Puppies!

[masondoggy]

Thanks for sharing! Hey, he’s a black and tan just like Bowser.

Another thing that worries me about Bowser is that he is defiant sometimes, I tell him no, he looks me in the eye and then barks. This hardly happens, and when it does I usually motion towards him and he runs for his life, but it just makes me wonder- I can scare him now and physically discipline him if he gets really bad (scruff shake) but what the heck will I do if he is still a defiant dog when he’s big!?

Well, that’s another reason why I insisted to my wife we take him to obedience school.

Obedience school will teach you to handle that. You’ll have to establish yourself as the alpha of the pack and a good trainer will teach you how.

Also, be prepared for him to drive you nuts for the first few years. Mason was a stinker until he was about 3 years old. Talk about hyper!

 

[deb1]

Hi, my wife and I were just married and I thought it’d be a good idea to get a puppy. More specifically, a German Shepherd.

I had no idea, but German Shepherds are what they call a ‘high energy’ breed. Who knew!!? So he terrorizes the house and runs around like a whirlwind. He’s not that bad though, he doesn’t bark and he doesn’t chew.

However he has another bad habit- biting. Not as in snapping, but as in ‘play with me now!’ kind of biting. This dog is not normal, I swear, he doesn’t like to be rubbed or petted like every other dog. The second you put your hand next to him his little mouth automatically opens and tries to attach itself to you.

I don’t know if anyone else has had this problem, but is there anything I can do? I just want him to be a normal dog that you can pet.

You wouldn’t expect a two year old human child to act like a grown up, would you? You can’t expect a puppy to act like a calm adult dog either.

A lot of breeds are mouthy as puppies. This might be a shock but your puppy sounds normal for a high energy breed.

Most people with well behaved dogs have put a lot of work and training into their pets. Its worth it, but can be a bit overwhelming to a new dog owner.

 

[Truly_Beloved]

Does getting behind a German Shepherd puppy and “sitting” on his hindquarters (so that he lowers the back half of his body to the ground) work as a way to establish dominance? This always worked for our dogs growing up, but we never had GSDs.

Did I describe that action so that it makes sense?

 

[cockatoo]

A trainer would help for a first puppy.

If you have gone to a petshop before, where the puppies are in an area that you can stick your hand in, they will run up and strat play or try and chew on your sleeve, it is hard to pet them without them wanting to play.

And a german sheperd book would be good too.

 

[mschrank]

You know one thing I’ve noticed is that its hard to get the straight scoop on how to raise a puppy, especially when it comes to discipline.

Some people out there claim that physical force is always bad, some say its good. Most seem to say use it with caution although some people out there are convinced its useless and wrong.

 

[mercygate]

You know one thing I’ve noticed is that its hard to get the straight scoop on how to raise a puppy, especially when it comes to discipline.

Some people out there claim that physical force is always bad, some say its good. Most seem to say use it with caution although some people out there are convinced its useless and wrong.

Pick a plan and stay with it. I tend to think physical PUNISHMENT is not useful but you need to DEMONSTRATE physically what’s what. Consult a reputable trainer and follow their guidance. There ARE different schools of thought. Find one that chimes with your own inclinations and WORK the plan. Puppy training is a BIG job and you can’t afford to mess it up.

 

[deb1]

You know one thing I’ve noticed is that its hard to get the straight scoop on how to raise a puppy, especially when it comes to discipline.

Some people out there claim that physical force is always bad, some say its good. Most seem to say use it with caution although some people out there are convinced its useless and wrong.

I think that for the most part nonphysical methods can be employed to correct a dog. But dogs just like kids have different personalities and some puppies do need a firmer hand. A good trainer can help you sort this out.

I’ve never read the books but there are a group of monks who raise German Shepherds and there have been books written on their methods. I wonder if any of these books would help you?

 

[deb1]

I found a site about the monks. Like I said, I’ve only heard of them but never read their material.

newsketemonks.com/dogs.htm

 

[mercygate]

I think that for the most part nonphysical methods can be employed to correct a dog. But dogs just like kids have different personalities and some puppies do need a firmer hand. A good trainer can help you sort this out.

I’ve never read the books but there are a group of monks who raise German Shepherds and there have been books written on their methods. I wonder if any of these books would help you?

The New Skete school of German Shepherd training DOES advocate fairly severe physical correction. A lot of people criticize them for that. The OP could get their books, though. Some good insight there.

