New family member. (Dutch Shepherd)

[justason]

We took the plunge and got a p-p-p-ppp-puppy this weekend.
We had been looking for a while and were pretty focused on a Shepherd.

We learned of a trainer nearby that raised and trained Dutch Shepherds. We started researching the breed and it was just what we were looking for. Her male siblings are destined for police service, search rescue with police or fire departments, some of her cousins are currently serving overseas with the military.

We plan to raise her as a great extension of the family along with the great successes of our previous dogs. I hope to get her some exposure to the search/rescue training elements. I have high expectations for this animal and I'm confident she wont disappoint. Her colors (Brindle) are fantastic.

We are in a bit of a quagmire in the name department. .After eliminating names like Moose, Dakota, hunter, sage.......we have it narrowed down to Sadie or Loki......We'll see how tonight's voting works out..so far its been 2:2 every vote......In the end I'm sure my daughters vote will count as infinity !!

the last image is an adult cousin that this girl should look like, and about 60 pounds. That girl has been clocked at 28mph.

 

[Andy S]

Good looking little girl. A dog is a great addition to the family, we love our two boxers.

 

[justason]

thanks @andy07sx230ho Barb just emailed me this image that shows her patterns nicely. That first night at home she sure did learn her vocals quick !!! WOW..

 

[Andy S]

In my experience with puppies, crate training is a must. Also, the first couple of nights can be rough, the puppy will test your families patients. Be strong and don't let her win, it will pay off in the long run.

 

[BravoMike]

x2 on the crate training. Our dogs still use their crates all the time. If I can't find one, first place to look is their crate. Usually there sleeping. Good looking pup! Shepherds are wonderful dogs.

 

[justason]

Agreed on the crate ! we have a large one from my Lab, I installed a "shelf" to basically lower the ceiling of it for her. We are winning the night battles, first night was about every 1.5 hours. last night was only twice about 3 hours apart.......

now I have to train my daughter to make sure she understands she isn't the dogs peer, and maintain a dominant stature with it.....That's the harder challenge here !!

 

[PEARCE]

Beautiful pup! I also agree with the crate training. Best thing ever. We are on our third lab and they have all been crate trained.

 

[txav8r]

X4 on the crate! And it sounds like your dialed in on the chain of command...all family members are alpha. Caesars book is amazing. It brought us enlightenment and amazement at his understanding of k9's. Exercise, disipline, and affection! Oh, and Loki or Sadie (name to be determined) is cute as can be! Chester says to say hi!

 

[biglar155]

Agree with the crate. Best thing we ever did.

Looking at these kinds of posts makes me think it's almost time to get a dog again. (We've been dogless for a little over 2 years now.)

I had a moment of weakness yesterday when a neighborhood girl was walking her 2-month old Britney Spaniel puppy. He came pulling over to me and I had to pet him and talk to him a little.

I refuse to admit that my voice went up 2 octaves and I said "Hi PUPPY!!!! Oh you are a NICE little puppy!!! You're so soft and fluffy!!!"

My wife was clearly suffering from some sort of hallucination because that did NOT happen.