german shepherd owner guide
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german shepherd owner guideThese amazing dogs are fiercely loyal, make fantastic family pets, are wonderful protectors, and their intelligence cannot be underestimated. Their zeal for life, athletic, and mental capabilities are what endears us to the breed and those same traits, with lack of training and understanding, are also the reason so many German Shepherds, tragically, find themselves in shelters all across the United States. The statistics show: According to the US Humane Society, “every year between six and eight million dogs and cats enter U.S. shelters. Three to four million of these animals are euthanized because there are not enough homes for them. Twenty-five percent of all the animals entering shelters are purebreds. That is approximately 450,000 purebred dogs in our shelters EVERY YEAR. According to AKC 2003 registrations, German Shepherds are the 4th most popular breed in the US. In 2003, 43,950 or 4.8 of all AKC registered dogs were German Shepherds. Many of the 450,000 dogs in our US shelters every year are German Shepherds.” To help prevent these incredible dogs finding themselves in shelters, we’ve put together these simple tips and expectations for people interested in getting their first German Shepherd: Training. German Shepherds are highly intelligent and need firm, consistent leadership and training or they will try to get the upper hand. The other side of the coin, they learn quickly and are easily trained when they respect their owners. If you are not experienced with dogs, it would be wise to read up on training a working dog, such as a German Shepherd, or hire a professional trainer. Intelligence. They are very smart and need plenty of mental stimulation. Plan to spend considerable time on training to create a well balanced dog. Socialization. German Shepherds can be suspicious and protective. They need plenty of socialization from the time they are small puppies to develop into well balanced dogs that you can take anywhere. Exercise.http://www.aba67.free.fr/userfiles/canon-ef-70-300-is-usm-manual.xml
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They are very active and require about two hours of exercise a day. When you purchase your dog, find a dog that matches your lifestyle. Prey Drive. German Shepherds are herding dogs with a naturally high prey drive and some more than others. Choose your dog wisely, whether it is going to be a family pet, do protection work, or other dog sports, etc. Don’t make the mistake of trying to change a high drive dog into a couch potato. Toys. Plan to invest in plenty of non destructible toys that are appropriate for the dog through all phases of life, such as Kongs, Jolly Balls, Planet Dog toys, West Paw, etc. Family Interaction. German Shepherds bond very strongly to their families and need lots of quality family time and social interaction. They do not do well when spending lots of isolated time alone. Health. German Shepherds are prone to some health problems so avoid backyard breeders and do your research before purchasing. If you are on a budget, consider purchasing health insurance for your dog. Temperament. When looking for a German Shepherd, be sure to look for a confident dog that is not aggressive, fearful, or the off spring of very aggressive parents. German Shepherds are naturally protective and should be balanced. If you are looking for a dog for protection training, the same rule applies-you are looking for a sound balanced dog that can be trained as opposed to a time bomb waiting to go off. Puppies. Puppies require considerable time and training. They begin teething around 5 months old and can be a handful during their adolescent years and they require lots of consistent training. If you have the time and energy to invest, this can be an amazing yet frustrating time. If you don’t have the time for a puppy, the good news is, there are plenty of dogs available that are past the puppy stage and looking for their forever homes and will bond readily with their new owners. ?http://mos2025.ru/userfiles/canon-ef-70-200l-is-usm-manual.xml In a nutshell, German Shepherds make wonderful pets for people who are willing to invest the time, training, and energy they require. Those that do, will receive a lifetime of unmatched loyalty, love and devotion from their dog. Potential GSD owners are usually curious about this extraordinary breed. This (hopefully) helpful guide is filled with interesting and exciting information about the German Shepherd breed. One of the first questions potential dog owners ask themselves is if GSD is the perfect breed for them and their lifestyle. The following details will bring you on a journey of learning more about German Shepherds and help you make your decision. Contents 1 History of the German Shepherd 2 Are German Shepherds Good with Children? 3 How Big Does a German Shepherd Grow? 4 How Often Does German Shepherds Shed? 5 Does the GSD’s Ears Naturally Stand up? 6 Full Grown or Miniature German Shepherd? 7 How Does Neutering Affect German Shepherds? 8 Exercise Requirements for German Shepherds 9 Do German Shepherds have Health Issues? 