2yr Old German Shep HELP!

[Nogalsb]

Hey guys. I'm a noobie to the forums but this is my last resort.
Here is the story. My older sister lives in Chicago in a 1 bdrm apartment and has loved dogs her whole life(mostly German Shepards). About 2 years ago did her research and bought a puppy from a breeder in Indiana. He has papers and all. She named him Ramses since she is studying history at Loyola. Here is what his life looked like since. She would wake up at 6 am take him out. Come up stairs get ready leave. Come home around 5 pm play with him for a few hours and sleep. He was mostly alone an never properly trained. He is now 2 years old and she finally gave him up to live withme. I have a nice 1/4 acre back yard fenced and im home all day( I work from home). He acts as l
If he was a yorkie and doesn't listen. He knows the basic sit lay speak but only does them when he feels like it. He chews on everything and doesn't know right fromwrong, I know he has potential and I would love to save him. Please share any tips hints or experiences and I would greatly appreciate it!

[msvette2u]

Start with this --- TWO WEEKS - Give 'em a break (during this time he'll be learning you are the new leader in his home!)

New Hope Pit Bull Rescue - Adoption - Lowcountry - South Carolina - Renting With Pit Bulls

[Nogalsb]

I would also like to add that he eats his own stool, and he seems to follow me everywhere I go. If I try to leave the house he starts barking. I believe this is because he has been alone for so long.

[GSDBESTK9]

CRATE him when you are gone or when you can't watch him, that will take care of the unwanted chewing.

When you give him a command, give ONCE and then make him do it. NEVER NEVER NEVER give a command if you can't make it happen.

Make him earn everything, NOTHING IN LIFE IS FREE, when you go to feed him... make him sit first then release him to eat his food. If you are going to give him a treat, make him sit or down first, then release him and give him the treat.

[lrodptl]

A great place to start. Search for info and guidelines for NILF. You'll see a different dog before you know it if you're consistent. Don't forget to ramp up his away from home daily exercise

Nothing in Life is Free

[MaggieRoseLee]

His whole life and all he knew has been tossed in the air and 100% changed. He's looking for leadership, stability, EXERCISE and 'rules' that are clearcut and he understands.

In many ways, I'd treat him like a 7 week old puppy that just hit your house. Cause it sounds like he missed many of the normal training and life experiences with some benign neglect going on. They need more than love, food and a roof. They need our TIME and they need to learn how to live with a human.

If you can crate train him, you'll get immediately relief from some of the issues. Additionally, I'd be closing doors and using baby gates to assure he's under your eye at all times. That way you catch him BEFORE he's destroyed something and you can TEACH him what he's allowed to touch (his toys) and not (yours stuff). Just puninshing AFTER the destruction is NOT teaching at all. Makes us feel better, but not teaching.

Great book that will be a huge help is The Dog Listener by Jan Fennell. NOT an obedience book but gives tons of tips how to work with dogs in a way the DOGS understand so they fit into our lives better.

PLUS getting the dog out of your house and out of your yard, into the car for trips and socialization and the necessary training for YOU to teach your dog how to be a real pet in the real world.

http://www.nhpbr.org/two_weeks.html <--- that link give hints for a new adult dog in the home.