Answer 6

This is not an inside dog. This dog is confused, close your bedroom door and keep her in there. Mostly its a matter of getting her used to a situation and I"d say the garage on a blanket.