...with a German Shephard dog whom you got at...

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Answer by Chris
Submitted on 8/10/2004
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You did not mention "When" your GSD destroys your home or the extent of the hostility. I have an 8 month old GSD that is a very kind, affectionate dog. However, he was ripping wallpaper off walls, destroying woodwork, chewing furniture, biting or so I thought at my children, et al. He was destroying the home only when we were gone. He was lonely and bored. A social animal that constantly needs something going on I simply left the television on for him. This helped. Not completely stopped the behavior as he is still a puppy. But it did help. Also, I thought he was atttacking my children. But not the case. He never bit down. He just mouthed gently (for a strong jawed animal) and pulled them down. He wanted nothing more than attention. So now, my children, odd as this may sound, hug him and talk to him before each seperation (leaving the home, bed, etc...), devote a small amount of play time to him each day, and he is fine. He wanted attention alone.

Answer by SHANA
Submitted on 4/13/2006
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We also have a gsd that we purchased from the pet store when she was 5 months old. My husband and son used to play tug-of-war with her, and when she would get aggressive with them, they would be aggressive right back. When we hired a dog trainer (BEST thing we ever did!) he told us that my husband and son being aggressive with the dog was the WORST POSSIBLE THING TO DO TO A DOG!!! Mind you, they were not abusive in any way. They simply responded to the dog in the same way that she treated them. Please don't give up...our gsd destroyed our home: All the carpet, the whole yard, shoes, furniture, even our computer! The training we have put her through is awesome! She is a whole new dog...and we were about to give up on her completely. Hang in there, and good luck!!!

Answer by sheplove
Submitted on 9/8/2006
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GSD's are, in some cases, very territorial and this can sometimes mean that they are territorial with just one person. It probably feels it's highest sense of security and trust with you and therefore feels that you are the one it needs to protect, this may be what is causing the aggressivness with the others in your family. Try having these family members spend time playing, teaching and exercising and see if that helps. As for tearing things up, GSD's have a very high energy level and need a "JOB". Try teaching fetch or frisby or at least walking it at least once a day. At 18 months, your GSD should be just about out of the puppy stage. Don't spend another penny on this so-called breeder. It's funny, anyone w/ a male and female that has a litter of pups calls themselves breeders. Sad. Good Luck!

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Question by sashimi
Submitted on 3/9/2004
Related FAQ: rec.pets.dogs: German Shepherd Dogs Breed-FAQ
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What do you do with a German Shephard dog whom you got at 18mos of age and is destroying your home and very mean to your son and at times your husband. We have done everything the breeder has suggested to the tune of spending in excess of $7,000.00 above the price paid for the dog. Where do I take it? The breeder appears not to want to take it back.

Answer by gsdog99
Submitted on 4/19/2004
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An 18 month old should have been socialized by the breeder-there is no excuse for improper breeding. Suggesting you spend $7,000. for training is absurd. These stories are the reason responsible owners cannot get homeowners' insurance. If you are not comfortable with this young dog around your family it will sense a problem-gsd's are very intelligent. If you want to keep your pet make sure it gets a great deal of exercise -preferable walks-and try a group puppy class. behaving around other pets and owners should help-Best of Luck!

Answer by vdonna
Submitted on 4/27/2004
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how high can a german shepard jump.

Answer by navansh mittal
Submitted on 6/14/2004
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you should contact gurminder . He is a perfect dog trainer assuring you to remove all the weak points from the dog . his contact no: is 9810394400 . earlier my dog have a same problem .

Answer by spectorns
Submitted on 7/14/2004
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i had a gsd and it tore up everything until i read that they need "alot" of exercise. so, every morning when i woke up i would take it for a run. not a jog, a flat out run for about a mile and a half. not only did the dog stop tearing up the house i also lost about 30 lbs in 3 months. we both won.

Answer by cupcake
Submitted on 8/24/2004
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I think that dogs are the best kind of animal in the world but, i do have 2 other cats. Anyways, who ever reads this is either very interested in dogs like i am or is just snoopy like me too! So.................... if you ever have the oppertunity to get a dog. Don't think just do it. You might be saving its life. -cupcake

Answer by tbill
Submitted on 8/29/2004
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There are several German Shephard Rescue Organizations that take GSD'sand place them in new more suitable environments. If you surf the web, you may be able to locate one in your area. Good Luck.