 

[mary_bobo]

When our dog was a pup the book “Good Owners, Great Dogs” was very helpful. That was 14 years ago so there is probably a lot more good stuff out there now, but FWIW, this was a good one.

I concur with the recommendation on this book, but in fairness I must say that I know the authors well. Personal friends. I have worked with them on a project and they are both very good. As for a German Shepherd, if you think you got problems now, wait until he starts shedding.

People so often get a dog for reasons that are not always sound. German Shepherds are working dogs, herders in particular, and they need lots of exercise. I would not sell one to someone who had not had the breed before. But then my breed is a terrier and I would not place one of them in certain homes. As I always say, terriers are not for everyone.

If your dog is showing the kind of aggression you talk about as a puppy, I would be concerned.

 

[mercygate]

I concur with the recommendation on this book, but in fairness I must say that I know the authors well. Personal friends. I have worked with them on a project and they are both very good. As for a German Shepherd, if you think you got problems now, wait until he starts shedding.

People so often get a dog for reasons that are not always sound. German Shepherds are working dogs, herders in particular, and they need lots of exercise. I would not sell one to someone who had not had the breed before. But then my breed is a terrier and I would not place one of them in certain homes. As I always say, terriers are not for everyone.

If your dog is showing the kind of aggression you talk about as a puppy, I would be concerned.

These are the kinds of statements one would expect to hear from a responsible breeder. While a good breeder might place a puppy in a home where the owners had never had ANY dog, he would definitely ask a lot of probing questions and be available for on-call counsel and be able to recommend a good trainer . . . .

Sounds like the OP has no relationship with the breeder.

 

[dessert]

We have a sheherd an he is 10 now and he is still lively but we did not have him neutered. We thought to breed him but didn’t if you do he will probably calm down. They are a working dog, we have a big back yard and he runs it along the fence. But they are protective but don’t hit him use a voice tone and when you tell him to sit motion with your arm, as down motion, and use voice tone, don’t hit that teaches them to bite. They need direction all the time and can understand words well when trained. They are an intelligent dog. They sigh like they are bored, didn’t you ever watch the movie with the cop and the shepherd?

 

[cockatoo]

You know one thing I’ve noticed is that its hard to get the straight scoop on how to raise a puppy, especially when it comes to discipline.

Some people out there claim that physical force is always bad, some say its good. Most seem to say use it with caution although some people out there are convinced its useless and wrong.

Well it depends on the kind of physical force, I knew a woman who had a puppy and would kick it everytime it was bad, and this would include minor things like jumping on people who the puppy would greet people.

I only use physical force with my dog if she tries to play roughly with one of my other pets or tries to eat them, but she can rarely feel it anyway cause she has thick skin and is huge. Tone is my favorite way to get what I want, I use a firm strong voice when I want her to do something like sit. I use a happy stupid sounding squeaky like voice when I great her, or she did something good, and when she is bad I use an angry lower voice.

 

[mercygate]

Well it depends on the kind of physical force, I knew a woman who had a puppy and would kick it everytime it was bad, and this would include minor things like jumping on people who the puppy would greet people.

I only use physical force with my dog if she tries to play roughly with one of my other pets or tries to eat them, but she can rarely feel it anyway cause she has thick skin and is huge. Tone is my favorite way to get what I want, I use a firm strong voice when I want her to do something like sit. I use a happy stupid sounding squeaky like voice when I great her, or she did something good, and when she is bad I use an angry lower voice.

When I say “physical” I mean things like taking them down by the collar when they jump. I don’t mean beating them.

I know a professional breeder/trainer of Rottweiler’s who uses a wooden spoon to whap 'em on the head. She says that it takes that much to get their attention. She told me that she was tempted to use an iron frying pan on one of 'em . . . but that’s another story.

 

[bunnynessuk]

Puppy ‘mouthing’ is perfectly normaly type it into google and you will get lots of help - we have two puppies Bandit (9mths) and Bridget (5mths) both mouth Bandit more than bridget although he has now grown out of it the best thing that if found was a sharp NO followed by holding him at arms length (although mine are pugs and wegh less that 10lbs!) but something similar should work if you enforce it enough although PLEASE dont resort to physical abuse - it does not work on animals regardless of what anyone tells you it just teaches the dog to hide these traits from YOU so instead of mouthing you it mouths the furniture or something and there is always the chance that it will cause the dog to turn. Any dog can be trained to actas its owner decides the best thing for him is for you to put time in training him to be what you want! All a dog wants to do is please his owner!

