Advice Welcome 💗

[CherryBlossom24]

I have a german shepherd boy. He is the sweetest ever and 7 years old, we adopted him at what we believe to be 6 years old according to the rescue owner. (Theres a deeper story to this but I will leave it at that)

Anyway, I have never owned a german shepherd so I want to make sure I am being the best dog mom to him as possible bc I feel like ive been scared to push him too much so I wasn’t, I also went through a really rough time recently and feel like I was slacking on being active enough with him.

I’d love your best advice - I have put a little about his history below.

When we adopted him he had heart worms (and a double ear infection, he still struggles with these) so he couldn’t go on long walks per our vet, we started him out at like 10 minute walks, then 15-20, now he can do about 30-45 but idk if thats enough activity for him, I don’t want him to be bored… please keep in mind he does also have a back yard he is able to run and walk around in although is favorite things to do is sunbathe lol

I try to play with him but he will do all of 5 minutes (if that) and he gets distracted or bored with it. So it can be discouraging. Does anyone else struggle with keeping their focus? Ive tried treats, toys, food. Any playing/training tips welcome!

Ps I have even tried kong toys and independent play but he isn’t interested

I have been taking him on more outside adventures to try socialize him more, he gets VERY excitable seeing other animals. When it comes to dogs/cats he is excited so he wines and barks a little and wants to go play but alot of people think hes being aggressive (hes not though) I was thinking of putting him into doggy daycare but I am worried if he and another dog by some chance do get into it or get hurt even if they are just playing they might try to have him put down (I know that might sound extreme but I am very protective/nervous)

He recently went to the beach and got very excited at other dogs but calmed down eventually to where he would kind of stop walking to stare at them or kind of pull on the leash a little but not really be barking or whining

Also, what are the best de shedders/brushes?

Literally any tips welcomed, thank you!!!

Please don’t be judgmental, I really just want to improve and be better for him

 

[PopeHolySmoke]

For brushes, I use the Hertzco self cleaning slicker brush year round and then a Furminator during the bi-annual coat blow. I also keep a grooming rake on hand for removing burrs and such because we spend a lot of time in the woods.

As for keeping him entertained, GSDs need far more mental stimulation than exercise. As a behaviorist once said to me, they're the thinkers of the dog world. Nosework is really great for them as it's both mentally and physically tiring. You can also do things like treat puzzles if your dog is food motivated and likes to do things on his own. They're not for every dog as many GSDs want to do things with their hoomin. My girl has no interest in doing things that don't involve me doing it with her unless it's playing with her neighbor BFF, so I do a lot of nosework and hikes with her. Nosework can be as simple as hiding toys or treats around the house and having the dog find them, to doing the same outside, all the way up to doing classes and competitions. When going on walks, it's important to let your dog stop and sniff as much as they want since the walk is for them and that's their version of scrolling the socials. Hopefully Murph and Malakai will weigh in as they often have great suggestions.

Lastly, really get to know your dog. GSDs are extremely communicative and will tell you what they want/need if you learn to read them and how they communicate. Every dog is different, but nose whistles and whines are two they use a lot to tell you things.

 

[CherryBlossom24]

Thank you so so much! This is so incredibly helpful and I will definitely incorporate more nosework and stimulation for him

 

[murph]

For brushes, I use the Hertzco self cleaning slicker brush year round and then a Furminator during the bi-annual coat blow. I also keep a grooming rake on hand for removing burrs and such because we spend a lot of time in the woods.

As for keeping him entertained, GSDs need far more mental stimulation than exercise. As a behaviorist once said to me, they're the thinkers of the dog world. Nosework is really great for them as it's both mentally and physically tiring. You can also do things like treat puzzles if your dog is food motivated and likes to do things on his own. They're not for every dog as many GSDs want to do things with their hoomin. My girl has no interest in doing things that don't involve me doing it with her unless it's playing with her neighbor BFF, so I do a lot of nosework and hikes with her. Nosework can be as simple as hiding toys or treats around the house and having the dog find them, to doing the same outside, all the way up to doing classes and competitions. When going on walks, it's important to let your dog stop and sniff as much as they want since the walk is for them and that's their version of scrolling the socials. Hopefully Murph and Malakai will weigh in as they often have great suggestions.

