Re-homing a GSD- advice ?

Question

I am getting a german sheperd dog end of this month and would like any friendly advice on how to help her settle in to her new home. She is 1 year old.
Thank-you

Answer 1

Again take it slow but when you aren't home and if she is a house dog confine her in the beginning she may be house trained but not to your house.
Find out everything you can about her from teh other owners, make sure you get ALL vet records. You may even want to check wiht the vet to see if there is anything you should know about this specific dog.
If posible try to get something with her sent such as a bed that would make it easier.
Good Luck
Oh don't let her get away with anyhting you don't want from the begginning they can quickly learn things you don't want and tehn VERY HARD to break.
You may want to take her to a dog obedience class as soon as possible this would get her to learn to focus aon you, would help with bonding, and seh can learn or relearn teh training and learn to listen to YOU.

Answer 2

We have taken in two German Shepherds (one after the other - not both at the same time) - one at 4 years old and the other at 16 weeks. The 4-year old shocked us by doing a wee on the living room carpet the minute she walked in the house - but I think that was the one and only time she did anything like that. So don't be dismayed if your dog does something like that. Obviously, let her have some space to begin with. Give her attention if she seeks it but otherwise leave her to explore her surroundings. An extra-nice meal at the time you normally intend to feed her will also help her feel she is in a good place. Provide her with somewhere comfortable and peaceful to sleep, but don't be surprised if she doesn't use it to begin with. Keep her on a lead the first few days when you take her for a walk - GSD's need a lot of exercise. And if she's in the mood, play with her - they love games of tug-of-war and fetch. Hope this helps.

Answer 3

German Shepherds are not as someone has said vocal dogs, yes they can whine a bit, but are not generally barkers! from what you have said, you have an excellent well adjusted GSD, when she barks at visitors she is just doing what comes naturally to the breed, she is protecting her 'pack', have you taught her the 'on your bed' or 'go and lie down' commands, these are what I use, I have 3 GSD's and a Border Collie (who is a vocal dog) and when people visit, they are told very firmly 'GO AND LIE DOWN' in fact they know the command is coming so very often bark once then they all go and lie down, until I say they can move, they are a very intelligent breed so your dog will soon learn that this is unacceptable behaviour, I don't believe in holding muzzles either, your voice should be enough, and of course praise when the command has been obeyed.

Answer 4

Take it very slowly and be patient as she may take time to settle in.Make sure you set the ground rules from day 1,if she isn't going to be allowed on furniture etc then dont allow her the minute she walks in.Rescue dogs usually come with some sort of baggage whether it's seperation anxeity,boistrousness,chewing,barking/howling,etc all these will need time and commitment from you.The first few weeks she may be perfectly behaved,but after a few weeks when she's settled in and her confidence has grown she may start to show her true colours,this explains why so many dogs end up back in rescue as the owners "cant cope".Be prepared for any unwanted behaviours and work with them.It would be a good idea to join a training class,it will help you with the basic obediance and help your dog feel confident and socilised.Good luck.

Answer 5

The other suggestions are great also with a German shepherd you have to make sure after she settles in you keep her socialized they tend to easily get territorial and over protective. German Shepherds tend to be very attached to their owners and very loyal so this may be quite a traumatic experience for her. Give her lots of attention and affection when she is calm. Give her a dog massage and help her relax

Answer 6

Give her time to get to know you. Try and get something she is used to like a blanket from the previous owner and put that in her new bed. It shouldn't be hard to get her to settle, most dogs are happy to be loved. I would take her to training classes as soon as possible to get her socialised and trained to you ways.
Good luck gsds are great dogs.

Answer 7

If you have another dog, have them meet in a park or someplace besides your home...that way, no aggression issues as to who is the top dog.
When you get her home, walk her around, keep your voice upbeat, talk to her...then kind of let her explore on her own...she will be used to it in no time! Good Luck, GSD's are great dogs...I have 2

Answer 8

i'd take it slow, give her time to get use to the new environment. Let her explore and give her toys and a spot in the house of her own like her crate or a dog bed. Take her for a walk to let her get use to the area.
Good luck GSDs are great dogs

Answer 9

I have 3 GSDs, they are all different, their temperaments are all diff, you will need to give her lots of attention, she will probably pee on the floor, as she will be putting her scent around her new home, Dont shout at her, be very patient, and she will be loyal and loving to you, it is best to have a blanket or a bed for her from her previous home, (where are you getting her from?)
If its from a rescue home bare in mind that she may have problems and will need extra attention and love, she needs to feel secure nad safe, lots of treats and good girls,
also be strict from day one, make sure you dont let her get away with anything you want her to at a later stage, they are very crafty dogs, if they can get away with it they will, trust me lol
I wish you all the very best with her..........

Answer 10

Good for you.let her settle in peace, give her a bed in a place she can go to get away when she like, but most of all love will do it every-time, but she must know you are the boss in the house and all should be well. good luck