 

[TOP]

When I say “physical” I mean things like taking them down by the collar when they jump. I don’t mean beating them.

I know a professional breeder/trainer of Rottweiler’s who uses a wooden spoon to whap 'em on the head. She says that it takes that much to get their attention. She told me that she was tempted to use an iron frying pan on one of 'em . . . but that’s another story.

Thats funny. I have raised and trained rotties for years going on my 4th dog. They are hardheads, but they learn the first time you get their attention. My current male is real easy going, not very protective considering their temperment and dumb as a bag of hammers, but knows hand commands and is good with the kids. I had a real show winner that was a touch me not, had to be working all the time and I’ve had 150# lapdogs. Choosing a puppy is an art. Hope everything goes well with your choice. Here’s a picture of my favorite male “Samson” that passed away a few years ago.

 

[Guitar]

Books for background information, good idea, but for a first-time dog owner, particularly with a big working dog, I could not recommend strongly enough that you go to regular classes where a trainer will show you how to train the dog, and OBSERVE YOU AND THE DOG working together.

My best friend is an obedience training instructor … many dog owners have read all the books and think they are training their dog but eventually have to admit it just isn’t working. When they finally go to an instructor in frustration, often within half an hour the trainer has picked up half-a-dozen things the owner is doing, completely unawares, that give the dog conflicting and/or confusing messages. By that stage the owner is upset, the dog confused and miserable, and there’s harm to be undone before progress can be made.

Consistency and a clear understanding of how the dog sees us is essential in training. Few people can nail both when starting from scratch, or can pick up on how actions or body language they’re not conscious of are interpeted by the dog.

Book learning’s an excellent supplement, but I don’t think it can replace an experienced trainer and observer for first-time dog owners.

 

[Guitar]

… another reason for suggesting that you work with a trainer/observer is that presumably there will be two of you working with the pup.

My trainer friend when he first started out had troubles because as fast as he would make improvements with a dog, his wife (largely due to personal stress issues) would undo it all. If a pup has two trainers, all the more need for an external observer to make sure you to handle the dog consistently - the pup has to understand the body language and communication style of two different people.

 

[nobody]

Puppies need to learn that biting hurts people, and that if they put their teeth on human skin they must not bite down. This is called “bite inhibition”. When they’re a pup, it’s okay to let them mouth you a little, but if they bite down at all, loudly “yipe” and stop the play - walk away. As they get older you discourage, then prohibit the mouthing. I once accidently stepped on a sleeping dog: out of instinct the dog whirled around and its teeth met my skin, but she stopped herself and I didn’t feel any pressure from the teeth, and I didn’t have any marks on my skin. That’s what you want.

My dog book suggestions: The Culture Clash by Jean Donaldson, books by Dr. Patricia McConnell and Dr. Ian Dunbar (especially for you: Before you Get Your Puppy and After you Get Your Puppy).

For training classes - look into clicker training. It really works, and is not physical. You should see the funny tricks I trained my 100 lb shepx to do using this method. Plus, it’s fun.

 

[Catholic90]

It is 12 weeks old. It is exploring its world like a baby, it is playing, and it is teething. Our golden bit with those baby needle teeth until the baby teeth fell out. Now it chews bones vigorously. It can chew up a Beef knuckle bone in about 3 days. It takes him about a week to chew up a beef femur bone. He is 1 year old.

When he would play bite us, we would either YIP loudly, which would startle him, or we would grab his jaw with our fingers and hold his mouth while saying NO BITING. He now no longer bites, but he will gently lick.

As for dominance, our little golden puppy was the leader of the pack. When we brought him home, we had to establish US as leaders and he was lowest on the totem pole.

Feed the dog last. Never feed the dog before you eat a meal. The alpha dog always eats first, and if you feed him and then eat, he thinks he’s top dog.

If in a staring contest, never look away first. Sure, he may bark and stare for many minutes, but the first to look away is submissive.

Roll him over with your hands and rub his belly. This is a sign of submission. Alpha dogs will roll over their submissives and be dominant. Be dominant.

Walk through a door first.

Invest in a good crate and crate train him.