More German Shepherd questions

[jaminmd]

First, thank you to all of you that helped me out yesterday. I'm meeting with a breeder next week & have a list of questions for them. The dogs are OFA certified as well.

This is the first dog in over a decade that I've had. DH trained the last one and this is my first time, since I'm the one home all week. The litter is due next week so this will be a December pick up. In the meantime, I want to prepare for my pooch. Can you tell I'm excited?

We had a large metal cage for our last GSD. Should I go with that or a plastic crate? There will only be about a 5 hour span one day a week that the pup will be alone, so it'll need to be in a crate for that time.

I'll need two big bowls, of course. If memory serves me correctly, toys never lasted very long before they were shredded.

What about rawhide? I remember those white bones I'd give my former pet, and they soon became gooey, sticky, nasty looking things. Do you have anything in particular you'd suggest?

What kind of food do you feed them?

I've been so busy parenting a child all of these years that I forget how to take care of a dog. I appreciate your help!

 

[paintnolish]

Crate- Will you be taking it with you ever for traveling? If so, a collapsible metal one would be better.
Toys- I know some people don't give their pups rawhide since it makes them sick. We have rope bones for our Shelties, but my mom buys them for her dogs, too, one of which is a GS mix. She just buys giant ones! Also, how about those Kong toys, you know the indestructable red rubber things?
HTH!

 

[Tosie]

Congrats on your new arrival!!

Get a really good vacuum. You're gonna need it!

We feed our GS a raw diet - turkey, bone meal, veggies. She gets a raw frozen marrow bone at night - we watch her with it and take it away when it gets either too small or looks like it's too sharp or dangerous. There are books and websites that explain the raw diet better than I can - all I'll say is we went the bone meal route rather than having carcasses around.

Training is a great idea.

My dog is the biggest sweetie in the world...IF she knows you. Otherwise she's fiercely protective of all of us and won't hesitate to let you know. She's not a biter but will scare the daylights out of the largest man with her bark.

The 1st two years with her I cursed the day we got her and threatened to send her back almost every day (only half-joking, lol). She chewed my couch cushions, a dining room chair, her bed, every soft toy we ever gave her, socks, rugs, etc.

She turned 2 in May and is the light of our life.

Enjoy!!!

 

[RF536]

We gave our GS a nylabone to chew on, they lasted longer then the rawhide bones and didn't turn the gooey mess either. We started ours out in the plastic crate but even at the largest size it wasn't long before she out grew it and we switched her to the large metal crate. Another toy that she really enjoyed and lasted a long time with her was the I believe it was called a jollytime ball, it is a hard plastic ball about the size of a soccer ball. She would chase it all over the yard and while she could try and chew it, it lasted a good 5 years before we had to replace it.

 

[pixiewings71]

We have a GS mix, he destroys all stuffy toys he gets, but then so does our mini Doxie. LOL We give them both Kongs, or other rubber toys, they also like tennis balls but destroy those too, we have to watch them closely and when they break the ball we have to toss it so those are inside toys only, unless we outside throwing the ball for them. Remember your pup will be teething and will need something to chew on, I would get both stuffed and rubber toys at first. Also, get a Kong, fill it with peanut butter and freeze it, then give it to your dog and watch the show, it's very fun to watch. Blue (GS mix) will take his and suck the pb out in less then 5 min, he holds it in his paws and just sucks away until it's gone, Autumn (doxie) runs around with hers in her mouth until it's thawed enough that she can get her ant-eater length tongue in the hole and the she'll lick it out.
Also, don't give your pup grapes, we used to give them to Blue and then we found out they are really very bad for dogs!

 

[LindaR]

Nylabones and Booda bones (they are actually edible). My Carson had a Buddy Glow Ball. Good HEAVENS, she loved that ball. It was always in her mouth! It's a glow-in-the-dark rubber ball that she was never able to destroy.

You will want to initially stick with the food that your breeder is feeding. Switching suddenly is very hard on puppy's tummy! Dog food is a whole 'nother subject!!! I stopped feeding commercial dog food and went with a natural/holistic kind. It's one that you can only purchase at feed stores or specialty stores. Fromm Family 4 Star. My dogs developed severe allergies and dull fur and flaky skin. They WERE eating Purina ProPlan. Research dog foods. Learn about what the top ingredients SHOULD be and that will help you choose a good food.

GSDs are notorious for having sensitive stomachs! They will barf and get loose bowels very easily.

I had a large female (people always thought she was a male cause she was so big) that weighed 100 pounds. She had a 400 series crate. Get the crate and train the puppy from day one. That is their "den" and they will voluntarily go in when they want quiet time. Since you are getting a puppy, block off most of the crate (if you just go ahead and start out with the large crate) so that puppy does not have room to potty in the crate. They will NOT potty where they sleep UNLESS there is lots of room in the crate (i.e. puppy in large crate that is not blocked off).

