I have tried everything!! My German Shepard won't gain weight at all. He is little. Any suggestions on a good wormer or med or food I could give him? I can't take him to the vet cause his temper is not the greatest. Please someone tell me something!!

Oh give me a break! Can't go to the vet because of an ugly temper? Lame excuse if you ask me. Do not give your dog a dewormer if you're not sure if he has worms. I see it as I wouldn't want to take a swig of pepto if I didn't have a tummy ache. He'll need a fecal exam done by the vet to check for worms and other parasites. Don't ever give your dog meds that aren't prescribed or suggested by your vet. I suggest investing in a muzzle if you don't already have one, that way he can see a doctor. If not for this issue, then for future issues. He will need to go to the vet at some point. How in the world does he get his rabies vaccine if you 'can't' take him to the vet? Anyway, to my knowledge, german sheppards are picky eaters anyway. I've got rotts, so the only eating issue I have is they wolf meals down in a matter of seconds and eat anything and everything else that may come close to their mouths. Check back in a bit, labman and ruby have better experience and will have advice for you regarding his eating habits.

''his temper is not the greatest.'' This is the biggest and most vital problem you have. If he isn't neutered, muzzle him and get him to the vet to be neutered. Take a stool sample and have it checked. If he has worms, the vet can prescribe the proper, effective remedy.

If you bought him from a breeder, let the breeder know you are unhappy with his
Aggression. It is absolutely wrong to breed aggressive dogs. If the dog does
Not respond to discipline, you may have to destroy him. Let everyone else know
Where you got the dog and the problems you are having. Breeders that breed
Aggressive dogs, should be run out of business.

I am not sure my usual suggestion of better leadership will be enough in this case. You may need a professional dog trainer. He may be unfit to take to a class now. The key to most behavior problems is approaching things using the dog's natural instincts. Dogs see all the people and dogs in the household as a pack with each having their own rank in the pack and a top dog. Life is much easier if the 2 legged pack members outrank the 4 legged ones. You can learn to play the role of top dog by reading some books or going to a good obedience class. A good obedience class or book is about you being top dog, not about rewarding standard commands with a treat. Start at Raising Your Dog with the Monks of New Skete For more on being top dog, see Establishing and Keeping Alpha Position, Letting your dog know you are the boss

As for the weight, it is quite normal for a young Shepherd to be on the thin side, and even having the ribs show a little.

Labman, I have to spread it, but wanted to say that your post is SPOT ON!

Darius, please listen to both posters above. As an owner of a pitbull it is my responsibility to ensure that she doesn't have a "temper" that is "not the greatest." What do you think will happen if your dog with an aggression problem managed to get away from you and either bit, mauled, or killed a child? You will find yourself in a court of law looking at the possibility of jail time, fines, and having to euthanize your dog if you don't get a handle on this problem. As pet owners, we have a responsibility to ensure the safety of others. When you go to the vet's office (muzzle the dog and take him in for a health check) ask about referrals to trainers who have experience with aggression problems. If you love your dog, you must not make excuses for this behavior. Ignoring the issue will only reinforce this behavior and heighten your dog's aggression. If this occurs, at some point down the road, in all likelihood, your dog will challenge your leadership position and you will find yourself being attacked by your own dog!

This person is asking for help. Not a lecture. Yes take your dog to the vet and invest in a trainer. I well behaved dog is a sign that they are content... they are content when they know who is in charge and what is expected of them.
Too many people mistake their animals for people, a well-adjusted dog does not respond to typical human strategies (ie sending them to their room or taking away a toy) its not the same context, not even the same language. If your dog is having temperament issues, it is a sign something is wrong with the hierarchy in your home.
Correcting this discrepancy WILL make them happier and healthier in the long run and will help other Shepherd owners to avoid the stigmas attached to the breed (along with other large breeds)

Well I can understand your frustration - I have a German shepherd, she won't seem to gain weight either! I've been feeding her cans as well as raw meat every now and then (I've heard that that is a great way to get protein in them!) As well as giving them dry food with an egg mixed in. I've been trying to feed them a can and then let them stay in side and 'take a nap' so they can absorb as much as possible. They are very very VERY active so getting them to sit still is a little harder then you think :) And for the socialization I can understand your fear to take him into public, because he might hurt himself and/or someone else. But the vet is the best place to start because the vets should understand how to react to his insecurity - and if they don't I would find another vet! Getting him socialized is the best thing you can do for him, it might even help with his weight. With him being more comfortable and less scared or stressed he might eat more/retain more. I hope this helped - German Shepherds are wonderful dogs, they are so loyal and loving - I know from your search (as I am looking too!) You care and love your dog :) Hope you get some help! GOD Bless!

This thread is from 2007.