My husband and I got a 8-week-old white German shepherd puppy today. I haven't decided a name for her yet... I'm thinking of Lily or Summer, but we'll see. Have any suggestions? :) I'd love to hear them.
Anyway, I read up on white German shepherds for forever, and we decided that they would make a great dog for my husband and I. Our anniversary is tomorrow, so we decided it would finally be a good time to get one, especially since we just moved into a new house with plenty of extra space. I read about what to look for when choosing a white german shepherd puppy, but now I'm afraid I may have not made the best decision once I saw all those beautiful eyes! The little girl appealed to us as she was cute and the runt of the litter. All of her brothers and sisters were more hyper than her, except for maybe the one that was asleep in the corner. They all looked healthy and alert, and she and her sister were toppling over eachother trying to get milk from their mother, who was beautiful by the way. We met both the parents and were provided with all the AKC papers and bloodline information and all that, but really I am just looking for a great dog. Anyway, the puppy has been so quiet and calm, from the 35 minute car ride home until now, 4 hours later. She makes little grunting sounds when I pick her up, and I'm hoping that this is normal and not a sign of pain. She's sleeping now, and I'm hoping that maybe she's just tired from the car ride and new environment. We have two cats, one is 1 year, the other 8 months, and when they saw the dog they bowed up like halloween cats even though she was just sitting there completely still. The puppy just sat there though, looking at them and wagging her tail slowly. She didn't even flench when one hissed at her. She hasn't walked around the house much, and when I took her outside to potty she whined alittle. I guess she just misses her family. She hasn't eated any of the dry food we received from the breeder, and she didn't drink any water either even though she was drooling of thirst in the car. She lets my husband and I pet her, but she seems kind of scared. She just sits in the corner of the room until she literally falls asleep. She doesn't come when you call her and usually doesn't even becoem excited. Do you think this puppy will be playful and smart once she gets used to things? Would one of the more hyper dogs been a better pet? Please help... I need reassurance, particularly from a white german shepherd owner. I have all the patience and time right now to teach her things, so if there's anything I can do to help feel comfortable and act like a puppy, please let me know.
2007-06-23 11:29:30 · 13 answers · asked by silvrbreeze 3 in Pets ➔ Dogs
I'm just worried about the grunting sounds when I pick her up. I hope I'm not hurting her. When she whines, I walk up to her and talk to her and pet her, and sometimes if I've just picked her up she might nudge away before I kneel down. Hopefully I can take her to the vet tomorrow, but I'd really like to give her a bath and trim her nails, but I think that might be too much for her right now.
2007-06-23 11:50:28 · update #1
Most likely she needs time to adjust to her new surroundings, and being without her mother and littermates. Give her time--say, 2-3 weeks--and she'll be a playful puppy. If she's still unhappy and off her food and water contact the vet.
2007-06-23 11:33:43 · answer #1 · answered by the fire within 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
1) Bloodlines and such don't mean anything about puppies - all well-bred dogs also throw "pet" quality dogs. They're totally lovable - in fact, perhaps preferable, but don't think their bloodline is a great indicator of the animal.
2) Socialize the hell out of it - particularly a German Shepherd. Introduce it to a zillion people and let them pet her and socialize her to the ends of the earth. Sit outside a supermarket and let all kinds of kids come up to it and pet it (really!). Shepherds by nature might not be as friendly, so make them friendly early on.
3) As far as not eating, I think she's just stressed by her new environment. Give her a comfortable place to sleep - preferably a small crate with blankets and a familiar item if you have one, food and water nearby and give her time. Don't stress her. It won't take long for her to settle in. She just needs to feel safe and a little time to adjust.
Enjoy!
2007-06-23 11:40:57 · answer #2 · answered by T J 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
All of this sounds completely normal. You have a baby here and get ready for some crying tonight. If you don't want a big Sheppard in your bed for the next 12 years, take a stand now but be ready for some heart wrenching sounds for the next 5 days or so.
She's had a really busy day and puppies are like babies and sleep when you want them up and play or cry when you want to sleep.
Drooling in the car can be due to fear/anxiety and motion sickness.
A Shepard is plenty energetic, give her time to get used to her surroundings and plenty of rest because she's a baby. Just to be cautious, not alarming, if she doesn't snap out of it in a 2 days or so, she could have worms or an infection. Watch for blood in the stool, diarrhea, and make your vet appointment very soon so they can become acquainted.
2007-06-23 11:44:18 · answer #3 · answered by chuckyoufarley 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Sounds like you got a puppy with a calmer attitude to begin with - which is great actually! She needs time to settle in - she's gone through major changes in just a few hours - the only home and family she knew is gone and you and your husband are just benevolent strangers to her.
Relax a little - don't turn her neurotic. Your puppy will be a different dog once she's settled in a little. It's pretty normal for her not to eat today, but just keep the water available. Let her feel her own way around in her new environment - you need to keep her close to you anyway for housetraining purposes, you'll be feeding, grooming, playing with and walking her - she'll bond in no time.
2007-06-23 11:41:29 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
You just took a baby from it's mother and family. I don't say that to be harsh, but to make a point. She is a little sad but also a little home sick and frightened. It's normal, they have a lot of the same traits that humans do. They love, dislike, feel pain, etc. Give her a couple days to get used to your house and you and hubby, ESPECIALLY the cats. Keep her in your room tonight, show her lots of affection. She is a baby and you need to appeal to her as such. Dogs are more high maintenence than cats and need more attention, they need to know their place in your home. In a few days, you'll never know she was never yours, it'll be like she's been with you forever. Be patient. Good Luck!
2007-06-23 11:43:20 · answer #5 · answered by no longer a user 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I don't see anything abnormal about anything she is doing. She was nauseated from the car trip, and her stomach might still be upset. It is not unusual for them not to eat for a day or two. She is tired and is probably all out of sorts and missing her family. Be patient and calm and give her time. They are highly intelligent dogs and also very very sensitive. I highly recommend Dr. Ian Dunbars book "After You Get Your Puppy".....it can be bought from Amazon.com. It is a little paperback that will help you train your little girl to be the best she can be. And heavens no, you don't want a hyper WGS--they are nuts! I like Lily and Summer. :)
2007-06-23 11:37:47 · answer #6 · answered by KimbeeJ 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Sounds like a typical puppy to me. Needs some time to adjust. Might not be very interested in food today, but should have more of an appetite tomorrow.
One suggestion for her name: Schnee
It's the German word for 'snow'
Good luck and congratulations on your pup.
2007-06-23 11:41:33 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
She's completely normal, just give her time to get used to her new life and home, It must be hard 4 her 2 leave her family...I'm sure she'll b fine
2007-06-23 12:12:24 · answer #8 · answered by ? 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Just give her some time. contact the owner in a if shes still like this tommarow morning call the owner and if shes like this tommarow night call the vet.
2007-06-23 12:02:08 · answer #9 · answered by bamablondie5 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Give her time to adapt to her new surroundings. She just gave up her "pack" for you and your husband: her new pack! Expect her to whine and cry sometimes, especially at night when alone. When my new pup kept me up a few nights, I put his kennel in the garage until he got used to the new digs.
2007-06-23 11:37:59 · answer #10 · answered by cgminime 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