NEW Puppy

pt_as · #1 18-08-09, 08:08 AM

Hi,

Me and my girlfriend would like to get a German Shepherd, but there's so much to thinkk about. It would be great if people could help us. I've already done a lot of research. I grew up with a German Shepherd, so I know a little.

But the main things that concern me is that I don't understand the hip & elbow score, in the sense whats good and whats bad?

And my girlfriend and I both leave the house at 8am & return at 5pm, would the dog be ok left on his/her own for this length of time during the week?

super D · #2 18-08-09, 08:11 AM

Hi and welcome to the forum.
Some one will be along with a greater knowledge of hip scores etc shortly.
As for leaving a pup for 8-9 hours per day, i personally wouldnt, thats such a long time to leave even an adult dog, but thats just my opinion matey.
good luck whatever you decide

xx

GSD-Jay · #3 18-08-09, 08:41 AM

Well me and my girlfriend both work a 9-5. It really isn't ideal but we get by.

I know it's not the point but it's a better life for a pup than being stuck in a rescue centre or neglected. Just make sure you are prepared for a morning walk - everyday and that you spend quality time with him/her in the evening.

That said, I have a mate who comes around at 1pm everyday to feed him, let him and stay with him for an hour. I walk him for half hour in the morning and an hour and a half at night, give or take. He also sleeps in our room as I like him to have as much company as possible. Without all of this I think he would get lonely so just be prepared that it will change your life and routine and you will have to sacrifice an awful lot of other social time for him/her. I wouldn't change it for the world now though, you get so much back.

pt_as · #4 18-08-09, 08:48 AM

I would be prepared for the walk in the morning and evening, I did that at home, with my parents dog, so I understand that. And as for nights he/she could sleep he/she likes.

The dog definitely would not be neglected, we've wanted a dog for ages, but we needed to be finacially stable first as it wouldn't be fair on the dog, so it's not a decision we have rushed in to.

Some days I would be able to have someone drop in for an hour, but not every day.

GSD-Jay · #5 18-08-09, 09:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pt_as

I would be prepared for the walk in the morning and evening, I did that at home, with my parents dog, so I understand that. And as for nights he/she could sleep he/she likes.

The dog definitely would not be neglected, we've wanted a dog for ages, but we needed to be finacially stable first as it wouldn't be fair on the dog, so it's not a decision we have rushed in to.

Some days I would be able to have someone drop in for an hour, but not every day.

That's fine. By no means is my situation ideal and I am not preaching to you. If you've been around a dog before then you know of their needs. You seem to have your head screwed on with the financial side of it. They can be expensive and the last thing you want to do is neglect them of anything.

That said, although food/vets are expensive, I probably save money by taking him for walks instead of sitting in the pub like I used to. Healthier too.

Good luck with it all.

Tookey · #6 18-08-09, 09:19 AM

Hi,

I am in a similar situation, my boyfriend and I are getting a puppy but am moving therefore need to find a new job, could do with working full time for the money but don't want to leave the dog too long throughout the day, especcially when he is young.

If you are going to do that, give him/her plenty of vigorous exercise to satisfy and tire him/her out. This and toys may help to prevent the dog trashing the house too.

With hip-scores I think there should be no more than 3 points difference between each hip and the total hip score should be no more than 10 I think, I may be wrong but there are more knowledged people on here! Obviously its good to make sure there are very few health problems in your choice of pup's parents and so on but I think as long as they are happy healthy dogs and the breeders treat them right. If the sire and dam have good hip scores, this helps, but no one can guarantee the hips of the pups.

Good luck with finding your gsd!

Beki · #7 18-08-09, 09:51 AM

me n my hubby work but i go home for my lunch break and let Ellie out and give her a walk and some play time this has worked out best for us

x x x x

super D · #8 18-08-09, 09:57 AM

Have you thought about maybe getting a rescue dog, then you could exercise well before work, and when you come home, With regards to a pup, yes you can leave stimulating toys, but you cant give it vigorous exercise

xx

Beki · #9 18-08-09, 10:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by super D

Have you thought about maybe getting a rescue dog, then you could exercise well before work, and when you come home, With regards to a pup, yes you can leave stimulating toys, but you cant give it vigorous exercise

xx

agreed on that, too muc exercise early on can have an affect on their hips they need 3/4 x 15/20 min walks a day in the early stages spread out in the day

x x x x

pt_as · #10 18-08-09, 10:12 AM

I know about the walk patterns and stairs etc as a pup.

I have looked in to a rescue dog & I will be enquiring about one today, but I just want to do everything possible to make sure I get everything right. At the end of the day, the dog will have so much love and attention, but I don't want him/her to feel abandoned during the day. I know others do it, but I just wondered how your dogs react.