Another pet question (German Shepherd related)

[sundial]

Neo, congratulations on your rescued gsd. These dogs are amazing and the rescues have a story to tell that they will share with you in the coming days. I have german shepherds--one of which is a rescue. I have trained mine to trot alongside my bike using a springy coupler and a Martingale type collar but they are also adults that are under voice command.

You have a very active and inquisitive youngster on your hands. Since your puppy is only 7 months old I would limit exercise on pavement and other hard surfaces until after the age of 1 year due to the growth plates that could be injured by the impact on hard surfaces. I would also make sure your dog does not jump from heights at this stage. Taking the dog for a run on the sidewalk for several miles is something that I would not recommend at this stage; instead, find a big grassy, FENCED area and throw tennis balls. The fenced yard is important because you have a rescue that 1) may not be fully bonded with you, 2) may startle at loud noises such as a car backfiring and bolt, 3) may pick up a scent and ignore you completely whilst the dog happily trots away from you as you stand there helplessly calling her. I have found it imperative to use a non-slip type collar like a martingale on youngsters and especially rescues to keep them from slipping out of the collar and into the street. You don't want to experience the terrifying feeling of searching for a lost rescue. Later as the dog matures (usually around 1 1/2 years of age) you can take them for longer hikes, jogs, trots and throwing frisbee. NOTE: some gsds have hip dysplasia and some types of exercises are not recommended for them. Your vet can determine if your dog has hip dysplasia by taking an xray.

German shepherds are very intelligent and know how to manipulate the owner so enrolling your adolescent in obedience training is highly recommended at this stage. It will teach you how to be the alpha, establish a bond with your dog and it allows you to interact with other dogs in a controlled, SAFE environment. Often dogs look forward to their class and can't wait to interact with their classmates! Kali's favorite friend was a golden retriever while Niki's friend was a special needs bassett hound. Look for a qualified instructor that offers positive reinforcement techniques. (Talk with your rescue and have them refer you to a trainer.) Some shepherds are soft correction, that is they are sensitive to course redirection and will react as if their feelings have been hurt and will cower and sulk. If yours is a soft correction type, please make sure that the instructor does not overcorrect your dog by jerking hard on the leash to force it into a down and stay. Your dog could face a big setback and develop trust issues as a result. Your dog wants to feel secure and if you can't provide that, the dog will find a means to fill that need--through aggression. Shepherds should never cower but present as confident, responsive, courageous dogs. I have 2 shepherds that are soft correction and I am able to manage them with just a few bites of their favorite, million dollar treat--chicken! I've also fostered high drive, crackhead, alpha types that needed firm handling with an experienced owner. (One foster went on to become a certified cadaver dog.) If your dog is soft correction, you will have an easier time handling the dog.

Your adolescent will need to feel secure during this stage and it's important that you make sure you don't set up your dog to fail during this period. Taking a shepherd to a dog park is something that I have serious concerns about--especially for a young dog such as yours. If your dog encounters an alpha type and is forced into submission by the alpha dog, it could set up your dog later for cage and leash aggression. Also, german shepherds are prey driven and watching a small dog run free in the park is an invitation for a potential injury--and lawsuit--if you don't have control over your dog should the small dog get injured by yours.

A good alternative for an active shepherd is an agility course. Again, make sure your dog's growth plates are mature enough before running an this course.

German shepherds get a bad rap, as do rotties and pits, as being ferocious. I often take my girls for trots and walks on our street (leashed of course!) and I always get the same reaction--folks move waaay over when they see me coming. Niki and Kali both are very social and have their Basic Obedience and Canine Good Citizen. Still, they are always watching for any predator that could harm mom. It's their nature to protect and yours will too so take that into account whenever you enter an area where other dogs are, especially if they are unleashed. This is especially important should you start biking with your dog and it encounters an unleashed stray that charges up to you.

I hope this helps and congratulations again on your new gsd. They are spectacular dogs and will provide you with memorable moments for years to come.