I just purchased my first GSD! He's 8 wks and 16 pounds! What a Moose! I just wanted some advice about the breed from some of you that have (or have had)them. Also, what are your feelings about how long to feed puppy food? Any tips on how to raise one? I've had dogs all my life, but this is my first GSD. I'd like to raise him to be a loving member of the family, well socialized, and obedience trained.

I have a 2yr old black lab (the best dog in the world!) I'd like to do everything I can to make sure they get along.

One more thing- He's been crying a lot since I brought him home (almost like he's looking for his littermates). He's done it more than any other pup i've had. What do you think?

Oh I LOVE GSD's! We had one when I was young. She chewed A LOT! So, get him lots of stuff to play with and chew on. Do get into obedience training. It will bring your bond closer while teaching him some important manners. Make sure he has all of his shots before socializing him with other animal(besides your original ones of course). But, before the shots, socialize him with other humans. After the shots, take him to the park to socialize with other dogs. Gradually introduce your GSD to your lab. Make sure to give your lab the same amount of attention, maybe more so he's not jealous. About the whining, it could be just him missing his siblings but he'll grow out of it soon. If it continues or gets worse, consider seeing a vet to find out if it's pain but don't worry for now. Go to http://www.gsdca.org for TONS of info. Good luck and have fun with your new babe!

i love labs to they r the best dogs! i got a lab when i had a daschund and we introducd them all wrong and my daschund still hates my lab almost a yr. later. dogs have to fight things out to figure put dominance dont yell at either we have the snarl at each other. ive lved by several gs and they were fantastic dogs but make sure u groom them adn exercise them and get them people orienteated and big dogs really do well at obeidience svhool how exiting your first one!

for more info on your gsd go to germanshepherds.com, it is a really good site with all kinds of info and a message board to post all of your questions

nths. My vets highly suggested Eukanuba Large Puppy formula. GDS's are highly intelligent, but can sometimes be rather strong willed. Find a good in home obedience trainer that will work with you in training your puppy (he/she should train YOU to train your puppy rather than him/her doing it - the puppy needs to learn to respond to YOUR commands). If you are concerned about socialization, the trainer should also work with you and your puppy in socializing it with other dogs/animals and people. It is normal for puppies to whine and cry for a few days after leaving their litter mates. The breeder I buy mine from ALWAYS send a towel with the puppy that she has rubbed over herself, the parents, and other litter mates. I put it in the dog bed with the puppy and it seems to reassure it for the first couple of days until it has settled in to its new home. Best of luck with your puppy. You have certainly chosen a wonderful breed that will give you all the love and loyalty possible.

Things are going very well with Buddy, my GSD. He's now over 20lbs. I started feeding him his meals in his cage and he now likes going in there. He's stopped whining also. He and my lab play together so cute. She lays on her back and lets him jump all over her!
I'm almost through with my training to be an obedience trainer, so Buddy will be doing all kinds of obedience work. He's so smart.
I woke up last night to take him outside and he saw the bag of dog food in the kitchen (I usually keep it in my bedroom)and started barking at it. He's such a little guard dog!
He still swims in his dish, so i've been filling it up about half way so he doesn't flood the kitchen. He's such a stinker!
Anyways, I just wanted to update you on how well things are going for us! Thanks for everyone's help!