New puppy on the way!

MikeyMike · 11-29-2011, 07:50 PM

Hi, my name is Mike and I am a new member looking forward to a new puppy shortly...

We are eagerly waiting for a new black and tan GSD we expect in early January...right now the puppy is about 2.5 weeks old. The breeder is sending pictures tomorrow so i'll be sure to add them to the post ASAP. However, in the meantime we are looking for ANY and ALL advise on bringing a new pup into our home!

Growing up I had a GSD mix who was a great dog but with special needs when it came to diet...we couldn't feed him ANYTHING but dry food. So, in terms of diet, I am a bit novice and need a refresher and some advice...

In terms of training, I feel comfortable and confident around dogs, I have no problem falling into the pack leader role and addressing basic behavioral issues (least I was successful once before lol). In terms of a purebred GSD, I may need some advice on daily mental/physical stimulation...ideas our welcome.

If you could dig into "puppy proofing", supplies, picking a vet, when should be the first visit, etc... is also appreciated.

Some advice/suggestions the breeder has given so far:

Food: Versus puppy, Nylabones, Kong toys, reg bones..(no rawhide, no pig ears)
Crate size: By a crate with a divider, big enough for them to grow into and use the divider so they dont have room for a bathroom..

I'm curious if you would suggest or not suggest any of this.

If you have any advice please give...

We are super excited and can't wait to post up photos!

StryderPup · 11-29-2011, 08:04 PM

I am excited for you and welcome to the board! There are alot of experienced GSD people here. My suggestion is to get the puppy into obedience classes...it strengthens the bond with you and it is good exercise and socialization for the pup. Also, crate training and exercise in my opinion is essential. good luck and please post pics ASAP!!!!

1sttimeforgsd · 11-29-2011, 08:13 PM

Hello and Welcome, congrats on the upcoming new puppy.

Nylabones and kong toys are fine, beef knuckle bones raw, never use bones that have been cooked they splinter too easily. Always supervise your pup when chewing in case of choking on toy or bone.

As for the crate, yes get the largest one and use the divider to limit the pups space. You can move the divider as the pup grows to give more room. Believe me they grow faster than you think.

Pictures, we love pictures on here.

MikeyMike · 11-30-2011, 05:23 PM

thanks for al the replies...i am still waiting on the photos from the breeder and will post ASAP

marshies · 11-30-2011, 05:31 PM

Food Bowls: How big are yours?

I recently started this thread and listed the supplies that I purchased, and supplies that others suggested.

Feel free to take a look and join in on the discussion!

MikeyMike · 12-02-2011, 08:31 PM

Attached are the pictures of our vicious beast!!! 3 weeks, let me know what you think!

Beverly · 12-08-2011, 06:44 AM

Hi Mike - Congratulations! Like you, we will be getting our pup when he is 8 wks old in late January. Born on Thanksgiving, he looked like a little black rat with pink nose on his 1st day of life. Your little one, at almost 3 wks, looks like such a cuteee! I want more pics! Sounds like you're really preparing for his arrival. I'm doing the same, and also studying "clicker training," which many say is highly effective compared to the way I was taught to train dogs years ago. Living here in Massachusetts, the snow, ice, and freezing weather will challenge our opportunities for outdoor socialization, so we'll keep our outings brief, driving him to destinations that offer those kind of encounters. I'm going to take him over to the elementary school at the time the children get out, so that he'll have lots of interaction with children. We don't have young children at home anymore, so it's very important. Also, I plan to use the injured puppy yelp whenever he play-bites me for bite-inhibition training prior to visiting young children. Maybe I should start at the high school, and work my way down!

MikeyMike · 12-08-2011, 06:33 PM

Its good to see someone else getting ready at the same time! Post some pics when you get them...The clicker training seems interesting, I'll have to study up as well to really implement correctly. Does the training start as a puppy? The school is a pretty creative idea to get the pup socialized, I may have to ask my mom to take our pup to her class a few times. Have you read anything about developing a therapy dog? My girlfriend is an occupational therapist who is heavily involved in volunteer work in the field as well. I was considering looking into training a therapy dog to support her efforts and make it a bit more creative. I expect new pictures soon so i'll be sure to post! Nice to hear from you...and GOOD LUCK

Shaina · 12-08-2011, 06:41 PM

Such dark brown with that little white spot on its chest! LOL. What a cutie. No advice, just saying AWWWW.

Anastasia · 12-08-2011, 08:10 PM

I have spent the past few months waiting for our puppy and finally on Saturday we get to go pick him up!! These boards are a wealth of information, just keep reading and you will learn so much. I also read a book called The Art of Raising A Puppy by The Monks of New Skeete. I really learned a lot about the developmental stages of puppyhood. I found it very interesting and will probably refer to it a time or two when our boy gets here.