Lastly, really get to know your dog. GSDs are extremely communicative and will tell you what they want/need if you learn to read them and how they communicate. Every dog is different, but nose whistles and whines are two they use a lot to tell you things.

I used to hide every piece of kibble my dog ate around the house so she had to find it to eat and that was the beginning of serious scent work.

 

[MalikethGSD]

I have a german shepherd boy. He is the sweetest ever and 7 years old, we adopted him at what we believe to be 6 years old according to the rescue owner. (Theres a deeper story to this but I will leave it at that)

Anyway, I have never owned a german shepherd so I want to make sure I am being the best dog mom to him as possible bc I feel like ive been scared to push him too much so I wasn’t, I also went through a really rough time recently and feel like I was slacking on being active enough with him.

I’d love your best advice - I have put a little about his history below.

When we adopted him he had heart worms (and a double ear infection, he still struggles with these) so he couldn’t go on long walks per our vet, we started him out at like 10 minute walks, then 15-20, now he can do about 30-45 but idk if thats enough activity for him, I don’t want him to be bored… please keep in mind he does also have a back yard he is able to run and walk around in although is favorite things to do is sunbathe lol

I try to play with him but he will do all of 5 minutes (if that) and he gets distracted or bored with it. So it can be discouraging. Does anyone else struggle with keeping their focus? Ive tried treats, toys, food. Any playing/training tips welcome!

Ps I have even tried kong toys and independent play but he isn’t interested

I have been taking him on more outside adventures to try socialize him more, he gets VERY excitable seeing other animals. When it comes to dogs/cats he is excited so he wines and barks a little and wants to go play but alot of people think hes being aggressive (hes not though) I was thinking of putting him into doggy daycare but I am worried if he and another dog by some chance do get into it or get hurt even if they are just playing they might try to have him put down (I know that might sound extreme but I am very protective/nervous)

He recently went to the beach and got very excited at other dogs but calmed down eventually to where he would kind of stop walking to stare at them or kind of pull on the leash a little but not really be barking or whining

Also, what are the best de shedders/brushes?

Literally any tips welcomed, thank you!!!

Please don’t be judgmental, I really just want to improve and be better for him

First off, you are doing a great job, especially taking on a 6 year old with a medical history. That is a huge commitment, and he sounds lucky to have landed with you!

I totally agree with the others on nosework, it’s a game changer for tiring them out mentally without needing high impact exercise.

As for him getting bored after 5 minutes of play, I would says that's not abnormal with a 7 year old who's had some medical problems. He is starting to get into his senior stage, so he's pretty much a retired gentleman!
The trick to keep him engaged and wanting more for next time is to stop playing before he loses interest at like the 3-minute mark if he loses interest at 5, to keep the toy valuable. Overtime the time he keeps his interest on playing might increase!

But honestly, if his favorite hobby is sunbathing, that is a totally valid activity for his age!

Me personally, i would avoid doggy daycare. You mentioned being worried about liability and him getting hurt, and your intuition is spot on there. GSDs play loudly and roughly, and many daycares don't understand the breed.
Plus, I would imagine a older GSDs just want to hang out with their human, not a room full of chaotic dogs.

With the socialization, you are do
ing the right thing by taking him out, but he is approaching with the wrong mindset. He thinks seeing a dog means play time, which is why he whines. You just need to teach him other dogs are scenery. If he stares, interrupt him immediately with a treat. Teach him seeing a dog = Look at you, not go say hi.

Best wishes to you and your boy!

 

[Andre]

Really great suggestions by @MalikethGSD, @PopeHolySmoke and @murph