german sheperd pup

Question
hi
i got an 11 week old female German shepherd pup 2 days ago.
when we first got her she would whelp/cry sometimes if we touch her.she has not done it yet today.shes not getting mistreated and she is eating and drinking well.but we did not get her papers as she had none.shes a very cat like dog as she is very independant.we tried to bring her for a small walk last night and she would barely walk with you.she would walk very slowly and then stop on the footpath and sit down.we had to bring her toy and treats to get her to walk 30 yards before we gave up.she goes onto her bed a lot.so i need to know is this normal for a puppy.

so i have the decision to either swap her for her sister.give her back and get another German shepherd out of another litter.or keep her and try my best with her

Answer
This puppy appears to have not been socialized to people at all.  I doubt any of the other pups from that "breeder" are, either.  Taking her back won't insure the next pup you get is any better and, in fact, might be worse. It takes any dog at least a few weeks to acclimate to a new environment.  Two days is nothing.  Your pup is frightened.  Her unwillingness to be led on leash is normal for her temperament, which appears to be on the "soft" side.  What you're seeing as independence is  merely avoidance; but encouraging independence in any dog, especially one as young as that and considering her breed, is a very bad idea.

Your first task is to take this pup to the veterinarian.  She needs to have her puppy vaccinations; I doubt she's received more than one set. She also needs a check for intestinal worms, and most likely a treatment for worms.  Your second task is to help this pup to bond to you.  Buy a long cotton training leash (16 feet) and a harness.  Do not use her collar for this.  She will soon outgrow the harness so take advantage of the next few weeks.  The pup will more or less be forced to follow you around the house.  If you get to the end of the long leash and she won't budge, sit on the floor and pat the floor next to you, encouraging her with baby talk.  When she gets to you, praise her and get up and continue what you were doing.  She should soon learn to follow you (even if she does so at the very end of her 16 foot leash.)  This is a good thing and it will also allow you to observe her closely so you can take her outside to eliminate when necessary.

Your next task is to go to Karen Pryor's website and learn about positive reinforcement training.  Do NOT use any negative reinforcers or coercion techniques (such as choker collar) on this dog at any time.  The Shepherd is a very intelligent breed and learns quickly, responding best to positive training techniques.  Go very slowly for short intervals (no more than five minutes 2 to 3 times a day).

In future, NEVER purchase any puppy from any breeder who does not offer health screening of his/her breeding stock, guaranty against inherited genetic disorders, contract for spay/neuter any pup purchased, and who does not have the parents (at least the mother) on premises to meet.