I would like some advice on a dog that I'm taking in.

Hello TW. I will taking in a 5 year old German Shepherd. I have met him 3 times and we seem to get along. I've taken my Nephew and his girlfriend to meet him too. My nephew lives with me and his girl seems to always be around.
I've talked to the owner and I have his retine down. What to feed him, when to feed him ...
You can tell the dog knows something is up. My question is, what should I do to help the dog through the transition to a new home? The owner had his as a puppy and grew up with the family.
I have had 3 German Shepherds before but it's been about 25 years since my last one. I do have a gig enough yard for him and will come inside at night.
Any thoughts and advice would be very appreciated.
Thanks TW.

 

Building trust was a big one for me. Start with simple boiled rice and boiled chicken, let them see you provide the food and work your way up from there.

Don't make any direct eye contact or challenge assertion at the beginning, they are scared to death.

Any history of abuse with the dog complicates things, but patience is a big quality you'll need.

Sheppard's are smart and loyal, share a pic once you have the dog!

 

just show him unconditional love. he might be depressed for a bit but he will be fine. Good structure, consistent and fair training, boundaries. build trust with the dog. You could start with hand feeding the dog as well to help

 

I'd add don't really force the dog to do anything for a while. If he wants to chill by himself in a corner for a bit, that's ok. He might not eat all his food or drink a lot of water until he settles in. He'll come around as long as he sees you guys living your normal life, and figures out nothing's going to hurt him.

 

Hand feed making the dog work for his meals. Don’t coddle him. Set your own routine for the dog. Crate train. The bond will come. And remember NILIF (nothing in life is free).

 

Thanks guys. That's some good advice. I'll post up a picture of him this weekend.

 

Take everything slow and steady. Lots and lots of love, toys, treats, almost buy his love lol.

 

If he has training, continue to reinforce that. If he's never done any kind training, you can find some basic, inexpensive training at many pet stores. Shepherds respond really well to training. Dogs like that thrive on mental engagement.

 

My Shepherd loves his crate, we bought a crate cover for it and keep a comfortable bed in there as well. We almost always just leave it open for him to come and go as he pleases (how/if you want to crate train is up to you of course) but he seems to really appreciate having his own space. Throw a marrow bone in there and he is happy as can be.

 

Walks. Long walks. Frequent walks. Leash training.

Treats, pets, play for wanted behavior. Absolutely, NO PUNISHMENT. The treatment only results in a fearful dog. The punishment is withholding of praise and the reward.

Good luck

 

OP,

Good for you! I am on my third rescue and there is such a joy seeing once a rescue comes into his or her own! A few comments that might help -- many echoing what others have said:

1) Get a good crate. Always leave the door open. The crate is not to punish but it is a safe space.

2) Let the dog come to you, don't go to the dog. He will feel cornered if you approach.

3) I find keeping the noise level down helps, too. Loud music, loud TV or even talking loud. For the time being, the lower the noise and the calmer the house the faster the dog adjusts.

4) Bacon is your friend. No dog can resist bacon. It is a scientific fact. . Have some bacon on hand. Real bacon. Salmon skin works great too. Go in the general area of the dog and leave a piece on the floor so he/she can smell it. Slowly get them eating and then move the food closer. Before you know if they will be eating out of your hand.

Overall, though, what you will find is that these dogs -- even if they have gone through some crazy stuff -- rebound faster than you think. That dog will be a fun, healthy and loving dog before you know it !

Good luck ! Can't wait to see pictures ! Rescuing a dog is one of those things everyone should do once in their lives ... it changes you !

Sorry. I get excited about dogs and rescues.

 

Good advice here. I also recommend training sessions after he's had some time to settle in. Dogs need a job, and they usually want to please you. In class tends to be more effective IMO. And remember that the first training sessions are about training YOU to train the dog. You need to do the work in and out of class time. 10 min sessions once you get a routine can make a great dog.

 

Another very good bonding activity is Grooming.

Begin simple, after the dog is comfortable being touched by you, then you can start with a brush. Let the dog inspect the brush. Treat. Touch the back of the brush to the dog's back, treat......step by step. Treat at each step. Grooming needs to be calm.

Gradually work up to full brushing and bathing. Toenails too. Begin by handling the paws. Introduce the clippers, grinder, the tool using the same method as the brush introduction.

No need to force, just be calm & assertive and aware of the dog's discomfort. Don't worry if you need to back up a few steps and repeat.

This is a TRUST builder.

 

I picked up my shepherd on Saturday morning and just spent the whole day with him. I said earlier that I was rescuing him but I think the correct term would be adopting him. He wasn't in a shelter but I did find him through my local shelter. He went straight from his old home to his new home. After spending time with him, the story that the previous owner gave me isn't adding up. IMHO. I will never know for sure. Ican see that he's a little sad but we have bonded well so far. He came from a home with 2 kids and another dog to just me and my nephew. I think he's adjusting pretty well. So far so good.

 

The previous owner said he had some training but it seems it's been awhile since it was in practice. I'm going to start on a couple of things today and work my way up.

 

I've never had a crate trained dog before, but I'm ready a lot of good things about it. I'm going to give it some thought. Thanks.

 

He does like walks, forsure. I agree. No punishment. He acts as if he has been hit a few times or maybe he's still uneasy about his new situation. He definitely loves to be loved on.

 

Yep. He loves bacon. It's a nice treat for him. I do think we are going to make a great team. Thanks.

 

I am looking into training classes for him. I would like to start with in person classes. I believe that it's a better way to start. Now that we are a little more relaxed with the C-19 restrictions, I'm looking for a place to go to and reading a lot of review to see which place will be the best fit for us.

 

Thanks op. He definitely need grooming. Lot's of hair. He's not very fond of the brush that came home with him. I'm going to stop later today and pick up a new brush for him.