New gsd owner any tips please

[maddie moo]

Hi everyone newbie here

I have recently, tues to be exact purchased a gsd from a woman who could no longer look after her as she had split from her husband.

She is 2 and a half year old who was rescued from a shelter 18 months ago by her previous owner (unsure why she was in the shelter) and now she can no longer look after her due to family circumstances.

I personally have always had dog even growing up but i have never taken on a adult dog we have always had them as pups and i have not owned a gsd only cross breeds. I currently own a english bulldog and a cat + we have 2 children 12 and 8.

I was told by the owners that she is fantastic with children/other dogs/animals and is very clean and faultless which i must admit even though we have only had her a couple of days she really is a gentle submissive and steady girl.

I was hoping that any of you guys could give me any tips on what to expect in the next few weeks. She has been constantly crying for 2 days but it seems to be getting less now and we are ignoring this behaviour.

Thanks in advance

[Bonnie Patricia]

Hi and welcome, the crying will get less as she settles in, sounds like your doing really well.groom her for 10mins every night this will help with your bonding and you can do some lead control in your garden just a sit/stay and plenty of treats and praise when she good x

[wildmoor]

She will settle down soon, it maybe a few weeks before you see her true character. Start as you mean to carry on she will adapt to your routine.
There are quite a few people on here that have taken on adult rescues who can advise you better the last rescue I had was 20yrs ago.
Welcome to the forum

[max's mom]

Hi and welcome to the forum xx

You will get lots of advice here, lots of very experienced owners.

Sounds like things are going well so far, so you must be on the right track, keep up the good work! xxxx

[super D]

Hello and welcome to the forum xx

[Stuart]

Welcome to the forum,...I does take time to settle any dog, even more so an adult dog who has found itself in different enviroments with different owners.

But things will get better, some dogs are better than others, but stick with it,..there is no real advice that will suit every dog, just generaly do your best to bond, constantly talk to her, do your best to do as the last owner did until she is settled, any change can be done later,..i.e. food.

I would also have her close when you go to bed, she will feel lonely if left on her own,...if you have to leave her on her own during the day, leave her warm and comfortable, with maybe the telly or radio on, and / or some treat to nibble on,..and get home as soon as you can

let us know how you get on

Start as you mean to go on. Plenty of exercise, training and play to strengthen the bond you'll have with her.

Some rescues take longer than others to show their true character, depending on their background and personality.

A sign a dog's settled I've found is when they play with toys of their own accord, bring them to you etc.

Any pics? We love pics!

[smallscreamy]

Welcome to the forum!

[Bonniesmummy]

welcome to the forum

[DelsMum]

I always have rescues and can only echo what Pam (Wildmoor) and Anni have said re be being consistent and starting as you mean to go on. In my experience once your dog is into their new routine they get the gist of things quite quickly. I find exercise and setting the ground rules from day 1 make the transition easier on everyone. Good luck and let us know how you get on!