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#88273 - 11/02/05 12:18 AM
Re: Where do I begin?
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Pamela Diller
Registered: 01/17/04
Posts: 161
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Does your dog enjoy playing ball? It seems like most of what he's doing is obnoxious ways of trying to play. From what you have described it sounds like he could use alot more exercise. Training is essential, but if you also interact with him in a way that lets him run and get tired I think you'll find he's a much more pleasant dog. This is of course in addition to training.
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#88274 - 11/02/05 01:06 AM
Re: Where do I begin?
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Mike Armstrong
Leerburg Web Board User
Registered: 08/06/05
Posts: 441
Loc: San Diego, CA
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You've already got a lot of good advice here. I'd only add my experience with the exercise. Got a 18-mo-old [?] female from rescue a couple months ago. I think she may be younger as she was wildly energetic from the start, excitedly jumping around a lot, like a flea. Getting her settled down for some training/discipline was a challenge. Started her on 40 to 60+ min. power walks 5-7x a week. No stopping to pee on everything, no smelling everything, just a real brisk pace. I often add a backpack with a couple water bottles (adds about 4-5 lbs) to burn off some more energy. So it's not just some exercise, but she's learning who's the leader, what neighborhood distractions to ignore and getting some socialization. It's made amazing difference in her mood and made the training process much easier. If I happen to miss a walk 2 days in a row, watch out!
Like the old commercial used to say, "You can pay me now, or you can pay me later." That time invested in daily exercise makes her a lot easier to live with, easier to train and keeps my frustration level way down. And this is a dog that has the run of the yard during the day and only crated at night. I would think the results would be even greater for one that's in a crate most of the day.
_________________________
"Change we can believe in." 
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#88275 - 11/03/05 02:48 PM
Re: Where do I begin?
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Shari Spearman
Leerburg Web Board User
Registered: 08/09/05
Posts: 13
Loc: Dayton, Ohio, USA
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Great idea, keeping him the office with you, I wondered about this since he is so big and I have a small office but if he has a toy and learns to sit down, I guess he and I both will learn how to act in the office.
Yes, I take him out for a good play session that wakes the both of us up. Then I tie him up so that he is not bored stiff in his crate.
I probably need to get another crate for him (he has out grown his) and we were going to give him back to the breeder, but since I now have a support system Thank you Leerburg..  I think I can handle this phase of life; both his and mine.
I have taken and started to use all of the advice so far, and he is not happy but eventually learns that I am serious.
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#88276 - 11/03/05 07:06 PM
Lost the battle but not the war
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Shari Spearman
Leerburg Web Board User
Registered: 08/09/05
Posts: 13
Loc: Dayton, Ohio, USA
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Well guys, I am sorry to say that I am being forced to give the dog back to the breeder. My husband has made the statement that he will not assist me in any way, if I keep the dog. He has one testicle (the dog) and probably has to have surgery (an expensive procedure). I am starting my own practice in the next six months and I am still finishing up with all my certifications (psychological & academic counselor). I hate the fact that I have to do this since I am attached to him (the dog). I will be out of town for a week just with studying for boards.
Well, what can I say but this hurts and I will not give up on the breed. I will just have to admire those of you that have dedicated their lives to GSD's. I will still always love them.  We always had them as protection dogs (in the home) my husband has always had a dog outside chained up.
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#88277 - 11/03/05 08:33 PM
Re: Lost the battle but not the war
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Ryan Burley
Leerburg Web Board User
Registered: 09/19/05
Posts: 117
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Quote:
... My husband has made the statement that he will not assist me in any way, if I keep the dog. He has one testicle (the dog) and probably has to have surgery (an expensive procedure)....
Sounds like a wonderful husband... No offense intended but... I'll just leave that alone.
Second, what kind of expensive operation does the dog need? I've never had a dog with only one testicle, but I've had several males that didn't have any testicles. Is simply neutering the dog an option? Finding a good home for a dog with big medical bills can be difficult.
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#88278 - 11/03/05 08:34 PM
Re: Where do I begin?
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Connie Sutherland
Leerburg Web Board User
Registered: 07/13/05
Posts: 9171
Loc: North-Central coast of Califor...
