A light at the end of the puppy tunnel?

[TheVintageAngel]

This is more of an update, and because I've been reading all the other threads by those of us raising GSD pups. First let me say that I'm pretty sure there is going to be a special place for all of us who raised a GSD pup in heaven some day .

Jemma is now 5 months old and thanks to a routine of regular exercise, play time which includes running for fetch and chase time...walk practice on leash to curb the pulling, and training time inside...she is really coming around. The play biting is slowing down considerably...she's napping more and we actually, hold onto your hats...we actually had a walk this morning where she did not pull me once. Granted, we didn't see any other dogs or joggers...which seem to be triggers for her crazy leash pulling and barking.

We still need to work on her lunging at and barking at moving cars on our walks, joggers, and behavior when other dogs walk by. And my 6 year old son seems to be her favorite "litter mate" and I'm still working on her to stop rough housing with him...although it's never really gotten out of hand...she mouths him when he's playing chase with her and drops her toy and tries herding him by grabbing his pant legs. I always supervise and am ready to jam a toy back in her mouth or correct when she mistakes him for a toy.

I wanted to thank all of you here who have given me advice over the past months. There were times where I wondered what I had gotten myself into, and if I could actually hang in there for this...and when I talked to people who had never had a GSD, they didn't understand and thought the behavior I was describing was outrageous for a puppy. But already, after a short time, I'm seeing major improvements...so to you all that are struggling...hang in there, and work hard....it will pay off and is only temporary...

And Jemma thanks you too

[Angelina03]

Thank you so much for this! You don't know how much better it helps me feel. I too was surprised at the "puppy behavior" and what was considered normal for GSDs.
This site has also helped me tremendously. Your accomplishments are motivating, and Jemma is beautiful.

[TheVintageAngel]

Rocco is precious...hang in there and it will all be good! And you can tell me the same thing next time Jemma acts up and I feel hopeless

[the_butcher]

This doesnt help me at all, my boy is 6 months and is still as crazy as ever haha

[Brewzer1818]

This has been a great site. Every time I reach my limit, I come on and read. Reminds me that I am not the only one, and what I have to look forward to. And Jemma is a beautifull girl, but as you can see from my profile pic, I may be a little prejudice.

[llombardo]

I thought I wasn't going to survive the first month...boy did mine give me a run for my money, but I think I needed that challenge She had me in tears and I don't cry easy. I keep telling people that out of all the dogs I've ever had and its been many that none were quite like a german shepherd, but the outcome has been wonderful. It was like a light switch with potty training--which was the biggest issue-one day she just started asking and hasn't stopped, followed by biting-she is still teething, but she has tons of toys and her doggie brother and sister, and of course jumping, which we are still working on..I've found that working on one issue at a time proves to be successful and so worth it.

[puppyluv]

I can relate as well! My 5 mo. old pup (Strider) and I still have a lot to work on but when I take the time to reflect back on how far we've come I am encouraged for the current lessons we are learning. The biting is SO much better - bully sticks and knuckle bones and THIS WEBSITE have been our best friends!

[chelle]

Ahh! Great! Jemma is one super adorable little girl! You're doing a great, great job -- keep it up!!!!!!!!!!