Hi all,

So, my husband and I recently and unexpected adopted what appears to be a purebred German Shepherd pup. She was taken to see my stepfather, who is a vet, when she was eight weeks old, for her shots and she had eaten something that might have needed surgery if it didn't pass. Well, her owner decided that between the possible vet bill and the damage she apparently caused to his backyard, she was just too expensive, and just walked out of the office.
Well, my stepfather kept her at the hospital so he could treat her, and posted signs to find her a home. After a few months, no one had been interested, and he didn't want her to keep living in a kennel. We have a very large backyard (about three times the size of our house). So he asked if we could foster her for a bit, until he found her a home.

About ten minutes after this big clumsy beauty walked into my front door she had a name and a permanent home--her name is Cadie, and she is the newest member of my family. And we love her to death!

That being said, we are pug people--one fawn, one black. Two snorty, lazy, adorable and loving piggies who will only move if there is food involved.

Major change when Miss Cadie came in.

So really, I'm looking for ANY advice. I've owned large breeds several years ago, but never a German Shepherd. My sister has one, but, I'm sorry to say, hers is more analogous to a lawn decoration than a family member. So she's no help. Cadie has chewing problems, yes. But mostly with shoes and plastic cups. She's never even tried to chew the furniture. Yes, she digs holes. She's a dog. They bury stuff (Current score: Cadie, 3; Nylabone, 0). So that's normal puppy behavior for me, I think I can stumble my way through, though if you have any suggestions, I'm all ears.

Also, she was very, very timid when we first brought her home. It was Fourth of July weekend. Until the past couple of weeks, she was attached to my hip--even jumped in the shower with me when I was apparently taking too long. She would run and/or hide from anyone else, even if they were sitting down silently. She's come out of that a bit, but she is still hesitant and timid unless she knows the person.

Here's the problem I have currently. The first thing we did was housebreak her. Took a few days, really quite easy since she'd been basically kennel trained before. But the past week, she's going potty in my son's room, constantly. Like she's suddenly forgotten how to go outside.

Oh, and she hates to go on walks--you have to carry her away from the house, then she's fine, until you're on your way back and then she drags you the whole block home. So now we only really take her when she seems wound up.

So, that's me, and my youngest furbaby.

Just so the other two don't feel neglected, their names are Jaida and Maggie. Jaida is my "million dollar" dog (soooo many medical problems, I'd be broke if my stepdad wasn't a vet!); she's nine, and my one-eyed wonder dog. Maggie is my son's dog (she claimed him--they're about nine months apart) and also an animal hospital rescue (owner said she was too hyper, hahaha). She's five, and has to sleep with my son every night, snuggled up to keep him company.

Ok, rambling over. Any suggestions, please let me know!

You've come to the right place, you'll find tons of help and information here!

welcome to the forum. a gsd pup will be a huge change . glad you are already looking for information!!

Thank you for taking Cadie in. (We like pictures - of all your crew)

I would put most of your questions into the puppy or general behavior section to get more attention.

That being said - chewing problems - I always re-direct to an acceptable chew toy. Sometimes I use a product called Bitter Apple to stop them from chewing on the furniture, it also could be used on the shoes.

It's not too surprising that she's timid if she's been mostly in a kennel since she was about 8 weeks old. She needs to get out and be exposed to as many new experiences as possible with a lot of positive re-enforcement when she responds well to the new things.

For the walking, I'd put the leash on her and let her drag it around for awhile. Then hold the end and let her walk around inside the house. Gradually move all of this outside.

The housebreaking - if she was doing well at first, then I'd have your step-dad check her for a urinary tract infection (UTI). Most of the time, when I've had this problem with a dog who was doing well with housebreaking and then all of a sudden there's a problem , a UTI is often the cause. Other than that, I'd get some Nature's Miracle to clean up the area and keep her more confined unless you can watch her while she's loose int he house.

Welcome to the board - we are always happy to follow puppy antics.

I agree that you may want to take a look aroundand find the sections best for your questions. That will definitely bring more responses from experienced people.

GSDs typically go thru several fear cycles before growing up to be solid so don't be too concerned about that. Add to that most of her life being in a very different situation and it could take her a bit to feel secure and comfortable. Just continue with steady and postive feedback for her and she will become more secure and brave.

