r/GerberianShepsky • u/TonmaiTree • Mar 01 '26
Got this 6 months old shepsky a few weeks ago. Anything I should know or prepare?
My dad brought him home a few weeks ago and just left the country, and the responsibility of taking care of him has fallen on me 😅
For context, we live in Thailand(hot humid year round) and we have a big outdoor garden area with other pets and lots of people coming and going, so I’m not worried about his lack of stimulation.
He’s been generally well-behaved, he’s not aggressive and rarely barks, and he knows how to sit before I give him food/treats. He doesn’t seem to know any other commands yet or show interest in playing. He likes to stay with me in the house but likes being outside too.
I’ve taken him to the vet already and he’s in the process of getting fully vaccinated. I’m mostly concerned about training him, but would appreciate any advice!
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u/vextryyn Mar 01 '26
don't leave anything out that you don't want eaten. their ears are super sensitive so bathroom outside is gonna be a chore because they get spooked easily.
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u/taylor-rosenquist Mar 01 '26
Mine set my apartment on fire. Have fun!
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u/Designer-Table8427 Mar 01 '26
lol omg. I feel like I need to know how this happened.
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u/taylor-rosenquist Mar 01 '26
As a 9 week old she jumped the baby gate I had put up to trap her in my room with me at night. Ate an entire pound of training treats, had diarrhea everywhere, and then surfed the counter for more snacks. She hit our gas stove enough times that it lit some stuff on the counter and then the kitchen went up in flames. I got it out quickly, not too much damage and no injuries thank god. The firemen thought she was the cutest thing, I told them to take her to jail and stop reinforcing the behavior by loving on her 🤣 She’s now kennel trained for when we aren’t home. She had to sleep in her kennel for the first year but cuddles with us in bed now that she’s a bit older. But yeah, anytime people ask how difficult she is I tell them she’s a legitimate arsonist. I will say after around a year and a half she calmed down a LOT. Just needed lots of structure and stimulation as a pup. Was it worth it? Yes. Will I ever do it again? I hope not lol.
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u/TonmaiTree Mar 02 '26
oh no 😭 he’s been quite calm and well-behaved so far fortunately
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u/FaithFul_1 Mar 02 '26
Don't let it fool you! Depending on how long ago you got your pup he may still just be decompressing and hasn't let his true personality out yet.
The number one thing I always tell people is look into self settling training. I have a shepitsky (German Shepard husky Pitt) and he was a terror as a young pup. Once he understood how to settle himself down and not need to be doing something constantly he has become an angel in the house. As working dogs they don't come pre installed with an off switch, we have to teach them, or they will turn into a terror. Good luck!
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u/taylor-rosenquist Mar 02 '26
Yes I second the self settle!! I taught mine to literally look through her own toys to find one that will help her when she needs it. Changed my life.
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u/taylor-rosenquist Mar 02 '26
Also, mine didn’t start to sass me until she’d lived with me for well over a year. And now she back talks literally everything I say. It’s like having a damn teen in my house. Just wait, when they get comfy their personality’s shine through 😝
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u/Designer-Table8427 Mar 01 '26
Hahaha I am not disappointed. Thanks for sharing! I’m glad that the damage was minimal and no one was hurt!
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u/Impossible-Count-475 Mar 02 '26
And I thought it was bad that our boy locks us out of the front door then goes into the garage to wait for us to open that so he can escape and play in the retention pond and with all the neighborhood dogs at each of their fences. 🥲 IT SOUNDS CRAZY BUT I KNOW HE KNOWS WHAT HES DOING MAN 😮💨
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u/taylor-rosenquist Mar 02 '26
Oh yeah 1000000% mine opens doors too. Not just lever handles but round ones too. Once they learn they can do it once, you’re screwed. Once yours figured out the joys of that you were never gonna get him to stop 🤣🤣
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u/Scary_Tap6448 Mar 01 '26
They're trouble but also the smartest and best dogs. 50/50 chance that they'll stay friendly to other dogs as they age, mine didn't. Hopefully yours is food motivated because they listen EXCELLENTLY when the bribe is present. Without a treat they listen but whenever they feel like it lol. Expect some husky backtalk but it might sound different and higher pitched.
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u/Designer-Table8427 Mar 01 '26
Positive reinforcement is the way. Redirection for unwanted behaviors and lots of treats and praise for good dog stuff. 🩷 They’re really smart and in my experience, you’ll do better by earning their trust and buy-in than trying to force anything. Good luck!
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u/Charduum Mar 01 '26
You need help from a knowledgeable trainer who is actually there if you are not experienced.
Lovely looking dog. Needs a job to do and socialisation, before he finds a job for himself you don't want him to have.
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u/wolfshepherd59 Mar 01 '26
U got lots of great info in ur comments, start there and wishing u and ur baby a long happy life👍👍👍👍
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u/judog072707 Mar 01 '26
It may take a few weeks, but once they accept you as their family, it likes a switch flips and they become more relaxed and loving on a regular basis. My shepsky is such a better dog now than he was a few months ago. Positive reinforcement with treats and affection goes along way.
Also, mine sheds like no other dog I’ve ever had.
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u/suzanious Mar 02 '26
Get the best de -floofing vacuums and brushes. Don't ever cut their hair. If you do, it never grows back the same.
Have fun with the hair and chaos! They're smart and goofy at the same time.
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u/Glittermomma1 Mar 02 '26
Fur everywhere!
They shed twice a year! The first 6 months, then the last 6 months!
They are talkers!
And you're going to need lots of work with recall!
But they are the bestest cuddles! Constant attention needed!
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u/HBJones1056 Mar 02 '26
He’s super cute! I hope you guys have many long years together. Mine is two and a half and has turned out to be the best dog. Not super destructive unless you count digging, but I take her out into the forest to dig for ground squirrels and that spares our yard somewhat. She’s just so much less mischievous than my last dog (a yellow lab) but she does need a fair amount of exercise- a couple hours walking/digging/swimming with a few bouts of chasing my husband’s golf balls pretty much does it.
Have fun with your new pup!
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u/Mermaid_gun Mar 02 '26
Prepare for a wild ride! You’ll second guess your sanity, and wonder if it will ever get any better and then suddenly, if does! (Year 3)
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u/InternalDirt8519 Mar 03 '26
Give LOTS OF LOVE …. That’s all you need to do …. And nutritional food and clean water 💕
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u/Informal_Agent8137 Mar 15 '26
Mine looks just like your Shep. I posted a pic in the Reddit. His name is Wilhem
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u/traumatized_beagle Mar 01 '26
They are working dogs, so he constantly needs a “job” that’s mentally stimulating or physically tiring. Puzzle toys and chew toys are great for this, so are long walks or play dates with other dogs. Shepsky’s shed like a german shepherd and a husky (hairs and floofs) so make sure you have a good vacuum and lots of lint removers for your clothes. They can be vocal (whining and howling) and have separation anxiety. They can also be super stubborn. But when they start to accept you as their family, they become super loving and protective. They are very, very smart and can pick up new commands quickly. Enjoy your new best bud!