GSD puppy is home....

Lintel

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Well all that excitement of getting a puppy is slowly diminishing... He wants to eat the cat.. And is making as much noise as he can throwing himself at doors because we would like him to have a little nap as he is knackered!

I can't wait for bedtime!!... Let the howling begin...

In all seriousness he hasn't been a bother so far.. Even pooed and peed outside but any tips would be very welcomed!
 
Here’s a tip: don’t talk about a new puppy without posting a minimum of 3 photos :mad3:

Seriously, I’d suggest that he’s terrified at being alone for the first t8me in his short life and regardless of others telling me I’ll ruin the dog, I would have a bed for him in the room you’re in, get on the floor with him if necessary. I used to crate my two to make them rest, they’d just wear themselves out otherwise.

Re the cat, I made a safe space for mine to escape to-the conservatory or upstairs where puppies weren’t allowed to follow, didn’t want the cats stressed or for the puppy to be injured. I saw a horrible injury caused by a defensive cat whic( scratched and blinded a puppy in one eye on Vet on the Hill.
 
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Definitely give him a crate to be 'his' space, put his nice comfy bed in the crate with a dish of water and a foody chew, so that he associates the crate with relaxing and pleasant things.
I agree with CT about allowing the cat to 'escape' too.
 
Thought you were due a pupdate, He has grasped the idea of puppy pads very well... He wasn't keen on being outside in the snow and rain- neither was I at 3am.. So puppy pads will do for now! The genius has also managed to escape from his cage! We have said Hello to the horses and the cat, any tips for him getting along with the horses would be much appreciated? as he finds them abit daunting and summons up the "big man"
bark!

As someone told me once.... A tired puppy is a good puppy
 
He's so cute. I would brave the snow and rain if I were you, as puppy pads tend to lengthen the house training process, but can definitely see the appeal in weather like this. Much easier to have a spring puppy ;) lol

In terms of introducing the pup to horses. Are your horses dog savvy/friendly? I would only introduce him to horses that won't react if he barks and won't run away, as that could trigger his prey instinct (especially as he gets older/bigger). It goes without saying that pup should be on a harness or collar and lead. Start at a comfortable distance from the horse initially. Give plenty of treats, play with pup and lots of praise to reinforce good associations with the horse. Gradually get closer and eventually let them sniff each other, but not for too long as if he gets scared he may start barking at that point. Let him have a quick sniff and then call him towards you and treat, play, praise again. Take him regularly and repeat the introduction process until he is comfortable.
 
He's so cute. I would brave the snow and rain if I were you, as puppy pads tend to lengthen the house training process, but can definitely see the appeal in weather like this. Much easier to have a spring puppy ;) lol

In terms of introducing the pup to horses. Are your horses dog savvy/friendly? I would only introduce him to horses that won't react if he barks and won't run away, as that could trigger his prey instinct (especially as he gets older/bigger). It goes without saying that pup should be on a harness or collar and lead. Start at a comfortable distance from the horse initially. Give plenty of treats, play with pup and lots of praise to reinforce good associations with the horse. Gradually get closer and eventually let them sniff each other, but not for too long as if he gets scared he may start barking at that point. Let him have a quick sniff and then call him towards you and treat, play, praise again. Take him regularly and repeat the introduction process until he is comfortable.

Thanks, big highland is very dog savvy as long as they are not at his back end - which I'll be actively discouraging anyway. Pup was fine when picked up and the same height the horse but was very wary on the ground, good idea with the treats I'll take some down tomorrow with me and feed him with the boys :)
 
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