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Quote:
.....Started her on 40 to 60+ min. power walks 5-7x a week. No stopping to pee on everything, no smelling everything, just a real brisk pace. I often add a backpack with a couple water bottles (adds about 4-5 lbs) to burn off some more energy. So it's not just some exercise, but she's learning who's the leader, what neighborhood distractions to ignore and getting some socialization. It's made amazing difference in her mood and made the training process much easier.
I wish that every person who has a dog as a pet had to read and sign this, Mike.
I wish I had a dollar for every pet dog I've met with destructive/compulsive behavior that could have been nipped in the bud (or never even started) with structured exercise.
I wish I could stop reading, over and over, (mostly on other forums, not about working dogs) owners asking which tool to try next in dealing with such behavior, and completely ignoring (or not even seeing) any suggestions about exercise.
I wish the people who think that what you have described for a pet is too much effort, too much trouble, and too much time would think about it BEFORE they acquire the dog who needs it........instead of AFTER they see the results of forcing on the dog a life of prison-type boredom and frustrated energy.
And on another (but similar) topic: I wish that people who are married to someone who thinks dogs should be kept chained outside would realize that they cannot offer an appropriate home to any dog......BEFORE they acquire the dog and then bounce him back. 
OK........off my soapbox.  Mike: I applaud your message.
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#88279 - 11/03/05 09:15 PM
Re: Where do I begin?
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Shari Spearman
Leerburg Web Board User
Registered: 08/09/05
Posts: 13
Loc: Dayton, Ohio, USA
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You know after reading this I should have saved thousands of dollars learning psychoanalytical stuff and simply spent the class and student time with my dog. I have learned more about myself then him. That includes my 30+ year relationship with my husband.
The dog does need attention and training but more importantly so do I.
By exercising him like I really should I would be exercising myself like I need to do (over weight & hip replacement) I was an exercise fiend before and now I have turned into a book worm and my body the apple.
The dog is six months, he has one testicle and according to Leerburg's and my pediatrians advice; he may have to have surgery for his protection against cancer.
After reading other articles I wonder if the breeder knew that he had only one testicle, since the vet told me about it on his first office visit 6weeks. We decided to wait to see if the other one drops, she still wants to wait because she knows the breeder and the line. I am at a loss. HELP PLEASE, I am open, I have my safty glasses on....
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#88282 - 11/03/05 10:22 PM
Re: Where do I begin?
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Shari Spearman
Leerburg Web Board User
Registered: 08/09/05
Posts: 13
Loc: Dayton, Ohio, USA
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So sorry, my mind is in a vacume and I am going from this to finishing a 25 page paper due last Tuesday.
The Vet said she wanted to wait to see if the other testicle would drop before doing surgery. My husband said (before wanting to get rid of him) that we should also wait because of hormones.
I asked for help unfairly, I know what is entailed to keep him and am willing to do just that, however, because of the schedule (mine) I am going to need help from my husband to train him. Advice on a schedule to present and I can adhere to?
I also need help with:
1. When he runs and plays with me he will run directly at me (nearly knocking me down) and jump up and nip at my hand. He has gotten better since I no longer just let him do it and then holler at him.
2. He knows that I am weak in the hands and when I jerk his leash with a command, he continues until I use the rolled cardboard. Which he is afraid of.
Should I get a chocker collar for him? Or an electric control piece?
3. If I keep him and I really do want to, where is there a good trainer or club here in Ohio. Near Dayton or Cincinnati?
4. How early should I get up to walk him and how far? How do I determine that he is tired and ready to go home?
5.He is responding well just in the last two days to the 5-10 minute sessions, especially with the sitting before he goes out. It is better to train with treats, he performs better.
6.Should I get the next tape on training? I did the first one and it was helpful. Or some toys (Leerburg) that he wont destroy. 
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You know, My wife gave me the same ultimatum when i wanted a gsd, now i have three 
and she thankfully kept her promise not to "help me" with them, if you're just to busy to own a dog, it's to bad you got one in the first place. I hope it works out for the dog, AL