You only need a few toys to start. Each dog is different and you will soon find the particular toys your baby loves. NO rawhide. NO greenies.

Keep those nails short. From day one, work with puppy's feet. Touch them, gently spread the toes and make it a reward/happy thing. Drimmels are fantastic for keeping nails short. If you start when they are young, they get used to it quickly. Same with brushing. My dog loved to be vacuumed! She would flop down on the floor, tail thumping, every time I got the vacuum out!

 

[LindaR]

Oh, and SOCIALIZE that puppy! Take him/her on short errands (you want him to get over riding in the car (ie carsickness) anyways. Sometimes people think that "too much" socializing will keep them from being their natural guarding selves. WRONG! Constant socialization teaches them that people are ok when you give the command. And exposing them to people, places, noises, etc., makes for a calmer well-adjusted dog. If you are going to the hardware store, take the dog! If you are going to the playground, take the dog. The more "situations" your puppy is exposed to at an early age (of course, after all puppy shots) the more stable of an adult he will grow up to be and that will enhance his ability to discern good from bad.

 

[Jockaroo]

Not a German Shepard mom, but I did have a small dog with a mouth the size of a GS.

Kong toys are great. You probably will want the black Kong instead of the red one. The black one is for extreme chewers and much more durable. You could start with an appropriate sized red one and move up to the black as the puppy grows. The Kong company also makes some plush toys with replaceable squeakers and some that look like the bodies are braided. These wear well. Please don't give rawhide. This stuff gets slimy and can be swallowed in very large and indigestible hunks. If your dog doesn't choke on it, it can cause a very painful, life-threatening blockage that may require surgery. Also, look at a rawhide package. You will be recommended to wash your hands after touching a rawhide--but you are letting your dog put it in his mouth. There are some very bad chemicals used on these treats. I've not tried them, but many people rave about bully sticks aka pizzels (not going to tell what these are--family board and all but research it).

Read up about bloat. Hopefully it isn't something you will face, but know what it is and the warning signs. http://www.peteducation.com/article.cfm?c=2+1677&aid=402 Also, this is a special food dish that can help with bloat issues: http://www.brake-fast.net/

I was told not to place a dog wearing a collar with tags in a wire crate. It is rare, but some dogs have been choked to death when the tags have gotten caught in the bars.

For dog supplies and toys, I highly recommend dog.com. Prices are good, especially for toys that are going to be shredded quickly.

I feel food is a personal choice. Discuss this with your breeder. For information and an understanding of pet food nutritional labels see http://www.dogfoodanalysis.com/

Good luck planning for your new puppy.

 

[BriarfoxinWA]

Our GS has a sensative stomach. We still aren't sure exactly what sets her off but be careful switching foods. Zelda has never really been a chewer but I quit giving the dogs rawhid because I'd heard they weren't good for them and I wasn't 100% sure that it wasn't causing her stomach issues. They have several Kong toys and a Kong frisbee.

Zelda's a big girl too although she's on the thin side. The picture in my siggy was taken before she was a year old and she wasn't full grown yet. She is very intimidating to people coming over to the house but she is all bark. She's also very protective of me and my younger DS.
You've gotten some good advice from the other posters...

The only other thing I can think of is that they are a working breed and need to have a "job". I take them both out every day after work and through the frisbee to just work off the extra energy. Oh and I think a good crate is a must. That's where Zelda goes whenever she wants some quiet time or if she is stressed for some reason - it's her safe zone so to speak.

 

[jaminmd]

Thanks again everyone. Definitely no rawhide!

Ok, I'm going to sound dumb but... how do you block off a portion of the cage when they're smaller? Do you use a board, an object, or what?

I also forgot to ask, what about flea & tick prevention. I remember we used to give pills for that. What are some common safe, effective brands?

 

[Mickey's Minion]

Thanks again everyone. Definitely no rawhide!

Ok, I'm going to sound dumb but... how do you block off a portion of the cage when they're smaller? Do you use a board, an object, or what?

I also forgot to ask, what about flea & tick prevention. I remember we used to give pills for that. What are some common safe, effective brands?

You can use boxes to block off the crate. However, you have to check them constantly that your puppy is not chewing them.

We love Midwest crates and they have a divider you can put in the crate:
http://www.midwestpetproducts.com/dogcratedivider

Flea and tick prevention - ask your breeder. Also, you will be taking your puppy to the vet right after you bring it home (at least you should), so ask your Vet what to do in your area.

