Scared, confused and worried first time dog owner! -help!

[Peter.]

You might also want to search for a dog daycare in your area, or someone you can pay to come play with your dog during the day.. or both!

A well exercised dog will be much more relaxed and easier to work with when you're home at night.

[1sttimeforgsd]

Hello and Welcome, Irene. Think of your boy Panthros like a toddler, he needs to be potty trained, bring him inside for about 1/2 hour then take him outside and tell him go potty. If he goes for you act all excited and tell him good boy and gradually expand the time that you keep him inside a little more each time untill he gets it that outside is the potty place. If he does potty in the house and you don't catch him in the act don't yell at him because it is already too late. If you catch him getting ready to potty inside tell him NO NO outside potty, and praise him if he stops and take him outside.

Our dogs want to be with us, sometimes they are referred to as velcro dogs because they are underfoot. I know it will be hard with a 2 yr old to deal with also but you and Panthro will both be better off if he is inside and can be around to bond with you more. Got any pictures to share with us, we love pictures on here?

[llombardo]

If I've learned anything about this breed during my time of owning one is that they love to be by there people. They are full of energy, they are loyal, and they can pick stuff up pretty easy. I can tell when mine gets bored because she kinda wanders around like she is lost. Obedience class is a good way to start the process of learning, socialization, and bonding. Once you figure out what the dog needs you'll be so happy and so will the dog.

[JETADT]

My Blackie is a 4 year old gs.
I am retired and am home with him all day, everyday.
I live in the city so Blackie does not have the luxury to run and excercise.
He is Inside with just trips outside for doing his business.
When I leave the house to shop for approx 1-3 hours....when I return Blackie acts as though I have been gone for years.
When I leave which is infrequently he cries, barks, whimpers and wants to go with me. I feel badly, that I can not walk him as frequently as I would like, be cause of strays in the area and I am just not strong enough to control him in an emergency situation. So Blackie's walks are infrequent, Blackie does have a treadmill for excercise and toys for play and seems bored on occassion but not often.
I am a widow and Blackie is quite protective and I am very protective of Blackie.
I am also a first time dog owner.
Blackie was my fathers dog from a puppy I inherited him after my Dads death.
It seems as though you are giving your gs a kind, loving environment with a half an acre for play.
Yes, you made the right decision.

[Panthro's mom]

Ouch! Thanx for all the tips. I will be enrolling in obedience classes with him ASAP. The reason I opted for a GS is because a couple neighbors own them around here and they keep theirs outside too. I purchased him from a breeder and she too has her 4 dogs on 1/2 acre. I really wanted an outdoor dog and I thought I had understood that being a herding dog, it was an outdoor breed. I try to make up time lost on weekends. I love my dog dearly and I'm seeking advise because of that. Thanx!


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[Panthro's mom]

Ps: I'd love to take pics of him but he doesn't sit still too long!


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[Panthro's mom]

My Panthro


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[Nigel]

Panthro is a cute pup!