New GSD - NEED HELP! - Page 4

Yah but, but, but, but,,,,,professionals are bad....

and,,,she didn't get the dog from it's breeder

 Hi Everyone!  I'm back - it's been 24 hours since I've had this wild dog-wolf Juno.  Thank you all for your advice & also for the entertainment!  I've been on here a few times today.

I phoned the original breeder and we spoke for about half an hour.  She told me the behaviour is normal but to watch the dog around the kids.  She kept drawing analogies between children & dogs, i.e., the way we raise children is the way we should raise dogs, so not hitting, yelling, etc.  She said when it nips, to say NO and give it a chew toy, and when it jumps up, to block it and say NO.  I asked if giving it a chew toy would be reinforcing the nipping but she said no, it would be redirecting it.  I know opinions differ on this, and I myself am not convinced that giving it a chew toy after it nips at me would not be reinforcing, so I don't think I'm going to do that right now.  The previous owners smacked its face when it nipped, but I'm not sure that's appropriate either.

She very kindly and generously offered for me to bring the dog to her for a session or two, so we're going out tomorrow at noon!   

I keep going back & forth on the dog - it has continued to crap & piss in my house, but I'm mostly worried about the safety of my little kids around it.

Thanks everyone, and any more advice is very welcome & appreciated!

Genipher

Genifer,
If you don't have a crate for this dog, GET ONE.  That is the only way you can keep this dog from messing in your house.  When you let her out of the crate, put the leash on immediately and run for the door.  Don't give her a chance to potty inside.  Get her outside, tell her to get busy, potty - whatever word you want.  As soon as she does her business, back inside.  Happy happy!  High voice, lots of reward for being a good dog.  If you don't have time to pay attention to her, put her in the crate for a few minutes.  If you feed her at the same time every day she will develop a routine and you can use it to your advantage.  Always take her out after she has eaten.  If she gets a drink, take her out.  If she plays rough, take her out.  If she wakes from a nap, take her out.  Recruit your oldest to watch the young ones while you do this.  It will take some time, but you have to be consistent and once she figures it out, you will have to watch for her signal to you to let her out.  She will tell you once she understands the house is not a toilet.  She may sit by the door.  She may circle, sniffing the carpet.  She may whine.  It's up to you to recognize the sign.  You can teach her to bark to be let out.  It will come in handy.  So glad you will be working with the breeder.  Take advantage and hopefully get a lot of knowledge during your visits.  Don't give up on her.  You've taken this on and it will be difficult to say the least but she will reward you in soooo many ways if you take the time to do it right.
Deb

Again, DO NOT give the dog a "toy" after it nips, you are teaching your dog that a reward comes as a result from the bite.  Don't "block" the dog from jumping, but "correct" the dog for jumping.  I think maybe the "breeder" should stick to breeding and stay away from training.  My suggestion, find a trainer that knows German Shepherds in your area and talk/meet with them.

Genipher,
Pups do nip.  You need to nip it in the bud now.  I hope you keep a leash on her at all times (except in the crate).  Yes she will chew them so buy inexpensive nylon ones for now.  You need to be able to grab hold of her and reel her in if necessary.  When she nips you, make a loud disgusted sound so that she knows she did something wrong.  I personally prefer to grab a dog by its cheeks with both hands and lift that dog up until its front feet are off the ground and get very vocal in its face "NNNOOOOO!!!"  Give a little shake and continue to hold this dog until it looks away.  Once she does that then let her go.  You need to get some basic obedience started on this pup.  Be firm, be consistent.  It can't be wrong now and then ok later because you are busy with a child.  You will have to stop what you are doing to address the issue.  It you let her get away with it once, then you will have to correct it another 10 times before she gets it.  A crate will be your best friend.  Trust me on this.  When she is out of the crate you should be able to use the leash and tether her to you and keep her next to you.  This will help create a bond and you will have her close enough to make corrections, on the spot.  Never slap down on top of her head for any reason.  If you feel you need to correct her quickly, slap up under her chin sharply.  It won't hurt her and it will get her attention.  Ask the breeder about using a prong collar.  The dog will self correct when using one of these.  I wish I lived close by.  I would come over and give you some hands on advice.  When you sit down, put your foot on the leash and pull her down and have her lie next to you until you are ready to move on.  Don't forget to praise like crazy when she is being good or does what you ask.  
Good luck.
Deb   

Return the dog and find one that is a better match and trained. Spend more money but you will have peace of mind. Your a novice, make it easier on yourself

,,,,,,,,,,,be glad you "don't" live near DebiSue, or at least keep your doors locked and NEVER let her near your dog.

Woodside is an OLD breeder and has been around for a very long time.  they should be able to help you with the dog.

I would like to know what goes on when she nips you, is it a playful hand grab, or is it a defensive type nip, like she is fearful?

though I do like some american dogs, they are known to be softer temperment, and canbe fearful or nervous type dogs.  not all, but many lines are.  her nipping could be just genetics and her temperment, if so, not the best for a home with young children.

if you would like to contact me privately I can offer some suggestions, I have had american lines (Clayfield Woodside Texaco/Andretti)  I won't post on this board due to certain posters continuely being negative.  again I offer suggestions and what has worked for me, it is up to each individual to decide if what worked for me, might work for them.  I am not going to suggest beating this pup, so no reason for Phil to start that.  I can also find you help closer to home.  here's my personal email: laurelty4@aol.com
feel free to contact me anytime and I will do my best to help. 

just really need to know more about what happens or what goes on when she exhibits this behavior.  the messing in the house is just housebreaking needing to be re-enforced and her reminded the rules.

My opinion though, sounds like she's been kenneled away from her family most of the time till you got her. not much has been done with her.