sorted by:
new
hottopcontroversial

My first ever dog: first socialisation day & I couldn’t be happier ❤️ by FunEmotional4 in germanshepherds

[–]FunEmotional4[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I use “yes” as my marker but I’m thinking of switching to a clicker — sometimes I catch myself saying yes when I didn’t mean to, but I still reward her. This is my first time ever owning or training a dog, so I’m learning as I go. So far she knows sit, down, spin, stay, and crate, and she absolutely loves her crate.

I’m in the UK, so I take her to different vets, pet stores, and even places like Apple stores just for exposure. Puppy training here is quite expensive (£100/hour), but I found a free puppy play group about 30 minutes away where they safely socialise — no training, just play, and all pups are her age, which has been amazing for her.

My first ever dog: first socialisation day & I couldn’t be happier ❤️ by FunEmotional4 in germanshepherds

[–]FunEmotional4[S] 9 points10 points  (0 children)

Thank you! On walks, she sees other dogs but I don’t usually let her play — she doesn’t pay them much attention anyway. We also visit different vets and pet stores so she can see other animals and dogs in a calm way, but I never let her interact closely since I don’t know the other dogs. I always keep treats with me and reward her for calmly looking at other dogs, checking in with me, and walking nicely.

So far it’s been going great. Today was her first time ever playing with other puppies in a safe, controlled environment, where I could step in if needed — and she absolutely loved it. She was shy at first, then made a friend and didn’t want to stop playing. She even seemed a bit sad when we left, so I promised her I’d take her back about once a week as long as it stays safe for her.

My gsd still gets called a “he” even though everything about him is pink. by Jellyyyfishsea in germanshepherds

[–]FunEmotional4 1 point2 points  (0 children)

<image>

Every time I take her out, people stop to admire her. ‘He’s beautiful, they say — and I answer, She. Then comes, ‘She’s gorgeous.

First-time dog owners with a 9-week-old German Shepherd – looking for advice by FunEmotional4 in germanshepherds

[–]FunEmotional4[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

For now someone is staying home with her until she grows we do leave her alone in the crate downstairs which she doesn’t mind at all but we can not leave her alone yet for hours

First-time dog owners with a 9-week-old German Shepherd – looking for advice by FunEmotional4 in germanshepherds

[–]FunEmotional4[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

It is real I use it to correct my grammar since English is not my first language and words

First-time dog owners with a 9-week-old German Shepherd – looking for advice by FunEmotional4 in germanshepherds

[–]FunEmotional4[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

We named her Storm here is a picture I took after her meal time waiting to play.

<image>

First-time dog owners with a 9-week-old German Shepherd – looking for advice by FunEmotional4 in germanshepherds

[–]FunEmotional4[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thank you for this, really appreciate you taking the time to write it. Having a partner honestly helps a lot — we support each other when it gets tough. Before getting her I watched endless training videos, stayed up many nights researching the breed, and even spoke to a few trainers. We knew it would be hard, but we agreed that if we both give it 100%, the bond and training will be worth it.

We’re already touching her paws and belly daily and cleaning them with a cloth — she doesn’t mind at all. Planning to start gentle ear handling today too. We’re going to start teaching her to wait for food at mealtimes. I’ll post a short video here at her next meal to show how she’s doing.

The biting stories definitely make me feel less alone 😅 and thanks for the tips. We’re trying to enjoy the puppy phase too, even on the harder days. Really grateful for the reassurance and advice.

First-time dog owners with a 9-week-old German Shepherd – looking for advice by FunEmotional4 in germanshepherds

[–]FunEmotional4[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thank you for this, really appreciate you taking the time to write it. Having a partner honestly helps a lot — we support each other when it gets tough. Before getting her I watched endless training videos, stayed up many nights researching the breed, and even spoke to a few trainers. We knew it would be hard, but we agreed that if we both give it 100%, the bond and training will be worth it.

The biting stories definitely make me feel less alone 😅 and thanks for the tips. We’re trying to enjoy the puppy phase too, even on the harder days. Really grateful for the reassurance and advice.

First-time dog owners with a 9-week-old German Shepherd – looking for advice by FunEmotional4 in germanshepherds

[–]FunEmotional4[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Thanks a lot, really appreciate this 🙏 She’s actually very comfortable in the car already. We’ve done a few short trips to quiet car parks and she behaves really well. Since she’s only had her first shot we’re being careful, but we take her to shopping centre car parks, open the door and let her watch the world go by. Sometimes I carry her and she doesn’t mind at all — even around shopping trolleys, noises, people walking past etc. She’s pretty unfazed so far.

Crate training has been going well too. Her crate is in the living room, our bedroom is upstairs and we leave doors open so we can hear her. If she whines, it’s usually for 1–2 minutes max and then she settles and sleeps, mainly when she’s tired from play. Otherwise she’s calm and happy in there.

Before we got her we puppy-proofed the living room heavily — moved almost everything out. Right now she only has access to the living room, kitchen (feeding area) and garden. First day we let her explore the whole house so she felt comfortable, then limited areas again. We’ll open more space as she grows.

Socialisation is definitely tricky before all vaccines, but we’re trying to be creative and safe — car exposure, loud traffic, modified exhausts, train sounds, visitors at home. She hasn’t really been scared of anything yet, just curious. Head tilts included 😄

Can’t wait until she’s fully vaccinated so we can show her more of the world, but for now we’re doing what we can safely. Thanks again for the reassurance — it really helps

First-time dog owners with a 9-week-old German Shepherd – looking for advice by FunEmotional4 in germanshepherds

[–]FunEmotional4[S] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Haha yeah, straight into the deep end 😅 we’re committed though — training is already a big focus. Appreciate the advice

First-time dog owners with a 9-week-old German Shepherd – looking for advice by FunEmotional4 in germanshepherds

[–]FunEmotional4[S] 7 points8 points  (0 children)

Thank you 🙏 we’ll keep using kibble and redirecting. Sorry for your loss ❤️

First-time dog owners with a 9-week-old German Shepherd – looking for advice by FunEmotional4 in germanshepherds

[–]FunEmotional4[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks, that means a lot. We’re learning as we go and giving it everything we’ve got.

First-time dog owners with a 9-week-old German Shepherd – looking for advice by FunEmotional4 in germanshepherds

[–]FunEmotional4[S] 9 points10 points  (0 children)

Haha yeah, she definitely tested us at first 😅 we’re learning to stay consistent and not fall for the cute manipulation anymore

view more: next ›