Clueless :) - Page 1

Hi all, I was given a rescued, 7-8 month old, spayed GSD female. She is actually in reasonable health, just dealing with some mange and she is underweight. She is pretty skittish due to past handling. I have never had a GSD before, and am fairly clueless as to what I need to do to work with her.

I want a well-behaved dog that will be protective of me and my area. I live in a developing country where people are generally afraid of dogs. My previous dog (a lovely village mutt) was very protective of me, and although she never actually bit anyone, no one could come in the yard without me coming out to call her off, as she would be right at the gate barking at them. 

Right now, this German Shepherd shows no aggression whatsoever. I know part of that is the fact that she is unsure of her territory and owner. She was at someone else's house for 8 days after being rescued, and has only been with me for 5 days. Any suggestions on training methods, care, etc. would be GREATLY appreciated!

[img]http://www.flickr.com/photos/11083676@N02/8095030623/in/photostream[/img]

First and foremost you need to get any and all health issues resolved which is sounds like you are working on. Once she is healthy and happy and after some time she will settle in. GSD's are not keen on being best friends with someone quickly. She needs to learn to trust you and she will in time considering she is younger. Continue to get her health and confidence up and it will work out.

Being well behaved will require you to do some basic obedience. Teach sit. Teach sit before going out or coming in the the door.  Teaching down and stay. Of course do this in a positive way with treats at first and then once she learns how happy it makes you to obey what you ask of her then a lot of priase and "good girls" will mean just as much as a treat after time.

Reward good behavior and make her understand "NO" with bad behavior. Teach new things slowly. When she masters one then move on to something else. Again this takes time as well.

Most all GSD's are alert and will bark when presented something strange and they are not supposed to be outwardly aggressive. Fear aggression and controlled aggression when needed are two different things. Depending on her temperment actually protecting you will require some training.

Grats on your new girl!

Right now you need to create an unbreakable bond, and for sure let her know " you" are the boss! As stated, any and all heath issue's need to be addressed first. Then start bonding before any training.When I bring in an older pup, they only see me and no one else. I also feed them from my hand. That's the only way they eat. I know it sounds a bit nuts, but it works. Do that for 2 weeks and you will create an unbreakable bond. Then ease into training using food. Watch how easy it is now. As she gets older, be sure to use firm commands. GSD's WILL take over a soft owner! Then socialize,socialize, socialize.
Hope this helps. You'll do GREAT!
Take care

The only scare I have for hand feeding is that I don't want a dog learn its ok to eat from the hand. AKA -- Antifreeze Hotdog.

Yep sounds nuts to me Isachev, no offense intended. I do know of someone who used this (outdated ?) method on a pup she got recently, no contact allowed with anyone but her, to create this unbreakable bond. The dog is now a wreck and very withdrawn. I can't see any need for it. I have never had to do this with a young or older dog to establish a bond.   Simple training as B Crawford outlines will be fine, this dog is still a puppy.  I agree with the socializing though.

Hmm, Guess I'm just a lucky one, seeing that 3 of the 5 were brought up with that "old school" method. Not one would even think of grabbing something out of my hand. Actually those 3 have the best manners and are the easiest to train.
All this gets tossed out the window if your talking bad genetics.
If this turns a GSD into a wreck, it was a wreck to start with!!!

Ya,  I agree with Isachev, I can't see where hand feeding is going to hurt a genetically stable dog or any dog for that matter. : /  Edit to add: Oops, sorry, it was the seeing no one else that was the issue.  Well,  think Isachev said for a couple of weeks, just at the beginning, to speed up the bonding process.  No, that shouldn't matter either IMO.  I've done that and not even on purpose, and the dog is still genetically the way it is.
 As for the original posters dog, genetics will play a huge role in how she good of a watch dog she is too.

Let me explain a little more. When I say only contact with you, that doesn't mean throw her in a closet and toss a hand full a food in every now and again, LOL   Just make yourself the center of her life. She's been through a lot in her short little life. She want's to know what your about. So play-food, play-food, play-food!!! Now she know's what your about. Your a blast!!! You've become her source of food and play. Now your bonding. It's all fun. Then comes the GAME of obedience. Best of luck to the both of you.

Thanks for the ideas so far. Genetics are completely unknown, so that will be anyone's guess how she turns out. As far as training methods, I have a book called Good Owners, Great Dogs by Brian Kilcommons. Anyone heard of that and have anything good or bad to say about his methods?

She seems to be bonding fairly well... she sits outside the kitchen window and watches me wash dishes, and waits for me at the doors, so I guess that is a good sign. She loves to run and play. What are some good ways to "play" with her, as she really wants to play? She sideswiped me earlier and pretty much knocked me off my feet. She has some strength that needs to be controlled and energy that needs to be used!

I couldn't figure out how to make the picture show up in my post. The link is in the original post.

thanks again!

I agree with what's been said.

I think once you have her healthy and happy, work on the obedience training. This will help establish you as her leader and will help forge the bond between you. That in turn will help bring out any natural protective instincts she has, I think. You will be her person, and she will want to protect you.

Best of luck, please keep everyone updated and post pics if you can!  :)