I just got my puppy and.... - Page 2

The abilty of a dog to recover from stress is a mainstay of a strong solid nerved GSD. If as a pup they have trouble handling and recovering from stress they will be be of the quality that I want for myself. The post is not talking about any undue stressor on the 14 week old pup and it is still scared and timid. I repeat this pup may still be pet quality but not a solid nerved dog. Anyone who denies this is kidding themselves.

fireguy, without knowing all of the details it is difficult at best to say over a key board what the problem is. However, if you picked him up at 14 weeks, I would be concerned that he was not properly socialized from 7 weeks until you picked him up. 14 weeks is quite old to get a pup. There is socializing that a pup needs to go through, getting out and seeing the world and learning the world around them is a safe place. To much to list here. IF, and I repeat IF this is the problem, then you have a choice of taking the pup back or figure on spending lots and lots of time in this next year trying to make up for that 5-6 week period he missed. With these dogs, it is important to get the best start you can. It's awful hard to play catch up. Good luck in what you do.

Yes. this could be a temporary thing induced by stressful things. Yes, it could snap out of it soon and end up being everything and more, than you could ever ask for in a dog. However, I would pick another after observing the available pups or wait until another litter is available. The problem is: becoming attached to a pup that is not what you wanted and not what you paid for. Get what you want, before you become attached. Take it from someone who has gotten less than he wanted but became attached. You always think "what if" (and no, I am not talking about my wife :) I am guessing that you did not have the ability to watch and observe the litter for long (if at all) prior to buying the pup. Unless it is a repeat breeding from someone who has judgement you trust, that is always a hap-hazard way of getting a GSD. Of course, you have not stated here, what it is you want in a GSD pup, so maybe you just want a pet. In that case, it is about 95% certain that this pup will be fine for that. If you are looking for something more in line with the ideal GSD, then get it back quickly before you become attached. No matter what you are looking for in life, get what you want. Do not settle for less (unless it is your children, then you are stuck with them :).

fireguy, It you decide to keep him, you need to get this guy out. Take him to as much a variety of stimulation as you can. Stay away from high traffic dog/puppy places such as dog parks, Petco,etc. as these are breeding grounds for diseases he is not able to deal with yet. Be creative, take him to places that say " no dogs". They are safe and no one will turn away a cute puppy. Take him around moving objects, smells, sights, noises, etc. Do not reward him for showing fear. Do not cottle him if he shows fear, but encourage him. Have treats he likes with you that you can give him when he gets in stressed areas, getting his attention off the situation and conditioning him to it. Let this board know what's going on and what you find out from the breeder.

Why don't we all just back up for a second. First, this could very well be a medical issue. Reaction to shots, or lack of. He could simply be chilling out from overload---too much, too fast (he might actually be tired). Or, it may be as simple as reading the signs incorrectly. I'd have him checked out by the vet. If there's no problem, relax and enjoy him. Everything should be fun for him now. Let him get to know you. If it makes you feel better, inform the breeder of your concerns. And, as for the crate------what's the word I'm looking for---got it----phooey!

LMH, are you saying don't use a crate?

spook-- I've never used them. They have become so popular that it's probably hard to believe that someone wouldn't want to, but I just can't put a pup in one. I've raised 8 shepherds of my own, and one golden retriever (not counting childhood family dogs--GSDs and 1 cocker spaniel-- that never saw a crate) without the benefit of one. Yes--restriction is necessary occasionally. I usually gated off my kitchen with a pup inside, when not at home. Once he proves to me that he can be reliable (not destroy the house), the gate remains open. My dogs have always wanted to be with me--not the sanctuary of a crate they were forced into. Something so many don't realize is that when there is no crate to put the dog into--they are constantly being trained. IMO, they learn faster because you have to respond to everything they get into. No crate to take a break. That's not why I don't use it though. Simply--I wouldn't want to be in one. Some people use the crate as a way to housebreak the pup. I always kept papers in the corner of the kitchen (for example). Now they have those large wee wee pads which are convenient (but, expensive). I just don't see the point of keeping a pup in a crate for hours, then taking him outside to relieve himself. No matter what, until his bladder is big enough to hold water for an extended period of time he will always need to go. IMO, it's easier and kinder for pup to use papers until he's a few months old. Then, when he's old enough--train him to go outside. It has always taken me only a couple of days at most. Pup is put on a leash and tied to me. Wee wee pads are no longer available. I am constantly running outside with pup. Sometimes, I have had to place an old, soiled pad outside for the pup to understand---but, they all got it. Very smart, these GSDs. I see others here use the crate as a means to force a dog to be attentive. I won't go there, Spook. Lets just say, it's not for me. My way has always worked. I see others feel differently. It all depends on your point of view.

Thanks everyone whom has responded. He has began to come around. He is getting more active. I think and so does the vet that it was just a change of atmosphere. He is becoming very focussed and attentative to everything around him. He will sit focused on me not flinching a second even with my wife calling his name. I am relieved. Daniel

Glad it's working out. It would be hard to take back a puppy, even one you've only had for a few days. I always said any dog that sleeps here over night, usually stays for the rest of it's life LOL.

LMH, LOL