 

[BriarfoxinWA]

Personally we didn't block off Zelda's crate - she has the plastic one so it's pretty enclosed. I can only remember her having an accident in it maybe once or twice.

Can't help with the flea/tick spray we don't seem to have a problem with bugs.

 

[sunnyday123]

Not a German Shepard mom, but I did have a small dog with a mouth the size of a GS.

Kong toys are great. You probably will want the black Kong instead of the red one. The black one is for extreme chewers and much more durable. You could start with an appropriate sized red one and move up to the black as the puppy grows. The Kong company also makes some plush toys with replaceable squeakers and some that look like the bodies are braided. These wear well. Please don't give rawhide. This stuff gets slimy and can be swallowed in very large and indigestible hunks. If your dog doesn't choke on it, it can cause a very painful, life-threatening blockage that may require surgery. Also, look at a rawhide package. You will be recommended to wash your hands after touching a rawhide--but you are letting your dog put it in his mouth. There are some very bad chemicals used on these treats. I've not tried them, but many people rave about bully sticks aka pizzels (not going to tell what these are--family board and all but research it).

Read up about bloat. Hopefully it isn't something you will face, but know what it is and the warning signs. http://www.peteducation.com/article.cfm?c=2+1677&aid=402 Also, this is a special food dish that can help with bloat issues: http://www.brake-fast.net/

I was told not to place a dog wearing a collar with tags in a wire crate. It is rare, but some dogs have been choked to death when the tags have gotten caught in the bars.

For dog supplies and toys, I highly recommend dog.com. Prices are good, especially for toys that are going to be shredded quickly.

I feel food is a personal choice. Discuss this with your breeder. For information and an understanding of pet food nutritional labels see http://www.dogfoodanalysis.com/

Good luck planning for your new puppy.

Oh my gosh you said everything I was going to! I also give my Newf puppy something similar to bully sticks-it's the esophogus which is way gross but rawhide/cow hooves can be dangerous. Invest in some baby gates. And bitter apply spray to slow down chewing. Be consistent, and socialize, socialize, and train. And socialize.

Also go back in the puppys pedigree, see who the parents, etc are and from where. Check out everybodies ratings on the OFA site and ask if bloat was ever a problem for past puppies from these parents or the parents. You've only got about 30 min's-1 hour to get your dog to the vet if he has bloat.

The day you get him, start training! At feeding time, feed at least one meal a day by hand, and stick your hands in his bowl the rest of the time. Make sure you put something good in there so he knows that's what this interruption means. Pet him while he eats too. Make sure you play with his tail, feet, ears, nose and everything in between so there aren't any problems if a kid does this. GS are great family dogs, but an untrained unsocialized one is dangerous. Good luck and keep us updated!

 

[snarlingcoyote]

Our GSD has always liked her "babies" (aka stuffed animals). She carries them around and washes them and flings them around.

These I can find at the thrift store for pennies.

Also, a fun toy for dogs: take an empty bleach, detergent, or fabric softner bottle (the big ones) and wash it out THOROUGHLY. Get a few rocks or pebbles or marbles and toss in. Screw the lid back on v. tightly. Toss out into the dog's yard. Watch dog(s) have fun tossing the bottle around.

Our GSD also likes the toys that make sounds. Squeaky or rustley is okay. The kind with the appropriate noises (ducks that quack, cows that moo etc.) are her favorite. She's like a kid with a see and say.

And yes, GSDs need a job. If you don't give a GSD some sort of job, the GSD will find one. And it may not be one you like. Our GSD has her very own dog and she takes her responsibility in pet ownership v. seriously.

People who don't know my GSD look at me funny when I say that our Border Collie Mix is the GSD's dog. People who know my GSD laugh and think it's entirely appropriate.

 

[Mickey's Minion]

The most valuable piece of info our obedience trainer told us was:

Pick a word for a command - such as "come" when you want the dog to come.

And then never, ever issue the command unless you are 100% sure you can enforce it.

For instance, if your puppy is out in the back yard and you say "come" and he doesn't come, he now associates that word with getting away with something.

You are better off walking out into the yard, clipping a 30 ft leash on the puppy, go back to the back door and now issue the "come" command. If the puppy doesn't listen, you can pull the puppy towards you to reinforce the command.

If you mess up, you can always change the word. So, now use "here" instead.

Be consistent.

Also, always remember that behavior that is cute as a puppy, may be dangerous as an adult dog. For instance, nipping at your pants legs might be cute in a 10lb puppy, but a 100 lb dog sinking his canines into your calf and dragging you onto your butt is not so cute. So, never tolerate behavior in a puppy that you wouldn't tolerate in an adult dog.