New Owner

[marbeen]

Hi, we are about the become (on December 29) the owner of a new GSD puppy (age 8 weeks). This dog will be my son's companion dog (my son is a 7 y.o. autistic boy). The dog will also be trained in air tracking in case my son goes missing. I have heard that GSDs are some of the best in this area (as well as wonderful with children). We don't have a name yet (selection of the dog will happen this Friday with the assistance of the breeder/trainer). We are really looking forward to welcoming this new addition to our family. My wife has never owned a dog before (I grew up with dogs). Also, we have a four y.o. daughter who is apprehensive, to say the least, around dogs, but talks non-stop about getting a dog. Any advice to help with the transition would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.

Mark A. (Burke, VA)

[Lilie]

Welcome to the forum! Congrats on the new GSD puppy!

[robk]

Mark, Welcome to the forum! Good luck with your new pup. German shepherd pups are a handful! Especially as they go through the land shark stage. They can be very nippy so be careful with those sharp baby teeth around your children.

[zyppi]

crate train this puppy so that, when the dog or children need 'downtime,' it's a nice solution.

As you train your pup, make sure the children have instruction in how to treat a puppy.

Glad you have training planned.

Good luck!

[KentuckyGSDLover]

My daughter grew up with a German Shepherd that we got when she was around the same age as your son, and she says he was her best friend. No peer pressure, loved her no matter what mood she was in and was a cheerful, loyal playmate.

[Stella's Mom]

Congratulations. GSD puppies learn quickly, I put my puppy into obedience classes at 10 weeks old. Like they say, it is never to soon to start. Ditto what the others say about the landshark phase. Stella's landshark phase ended at about 4 1/2 mos old.

Your dog should also train in ground scent work. From what I understand from scent training at my local Shutzhund club, is that they should start with ground scent work first, than air. It takes more discipline for the dogs to keep their noses on the ground , than in the air. You will see your dog naturally sniff the air on a breezy day, and naturally sniff the ground while walking. They just need to learn to stay disciplined with their noses on the ground during ground tracking.

[marbeen]

I probably should have been more clear (or at least give more information - we have been studying a lot in the past week since we learned we were selected to receive the dog - long story, but will tell it when we get the dog and some photos to pose (and permission from the breeder to tell this particular story)). The training is both ground and air tracking.

We are buying the crate tomorrow (the biggest one, but with a puppy barrier so it can be sized to the puppy (to avoid peeing in the crate issues)).

We are moving everything off the floor on the first floor (where the crate will be until we feel it is safe to put the dog, and crate, in our son's room), and blocking off two rooms that have leather furniture. The dog will have free reign of the rest of the first floor (when we are home and with it, of course), and will have reign of the basement, but only when we are down there with it (with the office and storeroom off limits by locked doors - we do this anyway because of our son).

So, I think we are heading in the right direction. The issues I am stuck with is, there is so much stuff at the pet store. How do you know what is appropriate for a puppy, and as they get older? I am thinking about toys and rope and bones and stuff like that. It is so confusing and way too much to digest in such a short time. So that is the first issue to deal with. Any ideas???????

[carmspack]

sounds like quite the adventure with lots of support from the breeder-trainer.
I think the first thing on the list is to make a decision on how and what the dog will be fed.
Of course you should get advice from the person you are getting the dog from.
Can't wait for the rest of the story.
Carmen
Carmspack Working German Shepherd Dogs

[SamanthaBrynn]

Originally Posted by marbeen

So, I think we are heading in the right direction. The issues I am stuck with is, there is so much stuff at the pet store. How do you know what is appropriate for a puppy, and as they get older? I am thinking about toys and rope and bones and stuff like that. It is so confusing and way too much to digest in such a short time. So that is the first issue to deal with. Any ideas???????

Depending on how old you pup is...teething is a trying time. Everything goes in the mouth. There's a great frozen treat bone you can get...helps with that. Our Callie loved and still loves antlers to chew on. Kongs are great with cheese or peanut butter. As far as ropes and tugs, might ask your trainer...people have different views on this on the forum. We also really liked the Food Cube. It's neat and you can even use it for feeding and is adjustable so that as she learns you can make it tougher for her. There's alot, I know...but it's so fun! What an exciting time for you!

[Tim Connell]

That's great, welcome aboard!

Animals are a great addition in your situation, in particular a dog. They not only are a great assistance dog and companion, but are also an excellent speech prompt. In that regard, activities that the dog performs can become a precursor to speech development, and cognitive development. ( i.e., Question: "Where is the dog?" Response: "The dog is outside") Action related activities often are very effective prompts to jumpstart learning, so I'm sure you will be very happy when you see this relationship develop.

Sounds like you are on track with your plans, if I can be of help, feel free to PM me.