Hello German shepherd puppies lovers:
This is for all of you who have asked me how to introduce new German shepherd puppies / dogs to your pack. Here are some helpful techniques:
First, a good way to start them off on the right foot is to put the puppy in a crate and then tell you other dog to go find his/her new friend. Lead them into the area calmly but with enthusiasm. When they find the puppy, have a treat ready and reward them for finding them. Do this five times or until your dog is really enjoying the adventure. Then switch. Put your dog in the kennel and have the new puppy go find your dog. This time, when the puppy finds your dog, reward them both. Do this a number of times.
Once you have done this, it is time for the walk matriculation as I have explained in another article/blog. You take them both for a walk, dogs on the right, shoulder at your hip, and then stop one dog, control the head and let the other go behind and sniff. Then continue walking and let the other do the same. Do this a number of times. This allows then to scent without challenging and is a good way to break the ice. And having them go face to face can lead to pack warfare, especially in an amorphous pack.
Continue this with the walk matriculation a few times. Remember to always watch your dogs together as long as tails are up. When they drop to their normal position in each others company or wag, accompanied by a relaxed countenance, they are starting to get used to each other. Still, always watch your dogs for a few months and never leave them alone together.
I hope this is a help to you. Visit our German Shepherd K9 University by clicking on “GSD K9 U“.