New Puppy

Fi1805 · #1 27-09-11, 12:26 PM

Hello everyone

I am new to the forum - I thought that I would join as I am bringing home a gorgeous female GSD pup at the weekend and I am a first time Shepherd owner so there will probably be many more posts seeking advice!

I have had dogs before - border terriers, plus a rescue lab x who belongs to my OH. I'm trying to prepare for the new arrival so that things go as smoothly as possible. We are starting off at my Mum's house and when she is a bit older we are moving in with my OH and his dog.

I've got a crate and lots of toys and blankets and kongs to keep her occupied and I was planning on carrying her to the supermarket to hang around outside get used to being around people. I really want her to be well socialised. Does anybody have any suggestions for more socialising?

If anybody has got any advice about what to do first, training wise, I would appreciate any input.

Thanks in advance
Fi

zetstaff · #2 27-09-11, 12:31 PM

Hi + welcome

How exciting, we love puppies on here, put loads of pics on

I personally would let her get settled in before you start taking her anywhere, she'll have just left the safety of the litter + mum, + it will all be very daunting for her.

Plenty of time to carry her round once settled in. I used to carry my bitch round before she had 2nd jab when we went on walks, as soon as she can go out you can join a puppy socialisation class then go on to more serious training when she's a bit older if you want to

For now just enjoy x

LOVEGSD · #3 27-09-11, 12:35 PM

Hello and welcome

I agree with Tracey's advice.....I bet you can't wait!!!

sami · #4 27-09-11, 12:51 PM

You wont be carrying her for long!!!! You will be surprised how heavy and ickle puppy can be!!!

I would let her settle for a day or two first and then start to socialise her with other people and your oh dog if he has had all his jabs etc.

Good luck

Fi1805 · #5 27-09-11, 12:54 PM

I'm so excited! I will put up some pics when she arrives. Thank you for the advice - I'll let her get settled before we go out into the big wide world!

We've got reservations for a puppy class to start after her vaccs. I did wonder about taking her along a week early and just holding her so she can see some other dogs. I keep being told socialise, socialise, socialise and the earlier the better but I dont want to overdo it whilst she is tiny.

Broxi Bear · #6 27-09-11, 01:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fi1805

I'm so excited! I will put up some pics when she arrives. Thank you for the advice - I'll let her get settled before we go out into the big wide world!

We've got reservations for a puppy class to start after her vaccs. I did wonder about taking her along a week early and just holding her so she can see some other dogs. I keep being told socialise, socialise, socialise and the earlier the better but I dont want to overdo it whilst she is tiny.

Hiya, and welcome, we have just joined too after getting our GSD, Cooper who is just 9 weeks Saturday past. What we did with him was, let him get settled for a couple of days, then we invited family and friends round to see him and for him to meet as many different people as he can (not all at the same time, we made sure that it was only 2's and 3's so that he was not overwhelmed). We have also been introducing him to family and friends dogs (always in there home/garden) who we know are fully up to-date with all there vac's. The one other thing that we are doing just now is taking him out on very small trips in the car, either when we are going to the local shop's or taking my daughter to Rangers, getting him used to the car as well. He gets his second lot of vac's this Saturday and we can't wait to get him out and about seeing lots of new things

Enjoy the time when they are puppies, it is very special.
Arabest
BB

Jon · #7 27-09-11, 01:46 PM

Hi and welcome!

Like BB above we recently got our rescue pup, its been about about 3 months ago now. We have been very lucky with our little fella, he is a handsome (not so little) chap and growing by the day.

look forward to seeing some pics!!

Stuart · #8 27-09-11, 03:20 PM

Hi Fi, welcome to the forum, you should get all the advice you need here,..there is a lot of experience between us all

Its difficult to socialise before that second jab,.. but you have the right idea, if you can carry her around thats good get her used to people,..dont forget different sounds, cars, numatic drills, hovers etc etc, do it gentle though, the last thing you want is a fearful dog....and other dogs after the second injection

hippychickuk · #9 27-09-11, 04:42 PM

hi and welcome to the forum

LindaM · #10 27-09-11, 05:59 PM

Oooo how exciting.

I am new on here and a first time shep owner. He is 4 now and I love him to bits. Def different to any other dog I have owned but have enjoyed learning about him as time has gone on.

Wishing you lots of happy times................. oo I can smell 'puppy' smell from here

I keep forgetting I haven't got a siggy picture - don't know how to do it yet.

Linda (Lukey's owner - he is 4 yr old black long coat)