Any German Shepherd Owners? Now With Pic...

[kandyg_99]

Here's the story on the puppy which my husband has named Bella.
My sister-in-law brought her up here to Colorado in the back of her pickup from Texas.The puppy was sleeping in the back of her horse trailer,Because SIL didn't teach her housetraing.Since she has been here she has had her first bath (and didn't do too bad with that),She has been taught to use the doggy door in a matter of days,Thanks to my little pekinese.And she has had her first deworming,Poor baby was / is full of worms,shots are next on her calander.She is a good girl and is doing very well adapting to living in the house with cats and my little dog.Treats help lol.
I want to thank ya'll for all the advice and info on the breed.Please keep the info and advice coming I greatly appreciate it.....

 

[gritsar]

Oh the poor baby! I'm so glad you've given her a good home.
Even though your Bella is housebreaking well, I would still suggest a training crate (if you don't have one already).
Jax loves his crate. Even though he was also housebroken very easily, he still goes to his crate when he feels the need to be alone.

 

[kandyg_99]

Thanks for the info on the crate,I'm looking into them now.

 

[gritsar]

She's very pretty.

Here's a pic of Jax in his crate (sorta

):

 

[kandyg_99]

That is the cutest pic.

 

[CMV]

Gritsar- is that a characteristic pose of GSDs? I have a shepherd cross that poses in the same way. We call it her Cat-Dog pose. The only other animal I have seen that sleeps with such abandon are cats.

Jax is cute.

 

[gritsar]

Quote:
Jax is double the size he was in that pic. Still sleeps that way, whether in his crate or not. If we start laughing it wakes him up. He pops up and looks at us like, huh? what's so funny?

 

[ChickBond 007]

How lucky Bella is to have found a good home.

I have an 18 month old GSD. His name is Cedar and he is the most intelligent animal I have owned in m lifetime. They are not like many dogs in the following aspects:
1. GSD's must have socialization in their first year. It is a commitment to take them to the park, to the dog store, to anywhere with other dogs and people. If they do not have this, they become too protective, and territorial and can become poorly behaved in the presence of others.
2. GSD's must have lots of exercise every single day. It is a commitment to own a high energy dog. You will become irritated with Bella if she does not have a way to burn off steam as she will be high energy.
3. GSD's are a working breed, and in order to be most happy, they need a "JOB". Cedar guards the farm, guards my flocks of chickens and ducks and has a "patrol" daily. He must also fetch for me, carry for me, walk with me while I chore, and I make him pick up his toys (yes, he knows when I say "pick up your toys").
4. GSD's shed. They are known as German Shedders. Buy a good vaccum cleaner. Buy a sticky roller for hair on your clothes. I suggest a "Furminator" and weekly 15 minutes or so of grooming with it.
5. GSD's love a mental challenge. One of Cedar's favorite toys is a cat toy with a mouse that spins inside of a circle enclosure. He also loves KONG toys that you can hide treats inside. Anything that requires thinking to solve is great for a GSD.
6. GSD's benefit greatly from constant training. We took Cedar to puppy classes, but the learning never stops. Repetition and giving his food after requiring a 'task' such as sit/down/etc is required. We also use a "release" technique where he is not allowed anything he wants (food, greetings, play, whatever) until he is TOLD he can do so or RELEASED to do so. We used the word "YESSSS", but you may want to use something less common.
7. GSD's have been overbred in the U.S. Many have skin conditions and itch much. Many have hip dysplaysia. Many have a tendency toward upset stomachs. We feed either raw diet or we feed Royal Canin German Shepherd. That is a personal choice, but has been good for our dog. I do highly suggest raw beef bones not only for the benefit of marrow fat but also for the mental stimulation and mouth benefit.

Last, but certainly not least, a trainer that owns several GSD's told us this piece of wisdom , "The age of 11 months to 15 months is the 'terrible twos' or "terrible teenage" period for a GSD. BE PATIENT and UNDERSTANDING in this phase, and you will be rewarded." This was very true for our GSD. We have been rewarded, as he is a great friend, protector, worker on the farm, and loving part of our family. Good luck with Bella, she is a good choice.

 

[jerseygirl1]

Oh My Gawd!!!!!!!!!! Love that dog!!

And your advice was so perfectly explained!!!!!!!! My GSD is all of the above!!!!!!! He's five, we got him three months ago, and obviously he was never socialized around other dogs - hates them - but will knock you over for a pet on his head!!

 

[Crazyland]

The comment on black GSD's are so left field it isn't funny.
I have a melanistic gsd. Once I get her trained in agility... watch out! She is super fast and light on her little toes.
I also have two sable long coats.
GSD's are known to be vocal. It is apart of the breed.
Crate training is the best IMHO. But these are the first dogs I have ever crate trained. I had always done things the way my parents had.
Now I am all for positive training. I don't disagree that some negative reenforcement can be used. I have a whole library on GSD's, working dogs and different training. Fun to learn what works for you and your dog.

They are couch potatoes and yet they need a job. Teach them tricks if you are not going to take them out for Agility, Schutzhund, Obedience, Herding, Pulling, Carting, Tracking, Dock Diving, Did I leave something out?

We also feed a raw diet but also Taste of the Wild as it is close to a raw diet with no fillers or grains.
Bella won't need to be on a puppy food. Check to see if you have a All Life Size brand near you, such as Canidae. It will help with her growth and hopefully she won't get Pano. I suggest Solid Gold Wolf Cub if you are going to feed a puppy formula.

They grow up fast so take lots of pictures.
Sounds like Bella is lucky to have you in her life if she was full of worms and never had her shots.