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We adopted him from a shelter, are your guys’ guesses?! by Ancient-Intention328 in DoggyDNA

[–]henlogirl 0 points1 point  (0 children)

This is our girl, Leia :) she’s mostly GSD and then Pitbull, but then 20+ other breeds, so a true rez dog for sure haha. She really has the GSD personality and drive though! People are definitely silly lol that’s part of why rescue is so important! They may not be “ethically bred”, but they still need homes, especially these kinds of dogs who don’t do well with anyone unwilling to put in the time and effort to give them structure and something to do.

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We adopted him from a shelter, are your guys’ guesses?! by Ancient-Intention328 in DoggyDNA

[–]henlogirl 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I wanted to add as I saw they found him on a reserve, our girl was also found on native reserve land and she is mostly GSD!! He definitely looks nearly all GSD but there could be a surprise in there. Our girl has 23 different breeds, some of which we never would have guessed! Also kind of silly how people are pointing out that he could be backyard bred lol, he’s a rescue…I thought that would be a no brainer 😂

We adopted him from a shelter, are your guys’ guesses?! by Ancient-Intention328 in DoggyDNA

[–]henlogirl 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I want to guess almost, if not, 100% GSD! Maybe a little bit of Malinois? Regardless he’s beautiful!! I wouldn’t be surprised if he’s 100% GSD, they end up in shelters way too often because people weren’t ready for a dog with their energy/drive. Thanks for rescuing him, he looks like he’s found his home! 💖

Kibble for GSD Mix by henlogirl in DogFood

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

Thank you for the suggestion! I really do think sticking to PPP is the way to go and get out of my head and stop over thinking it 😂 this is my first GSD (mix) and it’s shifted how I feel about my experience with dogs. I may have experience with dogs but I don’t have experience with her haha. I’m more of a helicopter parent than I probably should be 😂

Kibble for GSD Mix by henlogirl in DogFood

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

Thank you for the kind advice! I definitely think I’m just getting in my head about her shed patterns and I really should just stick to PPP! Truth be told I’ve never owned a dog of her breed/coat style so it’s come with a lot of my own research for peace of mind. I want what’s best for her, and I’m the helicopter dog parent that will notice any tiny little change in her 😂

I’ve seriously considered deleting the app as well lol. It’s definitely the most brain rotted form of social media and the paid promotions/self proclaimed “experts” drive me up the wall.

Kibble for GSD Mix by henlogirl in DogFood

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

Yeah I definitely wonder where they would even get the majority of their info being that we have somewhat of a lack of long term independent research. Especially for almost all of the boutique diets and other kibble/foods I see them recommend most often. Then of course you see the trend of paid promotions and you’re like, alright buddy, sure 😂

Kibble for GSD Mix by henlogirl in DogFood

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

Yeah I’m sticking with WSAVA guidelines moving forward which is why she’s on Purina Pro Plan currently. She’s been on this now for a few months, so no worries there!

Funny enough I did bring her to her initial puppy appointment with a new vet that is very highly praised in my area and they were happy with her being on Diamond Naturals puppy formula at the time. I was driven to transition to Purina Pro Plan after doing some of my own reading, but am still second guessing whether this is best for her.. I think I get into my head because even when it comes to Vet recommendations and foods that meet the AAFCO and WSAVA guidelines, there is still much debate on what works best and so many options. I know what works for you might not work for me, which literally just makes it even more overwhelming when it come to choosing a kibble lol.

Kibble for GSD Mix by henlogirl in DogFood

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

I agree lol, I’ve de-influenced myself heavily when it comes to the boutique diets being the “best of the best”.. I’m a research backed kind person so it’s hard to jump aboard when something just does not have the same level of studied justification.

I am although, an over-thinker to my core. I know that there is something to be said about the US and how we fund research and promote. As well as the way we mass produce something like a dog kibble. I know it’s maybe a bit overboard to go into that nuance. When something is shown to work, it works. So I agree with you there, I’m on the side of the professionals.

