Getting new 7-month-old GSD tomorrow - need advice! - Page 1

 Hi everyone,

I have agreed to buy a 7-month-old German Shepherd female tomorrow!  She's from American show lines.  I'm looking for some advice on bringing her into my home - I have three children ages 16, 5, and 3 - is this safe?  I'm worried about my two younger kids.  The two younger kids will not be here this weekend - they will be back Sun. evening.  Is this a good idea or should they be here when I bring the new GSD home?  Do I need to closely supervise the kids & dog when they're together?  And what training tips do you have for me?  The dog I'm getting has had very little training and was quite rambunctious when I met her a few days ago.  She jumps up on people and this behaviour will need to be extinguished immediately!

Any advice much appreciated!

Jennifer

Well!  You will have your hands full.  Is this your first dog?  If not, is this your first German Shepherd?  #1 rule with the new dog...you are the alpha, she must respect you and your rules.  #2 rule...nothing in life is free (or NILIF).  Remember!  Everything you do, absolutely everything is an education to the dog, good bad or otherwise.  Just as you are raising your children to function in society, you must train this dog in much the same way.  Do Not Spoil the Dog!  I would be seriously looking for someone to help train this dog.  GSDs if not properly trained will become the boss in your house and you do not want this.  YES YES YES!  You must closely supervise this dog with the children.  Never, EVER leave her alone even for a minute when a child is in the room.  It will be awhile before everyone knows each other and trusts each other.  Children are notorious for tormenting dogs even if only loving on the dog.  Little hands pull hair, poke eyes, pinch tender skin.  The dog won't know that it is not allowed to defend itself and may snap in response.  You can test for yourself how she will react to handling by giving her a good brushing.  How does she react when you brush her tail, her belly, behind her ears?  What does she do when you take a damp cloth and wipe out her ears?  If she patiently stands and enjoys the attention chances are she will tolerate the children well.  I would go so far as to tug her tail (gently), pinch her flank, pull some hair.  If she growls or snaps at you I would not let the children near her until she trusts you.  (I myself do not tolerate this kind of behavior but I hesitate to tell you how to correct it not knowing you or your experience with dogs)  You should be able to run your hands all over this dog with no resistance or negative reaction to your handling.  Most GSDs are tolerant to the extreme so if she isn't you need to get professional help ASAP.  Do you have a vet?  If not, ask around for one who is good with large dogs.  Take this pup to the vet ASAP and have a thorough check up done.  Hopefully the seller has provided you with the pup's medical history.  Try to find a feed store that carries a good brand of dog food.  Don't feed Science Diet or some cheap supermarket crap.  Avoid foods with a high percentage of grain and don't buy puppy food.  Do your homework (there will be a lot!).  I myself feed Canidaie with good results.  Remember, NILIF...You can get a lot of cooperation from the dog if you ask her to do something before giving her any kind of reward.  Sit before putting her food down.  Sit before going out the door.  GSDs are very VERY smart and can easily be taught as long as you are smarter than the dog.  Set limits for her and stick to them.  Do not let her on the furniture or in your bed at this time (if ever).  Teach her manners.  Jumping on someone is a big no-no.  Step into her when she does this with a firm "NO" and step on her back toes.  If she does this in greeting you when you come thru a door, ignore her.  Do  not speak to her, do not pet her.  You set the limits.  If she will sit on command, make her sit until you are ready to reward her.  Teach her to be calm.  She only wants to please.  I hope this helps a little.  
Deb       

You will be dealing with a couple of different issues that you will need to sort out. It is possible for a rambunctious pup to injure young children with no ill intent at all.

They bump into them, causing falls that can sometimes be serious if the child were to strike their head on a coffee table, etc.

A couple years ago, I had a young dog that I had allowed to jump up on me when playing. When I introduced her to my 6 y.o. grandson, she jumped up on him also, just wanting to play. The result was a severely scratched face and a slight injury to his eye. He was fine, but could have been disastrous.

Another thing I have always done is determine how the acts dog when feeding. I will put my hand in the bowl, stir the food around while he is eating, pick pieces up and feed from my hand. An effort to teach them that people are not a competitor for food. If I see a poor reaction here, such as growling or snapping, I do not allow them around children.

best to you and your new dog,
Rik

nevermind
Pack

 Thanks Heidi, Deb, Rick, & Sue!  I totally appreciate your advice and helpful, generous spirit!  : )

Should have answered like GSDPACK did, but can't resist..........



If I were bringing a GSD home to live with small children, I would hope that the sire and dam of the pup have been officially temperament tested and passed, it would need to have a calm temperament, or I would guess that it will be using my children as chew toys and prey.

I always believe that it's a matter of picking the right dog for the right home, so that the dog doesn't suffer and is returned.

I tell people that get a puppy from me that they need the children to feed the new pup, so they are higher up in the pecking order, even if you have to make the food, and hand it over to your 3 year old, and have her set the bowl down, little things like that make all the difference in the world.

 Make sure she sits before you hand over her meals.

 I would have curbed her jumping on people before putting her out there, at 7 months old, they should know, sit, down, come when called and OFF, oh and also leave it.

 get her to puppy school ASAP, I have 2 pups in school now, they are 9 weeks old, your pup will be very much a pup till she's at least a year old,
   Lots of luck,
          Paula

 Thanks Paula!  I will get my little kids to feed her (after we have eaten), and get her to sit first.  Great advice.

Genipher..

You feed the dog first.. to see what the dog does. How excited does the dog get? Is she food aggressive?  Does it jump up when feeding... You said she has very little training, so you do not know if she KNOWS sit at all.  Are you getting her from a breeder?  ASK MANY questions before the dog comes to your home, so you will be prepared!! Find out her history!!

All the best!
Dawn