Answer by jessica
Submitted on 11/30/2004
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It is true that gsds need a lot of exercise. I just got a new puppy and in 3 days have lost 3lbs. I know i will be loosing a lot more. as for your 18 month old. ill ask you if you tried crate training? it works wonders and they do actually feel comfortable in a crate. I would have your son work with the dog while you are with him. correct the dog anytime its doing something you don't want it too. They take a lot of time and at the age your dog is at it will take all your energy to keep up on it. I would not recommend that breeder to anyone and let them know that. they should take the dog back and pay you for the training. the dog may just need a new job.

Answer by krittrkeepr
Submitted on 3/11/2005
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any good breeder would have referred you to a trainer that could help socialize a dog on a reasonable budget.There are Gsd clubs everywere with lots of experienced members that can help.You need to confirm who is the alpha leader (You). Do not overlook any innapropriate behavior no matter how insignificant you feel it was. These dogs are very smart and the smallest overlook could be crucial.Does your dog have a social outlet? If not he probably needs that also.

Answer by Jana Walters
Submitted on 4/22/2005
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It is quite normal for the gsh to act this way. My boy gsh was even worse when he was that age. You won`t change him very easily. Just give him alot of attention, that is probably what he is looking for

Answer by mattie
Submitted on 8/23/2005
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feed it lots and make it fat

Answer by Dasser
Submitted on 9/19/2005
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Gsd are so active and intelligent that its unreal the things they learn I'ma dog trainer and have been for many years i treat my dogs like i would my children if they misbehave chastise them just like a child all dogs love to play with a favorite toy take it a way as with a child they soon learn to stop

Answer by daniel
Submitted on 9/21/2005
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like all other dogs, german shephard is a totally perfect dog for to see and to love it. try to make friend with ..

Answer by beki
Submitted on 10/2/2005
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my 1 year old shepherd paces continually when outside. his nose is to the ground and he appears to be in his own little world. the vets have found nothing wrong with him. have you heard of other gs doing this strange behavior.

Answer by ^..^
Submitted on 2/3/2006
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Y'all need to get a cat.

Answer by lin
Submitted on 5/4/2006
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I suggest neutering your dog immediately. That will take the starch our of their paws. Alwasys enter your house first. Never let the dog rule unless told to. YOU are in charge otherwise they will think they are in charge and rule you. Be careful and be wise. Have a "bad dog room". I use my bathroom. Put himin there for 20 minutes as punishment. They hate being alone.Remove anything toxic or that you don't want destroyed. You must also praise your dog when he/she understands your command by teaching it with love.

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Answer by Nonnie
Submitted on 4/10/2006
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German Shephards start coming out of puppy stage after they turn 2+. They need to get rid of excess energy!!! Take them for good energized walks/runs, play with them in the yard by throwing a softball or even a soccer ball. They love this!! They are a working dog and need to get rid of the excess energy that builds while you're away. When they learn of what you will do with them before you leave home or when you return, the destruction will go away. When the GSD is still in the puppy stage and can't be trusted in the home--crate the dog until you return. They're very smart animals and don't like to be in trouble.

Answer by Jan
Submitted on 11/2/2006
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I would contact an attorney and go after the breeder. Breeder's like this must be stopped. As a volunteer at a shelter, these kind of dogs we see all the time. I have a shephard and it's one of the best, well mannered dogs I've ever had.

Answer by jammy
Submitted on 11/14/2006
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how big of a yard do gsds need to run around in?

Answer by jacqueline
Submitted on 12/10/2006
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i have a better ? is it ture white german shephard puppies are destroyed at birth because, they have been known to turn on their owners?

Answer by Terry
Submitted on 6/6/2007
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Need advice - I have a 4 1/2 yr old female GSD and I lost my male GSD about a month ago. Now I am looking to get another GSD around 6 months to 1 year old for my female to have another companion again. What I am asking is it okay for me to get another female GSD, instead of a male GSD??

Answer by Shelly
Submitted on 6/15/2007
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Take him to a shelter. We have one and I would love to get rid of him. He is a whining pain in the ass that has ruined the entire downstairs and back yard. He is pushy and does what he pleases. The hair that this dog leaves has made a pig stye of my house and is my worst nightmare. I am ready to divorce due to this dog.