11-29-2011, 07:50 PM	#1 (permalink)
MikeyMike New Member Join Date: Nov 2011 Posts: 5	New puppy on the way! Hi, my name is Mike and I am a new member looking forward to a new puppy shortly... We are eagerly waiting for a new black and tan GSD we expect in early January...right now the puppy is about 2.5 weeks old. The breeder is sending pictures tomorrow so i'll be sure to add them to the post ASAP. However, in the meantime we are looking for ANY and ALL advise on bringing a new pup into our home! Growing up I had a GSD mix who was a great dog but with special needs when it came to diet...we couldn't feed him ANYTHING but dry food. So, in terms of diet, I am a bit novice and need a refresher and some advice... In terms of training, I feel comfortable and confident around dogs, I have no problem falling into the pack leader role and addressing basic behavioral issues (least I was successful once before lol). In terms of a purebred GSD, I may need some advice on daily mental/physical stimulation...ideas our welcome. If you could dig into "puppy proofing", supplies, picking a vet, when should be the first visit, etc... is also appreciated. Some advice/suggestions the breeder has given so far: Food: Versus puppy, Nylabones, Kong toys, reg bones..(no rawhide, no pig ears) Crate size: By a crate with a divider, big enough for them to grow into and use the divider so they dont have room for a bathroom.. I'm curious if you would suggest or not suggest any of this. If you have any advice please give... We are super excited and can't wait to post up photos!

11-29-2011, 08:13 PM	#3 (permalink)
1sttimeforgsd Crowned Member Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: West Virginia Posts: 4,897	Hello and Welcome, congrats on the upcoming new puppy. Nylabones and kong toys are fine, beef knuckle bones raw, never use bones that have been cooked they splinter too easily. Always supervise your pup when chewing in case of choking on toy or bone. As for the crate, yes get the largest one and use the divider to limit the pups space. You can move the divider as the pup grows to give more room. Believe me they grow faster than you think. Pictures, we love pictures on here. __________________ karen, mom to: ace-gsd (bi-color) 6/14/2010 mandy-yellow lab 1/31/2009 baby-terrier mix 11/25/2000

11-30-2011, 05:31 PM	#5 (permalink)
marshies Elite Member Join Date: May 2011 Location: Toronto, Ontario, Canada Posts: 1,026	Food Bowls: How big are yours? I recently started this thread and listed the supplies that I purchased, and supplies that others suggested. Feel free to take a look and join in on the discussion! __________________ Amaretto von Huerta Hof - 23.08.11, the adventure begins D.W. - Netherlands Dwarf Rabbit

12-02-2011, 08:31 PM	#6 (permalink)
MikeyMike New Member Join Date: Nov 2011 Posts: 5	Pictures!!!! Attached are the pictures of our vicious beast!!! 3 weeks, let me know what you think! Attached Thumbnails

12-08-2011, 06:41 PM	#9 (permalink)
Shaina Master Member Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: Mesa, AZ Posts: 753	Such dark brown with that little white spot on its chest! LOL. What a cutie. No advice, just saying AWWWW. __________________ "In order to really enjoy a dog, one doesn't merely try to train him to be semihuman. The point of it is to open oneself to the possibility of becoming partly a dog." - Edward Hoagland

11-29-2011, 08:04 PM	#2 (permalink)
StryderPup Senior Member Join Date: May 2009 Location: Carlisle, Ohio Posts: 493	I am excited for you and welcome to the board! There are alot of experienced GSD people here. My suggestion is to get the puppy into obedience classes...it strengthens the bond with you and it is good exercise and socialization for the pup. Also, crate training and exercise in my opinion is essential. good luck and please post pics ASAP!!!!

11-30-2011, 05:23 PM	#4 (permalink)
MikeyMike New Member Join Date: Nov 2011 Posts: 5	thanks for al the replies...i am still waiting on the photos from the breeder and will post ASAP

12-08-2011, 06:44 AM	#7 (permalink)
Beverly New Member Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: Berkshires of Western MA Posts: 18	Hi Mike - Congratulations! Like you, we will be getting our pup when he is 8 wks old in late January. Born on Thanksgiving, he looked like a little black rat with pink nose on his 1st day of life. Your little one, at almost 3 wks, looks like such a cuteee! I want more pics! Sounds like you're really preparing for his arrival. I'm doing the same, and also studying "clicker training," which many say is highly effective compared to the way I was taught to train dogs years ago. Living here in Massachusetts, the snow, ice, and freezing weather will challenge our opportunities for outdoor socialization, so we'll keep our outings brief, driving him to destinations that offer those kind of encounters. I'm going to take him over to the elementary school at the time the children get out, so that he'll have lots of interaction with children. We don't have young children at home anymore, so it's very important. Also, I plan to use the injured puppy yelp whenever he play-bites me for bite-inhibition training prior to visiting young children. Maybe I should start at the high school, and work my way down!

12-08-2011, 06:33 PM	#8 (permalink)
MikeyMike New Member Join Date: Nov 2011 Posts: 5	Its good to see someone else getting ready at the same time! Post some pics when you get them...The clicker training seems interesting, I'll have to study up as well to really implement correctly. Does the training start as a puppy? The school is a pretty creative idea to get the pup socialized, I may have to ask my mom to take our pup to her class a few times. Have you read anything about developing a therapy dog? My girlfriend is an occupational therapist who is heavily involved in volunteer work in the field as well. I was considering looking into training a therapy dog to support her efforts and make it a bit more creative. I expect new pictures soon so i'll be sure to post! Nice to hear from you...and GOOD LUCK

12-08-2011, 08:10 PM	#10 (permalink)
Anastasia Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: Burlington County, NJ Posts: 256	I have spent the past few months waiting for our puppy and finally on Saturday we get to go pick him up!! These boards are a wealth of information, just keep reading and you will learn so much. I also read a book called The Art of Raising A Puppy by The Monks of New Skeete. I really learned a lot about the developmental stages of puppyhood. I found it very interesting and will probably refer to it a time or two when our boy gets here.

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