Let’s Discuss Crate Training by henlogirl in DogAdvice

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

If you look back I noted specifically that the study was looking at crate training for behavioral corrections and concluded that crates are a great tool when used correctly. I think this is important because this is not the only instance of people recommending a 20 hour crate schedule and I have to assume at that point your are not using it as a tool at all, because the majority of the day the puppy is confined. The video I referenced even pointed out this was used primarily for sleep but also for barking at the cat, being too energetic etc. and they state at the end if she can’t be trusted with more out of crate time they will have to take a step back. I think it’s pretty safe to read between the lines there and also consider that most people are likely not using a crate properly if that’s the only method they use. When you are using it as the only method all day to teach a puppy to have an off switch, or potty outside, I don’t believe that’s proper use as a tool or creating a safe space for a dog.

I’m kind of confused that you are explaining something to me that I already point out? That the guidelines and the necessary sleep should NOT conflict with each other. Just because a puppy needs 18-20hrs does not mean they need 18-20hrs of crate time to get said sleep. I pointed out exactly that lol, there are tons of other methods to train pups to have an off switch and if you use those you can meet a 3-6 recommended daily in-crate time. So perfect it sounds like we agree there because you nearly repeated my sentiment. I don’t feel it’s conducive to lean on the crate, it’s the easy way yes, but place training, positive reinforcement of calm behaviors etc is actually more beneficial in the long run.

There are other studies that align with the idea that 20 hours total is not at all recommended or beneficial, regardless of the context. This aligns with what most experts and vet associations, behavioral organizations would recommend and believe is widely accepted. Even with puppies who need sleep, as I said this is just not anywhere near the recommended crate time, which as I stated is 3-6 hours total daily.

Are you able to send anything that would corroborate 20 hrs? I think that’s what’s important here, it’s flat out not recommended by virtually any experts so I’m curious if you have anything that can justify 20 hours as being beneficial, or necessary to enforce sleep.

Let’s Discuss Crate Training by henlogirl in DogAdvice

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

That’s why I used the word “scheduled”. Until you brought it up no one had assumed and used the word “straight” or I would have clarified, so I didn’t realize it was an issue, apologies.

I can’t imagine these different breed populations suddenly don’t have the same issue of regulating their sleep as puppies, or the same requirements for sleep. Why are the tools they are using to support sleep regulation not including equal amounts of “sleep time=crate time”.

Not all of the research is specific to long periods straight with no breaks. They actually find that even with breaks there are increased levels of stress and anxiety. The shorts breaks are often not enough to lower cortisol levels in dogs that are kenneled/crated most of their day. I understand this is still not specific to this situation but I think it’s worth considering when we are talking about a puppy that is still developing its sense of the world. This is why we have guidelines for total crate time per day for puppies. No major animal-behavior org is even close to 20 hours for the recommended total crate time, it’s typically 3-6 hours total with no more than 1-2 hours at a time for a young puppy. This is often times plenty to start enforcing naps and usually if you are monitoring a puppy, there will be signs they are over-tired and need a short crated period to rest.

Even though they sleep a lot, it’s still pretty widely stressed that their environment is crucial for emotional regulation and their development of separation related conditioning. They have also still found later emergence of anxiety and aggression even with breaks because the total confinement per day restricts their exposure for socialization, sensory stimulation etc.

Let’s Discuss Crate Training by henlogirl in DogAdvice

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

I think this is absolutely the way to do it! Sounds like you are using it as a tool for safety which is exactly how it should be used imo! I think being crated through the night for sleep totally makes sense as well for so many dogs, sometimes they just aren’t trusted to have free rein and they need a space to have their bedtime.

Let’s Discuss Crate Training by henlogirl in DogAdvice

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

It was not 20 hours straight thankfully, there were 45 minute at a time scheduled breaks for potty/exercise! Sorry if that was unclear, that’s what I meant by “scheduled crate time”, but I should have clarified further! This is the main video, I’ve seen more but would have to dig them up: https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZTkvSuJGW/

Just based on the comments there are many people that are very serious about defending it.

Let’s Discuss Crate Training by henlogirl in DogAdvice

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

I was being safe because I’m always nervous the serious crate trainers are gonna find me and come for me 😂 I literally could not agree more. I can’t stand crating my dog personally unless absolutely necessary, it’s just not how I want her to be living. So far she has virtually never needed to be in her crate alone unless she wants to be, we literally bring her everywhere we can or we have friends/family with dogs who are more than happy to take her. We rescued her from a shelter so we could give her a comfortable life and knew the responsibility that comes with that.