Thanks to both you and your stepfather for giving Cadie a chance at a good life.

And hello to the puggy-piggies, too. They should all become good friends.

to the board. Looks like you have your hands full. Thank you for giving this baby a safe and loving place.

As far as the biting, I agree, re-directing is the key. The urinating could be a number of things including a UTI.

I would definitely have her checked out just to be able to rule that out. I think the key is to not leave the puppy out of your sight until you are sure she is completely potty trained. Sophie, our youngest did the same thing as a puppy. She would run into one of the rooms, do a quick pee and then run out. From the point I caught her, I made sure I had my eye on her all the time....even tethering her to me. So, this may just be an issue where she knows she is not supposed to pee in the house around you and your son's room may just be a convenient place for her to do her business.I think this will pass with further training. Also, I strongly believe in kenneling puppies when nobody is at home.

Looking forward to getting to know you.

Welcome! GSDs are different because they usually require much more involvement from their owners than other dogs. Strong, calm leadership she can count on (especially during fear periods), structure (NILIF is great to Google!), and lots more excersise (not alone in the backyard, but rather ball playing, with a safe, appropriate ball like a jumbo Chuck-It) all help. Crucial are exposure to the world off her property, and socialization opportunities with new people, at a pace and distance she is comfortable with.

We will be delighted to help you with her! Welcome, and enjoy the start of a wonderful relationship!

Welcome aboard! As other members have said you'll find lots of tips and advice here.

Hello,

to GSD home.

Welcome to the board!

Just one thing on the peeing in the room situation- I agree it could be a UTI, however, if that's not it, then consider this: if she's peeing while playing or being around your son in his room, it could be a result of over-excitement. Best fix is to make sure she goes outside and empties her bladder before any more interactions are made. My dog does that, and she's four years old. So whenever we are expecting company, we have to make sure she empties her bladder before she is allowed to interact with the guests. Otherwise, I'd be spending every 5 minutes mopping the floor!

Sounds like Cadie and my Lydi are close in age.

I feel your pain - read this for a good laugh!

http://germanshepherdhome.net/forum/ubbt...nued#Post247588

Thanks for giving Cadie a home too. The puppy stuff will pass,it is already starting to pass here too. Cadie needs a consistent fair leader to show her the right things to do. Most everyone else has hit the important things on the urinating and supervising her.

My Lydi is a tad cautious too, but socialization has really helped her. We had a great day yesterday in our obedience class and a good visit to Bass Pro Shop; this morning we had a wonderful walk with friends and their dogs.

Keep taking her out, she needs it. But do not force her to meet people other dogs etc, allow her to make the overture. Toss food out for her to pick up and work her closer. Toss food to other people and have them toss it back to her. I taught Lydi to target the back of a hand. We meet someone I ask her to touch and she touches the back of he outstretched hand for a treat. This has worked wonders for her by giving her the confidence to reach out to other people.

GSD's are by nature, aloof with strangers. Some are more suspicious than others. Suspicion with no socialization can become fear aggression. Cadie is very young and will respond to socialization and eventually be a great companion for your family.

Not wanting to walk on leash, others have commented but I will add that when you get outside and she does not want tao walk, encourage her forward, pat your leg, chirp to her and agin ross food. When she is moving with you praise her. Lydi also did this and it took about 2 weeks to get past it.

Would love to see picks of your girl and puggies. BTW- one of the the friends I walked with today has pugs!

I'm going to add my welcome too


I don't post much, but read for hints and ideas as much as I can and I've gotten a lot. We hadn't had a shepherd puppy or any puppy for years (ok, more like decades) so memories were faded so this place helped a lot.

Max had walking issues when he was a baby too. It was almost like fear of leaving the den/house. We almost had to drag him down the street to get going on the walk. He'd settle down and stop trying to look back after a few houses since he couldn't see home any more but when we were on the way back, it was hard to keep him focused on that new "heel game" we'd been playing. Now he's practically dancing when I get the leash out and is more than willing to go on an unauthorized solo walk, which is another issue all together

So, good luck and to repeat what I was told when I first came here: Pictures are welcome and expected

Welcome to the forum.

You have found IMHO the best GSD group of people to help you and you new pup.

You have already gotten some great information but do check out the puppy section.

Welcome... I am also new, and have found this forum has a lot of information.