new puppy questions - Page 2

New gsd owner,

Not the wrong place to look for answers, actually I think you came to the right place. Not just the right place for peopel that seek the answers they are looking for to suit their needs ! But if you are sincere to improve your knowledge, you are more than wellcome on this board, as you will recieve answers that will actually  be of help.

Ulli Dresbach

allaboutthedawgs, I'm with you; I like the rought and tumle world also.  I've visited the other sites a few times myself and did not find much of anything helpful to read.  Once in awhile you'll find someone experienced post something with substance but the majority get together to chat about really nothing.

new gsd owner- stick it out, you will learn a lot and in time find some people are very helpful if given the chance.  We're really not a "mean bunch" just a "passionate bunch". lol  I'm new too- not even a year yet since I started on this board but I learned a lot just by reading topics that interested me or I had questions on.  The longer you stick it out the more comfortable you'll feel and by then yo can judge who's helpful, who's a pot stirer and who you just go around shakin' your head at.  Good luck with your pup.  BTW did you get a working line or showline?

Thanks everyone!  I like allaboutthedawgs comment on the germanshepards.com website...haha  too funny.  I will continue to read here and take in what I can.  I did buy some books but I like getting advice from people who have been there..done that and I like to have more than one opinion on things so thanks again.  I will talk to the breeder again...I did talk about crate training, potty training etc...there is just so much to learn, take in and remember!

I have a new puppy and wondered what you think is most important in training your dog.

Your first step should be  building up a trustfully relationship between you and your pup. It needs to know that you are the boss, but a fair and lovable boss.

Never force your pup to move or play, when it´s tired.

Every kind of dogsport is suitable for a healthy German Shepherd, but no jumps until your pup is around one year old!

Socializing your pup is very important, but make sure,  you don´t meet dogs out of control!

For me building up self-confidence is the most important part of raising a pup, whatever you are going to do in the future.

Kind regards,

Susie ( and always ask...)

New GSD owner.. most anyone on this list will give you good answers to your questions..... your subject matter is so wide in scope, that is what makes it difficult for some if us who have been doing this for forever and then some!! Raising a puppy is so 2nd nature to me, it is easy to forget all the things you do when someone asks!!

I do agree your breeder should be very helpful if you call him or her. I am always available for questions from my puppy buyers 

I would happily answer questions emailed to me .. you can also search old threads on this lost and you may find some very good info.. try "ew puppy" or "puppy tricks or training"

Short version... First and foremost your puppy must know and respond to its name - ALWAYS, regardless of the circumstance - there are different ways to accomplish this and it is a behaviot you will build on, meaning you teach it in small easy to learn steps and then you put them all together as the dog matures and truly understand.

Second, part of the way to accomplish this is to always set your pup up to be successful and reward, reward, reward!! ALL good things come from you so youa re the best thing ever to this puppy.. you do this by being fun and dynamice and unpredictable in a pleasant way!

Puppy must understand the concept of potty training, I take a very proactive approach again building up in time in small increments.. my puppy doesn't make mistakes because I am always in control.. here are 2 books for you.. Ruff Love by Susan Garrett and Building Blocks for Performance by Bobbie Anderson.. even if your only goal is to make you dog a good pet, these books are great!! They teach you to play games that stimulate your puppy to learn how to learn! And we tire when we use our brains right?? Same goes for dogs .. a tired puppy is a good happy puppy!!

Once again, try your breeder or email off list those that have offered!!

Have fun!! Puppies are fun.. I have  a new one coming myself in 4 weeks or so... really excited about him!! 

Denise

Hey New Gsd Owner,

I never ment to insult you, to make that clear. Since English is second language to me, some of my input may sound harsh, when it it is not ment to be. What Susie & others wrote is the best advice you can get, and will most likely lead to the results that you want to see in the future of your pup.

The very best to you & your pup

Ulli Dresbach

Dear Oskar1

I wasn't offended, I just thought that there was another board I should be posting on ....so its fine.  Thanks again for everyone's input...I probably won't post much from now on, my husband says I spend WAY too much time on the computer researching stuff about german shepherds and FAR too little time with him...soooo...I will get on and read when I can because I do appreciate everyones help and advice!  Thanks again!  :)     Congrats on your new puppy DKiah  and thanks for your input too!

Treat it like you would a newborn baby with teeth.

Seriously though.  IMO, the most important thing is socialization.  A vet can cure many things and training can cure many things, but a full grown dog that has not been socialized properly is most hazardous.  Raise him as you would a human child, that is maturing at an accelerated rate.

New pups are like new love.  New love is absolutely the best, but then comes either comfortable love or heartache.

Hey Ulli  I sometimes have the same problem :) 

"my husband says I spend WAY too much time on the computer researching stuff about german shepherds and FAR too little time with him..."

As a male of the species, let me assure you that if you routinely spend fifteen minutes of "quality time" with him after the lights go out, he won't give a rat's ass about anything you do the other 23 and 3/4 hours.  :)