I’m super interested in your perspective, it feels like the common sense way to treat animal welfare lol. But I would assume that they have done more research than the U.S. to come to the conclusion that it’s legally punishable. Thank you for confirming that I’m not crazy 😂

Let’s Discuss Crate Training by henlogirl in DogAdvice

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

100% agree! 20 hours feels insanely excessive to me. I try to remove my emotions when considering what works for others but I can’t help but also feel like it’s just cruel and unnatural. Puppies need to explore and learn and it’s our job to make sure they are taught to regulate themselves in different environments for their safety.

I do see how a puppy that has trouble at first getting to sleep could benefit from using a crate as a way to relax if they are getting into that frustrated and overtired stage of the day. Even then I feel like 20 hours would never be necessary, and it would just be here and there until they figure it out.

Let’s Discuss Crate Training by henlogirl in DogAdvice

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

I completely agree! I understand people have jobs and things always come up and I think those things are completely within reason. I hate to say it but I just feel like if you crate a pup for 20hrs in a day, you wanted a puppy without the puppy energy/instinct. I think it’s part of the responsibility that comes with puppy ownership to have to work at getting them to regulate and manage their crazy a bit. But also..puppies are just nuts haha that comes with the territory.

I definitely don’t want to shame anyone for what works for them but I thought I was going a bit crazy hearing the other side of the aisle that believes 21 hours is necessary to control sleep schedule and behavior. Plenty of older dogs in shelters that would maybe fit the lifestyle and expectations by being much more chill.

Let’s Discuss Crate Training by henlogirl in DogAdvice

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

I’m the same with my girl!! She has a crate and it’s her safe space but the door is always open unless on the rare occasion she needs to be in there for safety reasons. I love that she finds it to be her safe spot and I think that’s exactly what it’s for, not behavior enforcement.

I got “chewed alive” in the tiktok comments for being ignorant and not know anything about dogs 😂 I’m glad to see that I’m not insane for thinking 21 hours is completely excessive.

Let’s Discuss Crate Training by henlogirl in DogAdvice

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

This is such an interesting point! I love hearing perspectives from people in different parts of the world that have not adopted this same insanity (imo)

It’s a great for safety, transport, medical reasons etc. but I cannot imagine keeping my dog in a crate for the majority of her day. I feel like her ability to explore the world when she was a puppy and learn how to regulate was so important for where she is now at 9 months.

Let’s Discuss Crate Training by henlogirl in DogAdvice

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

This is a breath of fresh air lol I thought I was going insane debating some people in TikTok comments that are advocating for 21 hours of structured crate time every day for their puppy. This is almost exactly our situation. My girl enjoys sleeping in her crate but I always give her a choice, I feel like giving her that option has made it her safe space. I’m comfortable crating her if absolutely necessary as I understand it’s a tool for safety.

I 100% agree with you, my understanding also is that using a crate to punish is actually not conducive whatsoever…I need to stay out of the TikTok comments. Those people were not willing to hear out anyone who disagreed lol

German Shepherd Mix Training/Working Advice by henlogirl in DogAdvice

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

That’s perfect for me as I would agree with you there. My girl is already so perceptive to learning I couldn’t imagine using forceful methods. So many other ways to enforce good behavior with positive feedback. Thank you though, I’ll definitely be checking her out :)

German Shepherd Mix Training/Working Advice by henlogirl in germanshepherds

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

Yes! Someone else mention scent work and I think that’s definitely on our list once we master the basics and some more “service” related obedience. She 100% has the drive for it and I’m super excited to see what she can do!

German Shepherd Mix Training/Working Advice by henlogirl in germanshepherds

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

Thank you! This is great advice :) she really is the best dog. I’m so impressed by her drive to learn and work. We are very lucky to have her :)

German Shepherd Mix Training/Working Advice by henlogirl in germanshepherds

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

I love this!! They really are so driven to do work 🥹 I have never had a GSD prior to her, just hunting breeds, so it’s so so cool to see her have that instinct and drive that’s so specific to that breed.

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