New to GSD !!

[Skyesmum]

Hello

My name is Kate. I am not a new dog owner as I have had two Labrador's for the past 13 years, unfortunately we lost my girl in May this year (she was 12 and had severe arthritis), my old boy is now 13 and still doing well despite his deafness, cataracts and arthritis . However I am new to owning GSD's. We had the chance to have a GSD pup just over a week ago and decided that it might perk my old boy up to have company again .... although a couple of weeks in I am not so sure it will now .... lets just say he tolerates her Anyway we now have this fluffy bundle of nippy chewing fur that follows me EVERYWHERE !!! I am sure all you experienced will recognise this. I am trying very hard to be patient with her and to show her what she can chew when she chews something she shouldn't etc etc but O isn't it tiring ... I have a three year old little lad who is going through a testing period and so when both are in THAT mood I feel like pulling out my hair (or running away) . Skye is due to start training class with me in January (unfortunately she has only just started her vaccinations and then christmas will be upon us. The training classes can't come soon enough)

Please all I would like is for some of you to tell me it gets easier PPPPLLEEEAAASEEEE

[Stosh]

You've got a lot on your hands with a new pup and a 3 yr old! The pup might be too much for your older boy to handle in his condition so I'd supervise their play time together. The training class will help a lot but they don't call gsds landsharks and velcro dogs for nothing! Look at the forums about teaching NILIF and start that with the pup, and maybe the kid too!

[1sttimeforgsd]

Hello and Welcome, sorry for the loss of your female lab I have one and she is the best. Since your pup is full of it, like most all puppies are I would monitor her and not let her aggravate your older male. If she starts to be too pushy with him I would make sure that he had a pup free area where he would not have to put up with her.

Your little girl will be mouthy for a while but yes it does get better. We love pictures on here if you would like to share.

[law1558]

It DOES get easier, but unfortunately, not for awhile and not without a LOT of participation on your part! You come from big dogs, so you know how much work they can be...multiply that by the intelligence of the GSD and you've got yourself an obsession that can last a life time!

We rescued a 10 month old GSD a few months ago and he clearly still has a lot of puppy left in him - I've heard many people say that our dogs don't really "mature" until 18-24 months old! BUT, don't lose hope - because GSDs are so smart, not all of that two year time period is pull-your-hair-out stressful. Get into (and stay involved in) training, set boundaries and adopt the NILIF (nothing in life is free) mentality. Your pup will soon recognize what she can and can not do...but be prepared - she'll push the envelope now and then just to make thing interesting!

Good luck - would love to see some pictures!