Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hi all,
I have been given, what I am told, an 18 mo. German Shephard that was being trained as a Police Dog and Tracker. His Trainer/Owner is being sent to Iraq and will be gone for more than a year so fortunately, I now have a great dog! Just got him yesterday and he weighs about 90#, is huge. Joe is so sweet, a great disposition and minds so well. He is both in the house and has an acre of fenced in yard to play in. He will sit, lie down, stay, fetch and bring back, retrieves, and so far has always asked to out. He did jump the fence once when my husband was outside the fence, (making the fence higher, lol) but he got put right back in and a slightly sharp reprimand given. So far that is the only time. So.... now tell me everything I need to know so I can be owned by the best Shephard!!! I have had other dogs before but know little of the wants and needs of this angel. Thanks so much and keep it coming my way.

Congratulations! It sounds like you really lucked out in getting this boy!

Soooo all ya need to know, would take an hour. But to put it simply, GSD's love their "people",,they don't do well not living and being a part of the family. You've already seen him demonstrate his desire to 'follow' your husband by jumping the fence. I have to tell you, my 9 yr old male does the same exact thing IF I am in the front yard, you can guarantee if he isn't with me, he will jump the fence to find me. He never ever jumps the fence otherwise, tho he's obviously capable.

The like mental as well as physical exercise. Maybe you could get into a doggie sport? Like herding, tracking , obedience and or agility?

They are usually pretty nosey dogs, always have to know what's going on. Socializing them can be a continuous thing, maybe consider taking an obedience class? (They don't necessarily have to "like" other dogs, but tolerating them when they are within their vacinity is always a good thing)

I could go on and on,,but I'll let others chime in.
Have fun with him, they are wonderful dogs to share your life with.
diane

Thanks so much Diane. Knowing the 'why' is half the battle for me. And, you are right, he hasn't done it but that once. Thanks again for all the insight, it will be followed!

>>Hi all,
>> I have been given, what I am told, an 18 mo. German Shephard that was being trained as a Police Dog and Tracker. His Trainer/Owner is being sent to Iraq and will be gone for more than a year so fortunately, I now have a great dog! Just got him yesterday and he weighs about 90#, is huge. Joe is so sweet, a great disposition and minds so well. He is both in the house and has an acre of fenced in yard to play in. He will sit, lie down, stay, fetch and bring back, retrieves, and so far has always asked to out. He did jump the fence once when my husband was outside the fence, (making the fence higher, lol) but he got put right back in and a slightly sharp reprimand given. So far that is the only time. So.... now tell me everything I need to know so I can be owned by the best Shephard!!! I have had other dogs before but know little of the wants and needs of this angel. Thanks so much and keep it coming my way.

>>>>>>>>>>>>>

Find an excellent dog training class where the dogs learn and are kept from bothering each other, and go to a bunch of sessions with him. That will make you soulmates. If you get a chance, do tracking, too. That takes your relationship to an even higher level. I love GSDs. They need work, but they will make do with whatever work you can find to do with them, even if that is laundry, housework, getting the mail, bringing the groceries in--they want to be with you and to be of service.
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Kathy Diamond Davis, author, "Therapy Dogs: Training Your Dog to Reach Others," 2nd edition, and the free Canine Behavior Series articles at http://www.veterinarypartner.com/Content.plx?P=SRC&S=1&SourceID=47

I just found this board, so I know this is a bit after the fact. GSDs are great dogs...as you probably now know. They can be frustrating at times due to their intelligence and desire to work. One person posted about them needing to be in on everything. Unpacking groceries included. My Chip (black shepherd) has the need to sniff everything I bring into the house LOL. Hope you are doing well with your new family member!