[khurley]

I am re-posting this for board member Super mom.


Hi, I am new to this board so I need to see if anyone have the answer to this. I just purchased a 6 week old German Shepard Puppy 1-1/2 weeks ago and he is attached to my 17 year old son but when I enter the room or around him, he runs the other way. What is wrong? Could he have been abused by his previous owner. Any suggestions or advise from anyone is appreciated. I will post a picture of him when I find out how to do it.

 

[scannergirl]

So you purchased him and took him home at six weeks? Everything I've read says this is TOO EARLY for a puppy to leave it's mom. Day 49 is ideal, which is seven weeks or later, but never earlier.

 

[LUV_GSDs]

yes 6 weeks is way too early for a pup to leave his mom and siblings. If I were you I would spend more time with the pup and run away from him with some really good treats in your hand. Run backwards so as to face him and lure him with the goodies and his name.

 

[BowWowMeow]

Telling someone that 6 weeks is too early does not help the problem. What do you want her to do--give the puppy back and get him again in 2 weeks?

There are many people on here who got pups at 6 weeks or earlier because the pups needed a home (I adopted Chama at 5 weeks old) or the people didn't know any better. So let's try to help instead of criticizing.

Spend some time sitting on the floor with the pup and let him come to you. Keep some really tasty treats in your hand and toss them gently over by him (not at him) and create a trail back to you. Once he gets to you start feeding him right out of your hand. Carry treats and/or toys with you everywhere and make a point to reward the pup for even looking in your direction. Playing with the pup (again, down on his level) is another good way to make friends with him. I would take over feeding (if you're not already), walking and everything from your son for a little while so that the pup knows you are the source of all things good.


Good luck and keep us posted!

 

[1211meeka]

Maybe spend some time alone with the pup, I mean without your son in the house. Is your son the one who does the feeding/potty training? Maybe you need to switch off every 24 hours and whoever's turn it's NOT, should be in a closed room away from the pup. Hopefully the pup will get accustomed to both of you.

 

[nitetrane98]

"Telling someone that 6 weeks is too early does not help the problem. What do you want her to do--give the puppy back and get him again in 2 weeks? "

That's the way this board has increasingly become. There always has to be a certain amount of opprobrium dished out.

While certainly not ideal, I got my pup at 5 weeks also. He was scarcely weaned and really didn't even know quite what to make of kibble.
I suppose some abuse is possible I would think it would manifest itself with the the boy too. I tend to believe that pups wake up in a new world every time they blink. If he's anything like mine was at 6-7 weeks, if you pick him up he'd want to chew on your hands.
He wasn't much of a snuggler. So you might try that. I doubt that he's had enough time to figure out who the boss is yet. When my friend brought my pup to me, the pup followed him around like a magnet. When he left he started following me around. I'd bet if the 17yo isn't around he'll make friends with somebody pretty fast. But chances are good that he'll always have a favorite human.
I wouldn't go borrowing trouble over it.

 

[MaggieRoseLee]

Sometimes adult humans just can seem more threatening to a puppy cause we are so much larger and louder than a child.

But by getting down lower to the puppies level, using a soft high pitched voice, and tons of praise, play, REAL treats.........along with alot of loving, you should be able to make this much better.

Crate training is a must for you and the pup because it will help with the housebreaking as well as any need for 'correction' from you from an accident in the house, or favorite items getting chewed up and destroyed.

This young pup needs alot of confidence and love to make it think it's wonderful and brilliant as well as loved by the world. All other training will be easy if you can get that across.

 

[Timber1]

I agree 100 percent. The fact is the pup was gotten at six weeks, so why use hindsight to be critical as some have, but not you.

My advice, and youhave hit most of it is for thepersonto get as close to the pup as possible. Some may disagree, but at the dog's age let the pup sleep with you. However, remember to get up a few times a night to let the dog pee or poop.

I got my dog at seven weeks and tried to bond as closely as possible. It worked, at 11 weeks or so he was house broken.

As Bow Wow said, feed him out of your hand, be very affectionate rubbing his paws, etc., and if the dog ever makes a mistake that upsets you never, ever treat that pup harshly.

 

[scannergirl]

I am SO SORRY that I clearly came off critical. I accept the spanking given because when I re-read it I thought it did sound that way. Please know that was not my intent at all- I just thought it could explain some of the behavior. But again, I'm sorry and meant absolutely no harm or disrespect even though it sounded otherwise.

 

[WiscTiger]

While not an ideal situation, it isn't the end of the world. The mom needs to spend more time on the floor (closer to puppy level), and feed the pup. When the pup is a bit older the Mom needs to take the pup to training classes.

 

[Helly]

We got out pup last week (he was 6 weeks old and yeah I heard a few comments..not a big deal to me) and I have spent more time on my floor with him than I have in years...we play ALL the time when I am home (to heck with housework)...he seems to already be bonding with my husband and daughter, lots of treats and toys...I am the one who feeds him, but mainly because I'm the one up with him first thing in the morning....I rub his paws constantly and he seems to enjoy it alot...and he seems to think my toes and ankles are just the tastiest things around.

My rambling is mean to tell you not to give up, definitely feed him and take him outside and praise, praise, praise...he will come around...Good Luck!