10 Training a German Shepherd 11 Where to Find a German Shepherd History of the German Shepherd Captain Max von Stephanitz of Karlsruhe Germany is responsible for breeding what is known today as the German Shepherd. He crossbred local herding farm dogs from Bavaria, Thuringia, and Wurtemberg that had a variety of hair textures such as wire-hair, short hair and long hair. The result is an intelligent, obedient and responsive dog known as the German Shepherd. Their intense enthusiasm for work and keen tracking ability caught the eye of the German military. German Shepherds were trained to execute specific tasks at the side of military soldiers during World War I and World War II. They worked at the Berlin wall until 1989. In addition to German Shepherds being exceptional working dogs, they also show dogs. Many dog owners are proud to show off the best qualities in their GSD.https://www.informaquiz.it/petrgenis1604790/status/flotaganis26032022-2220 The special qualities and characteristics of the German Shepherd have caused them to be one of the most popular dog breeds in the world today. The GSD still works hard today side by side with police and military personnel as well as farmers. They are also caring and compassionate therapy dogs used for patients with disabilities and emotional issues. Although they are excellent workers, most GSD are incredible family pets. Are German Shepherds Good with Children. When German Shepherds are socialized around children from a young age, it is easy for them to develop a strong bond. Commonly GSDs are happy to play with young children, become their best friend and keep a watchful, protective eye over them. German Shepherds have a natural instinct to protect their pack and loved ones, and they are especially protective of young children. In England, they are commonly referred to as the babysitter dogs, because parents feel safe having the dog watch over their children for a brief moment while they go the other room for something. German Shepherds are also protective of children when playing outdoors. You can rest assured that if a stranger approaches your child, your GSD will have something to say about it. The bond that develops between a German Shepherd dog and a child is inspiring and beautiful. If you are thinking of adopting an older German Shepherd they too are capable of adapting and being good with children. Of course, this would depend on the individual dog and what type of life he or she has survived this far. How Big Does a German Shepherd Grow. Adult German Shepherds males grow to be 23 to 25 inches long and weight between 66 to 88 pounds with the average weight being 77 pounds. Female German Shepherds are slightly smaller than the male GSD with their height ranging from 21 to 23 inches and their weight reaching between 48 to 70 pounds. This weight and height information may make you wonder how quickly does a German Shepherd dog grow.http://halex-group.com/images/bt-359-gps-manual.pdf A healthy German Shepherd puppy will double his or her birth weight the first week of their life. Immediately following they will continue with a consistent weight gain of 5 to 10. German Shepherds reach physical maturity between 18 to 24 months. This height, weight and growth information relates only to full breed German Shepherd dogs. How Often Does German Shepherds Shed. You may have heard that German Shepherds shed a lot. This is absolutely true. They tend to shed all year and even more frequently during about two to three weeks during spring when they shed their winter coat. During this time of shedding the winter coat, you will notice heaps of hair around your house. German Shepherds can have short coarse hair or long hair. The long haired German Shepherd tends to shed less than the short hair because the long-haired GSD does not have an undercoat, and the short hair does. Daily brushing is required year round. Although daily brushing and vacuuming may sound overwhelming, it makes up for with bathing. You only have to bathe a GSD once per month to keep their coat clean and healthy. If you or your family has allergies, this may be something you will want to consider during your decision-making process whether to get a GSD or not. Does the GSD’s Ears Naturally Stand up. German Shepherd puppies have floppy ears until about 16 to 20 weeks. During this time the cartilage in the ear becomes strong and hard allowing the ear to stand up permanently. During this process, the German Shepherd puppy will experience his or her ears going up naturally for about one day or so then becoming floppy again for a few days. This usually takes place during the teething process, at the end of teething the ears stay in the upward position. If the ears never stand up, there is a possibility that the dog is a mix breed, or there are some structural issues.https://www.lavalledesign.com/wp-content/plugins/formcraft/file-upload/server/content/files/1629231f7863a2---94-chevy-camaro-manual.pdf Visiting the veterinarian to have the ears checked is highly recommended to assure they are growing and developing at the proper rate. Full Grown or Miniature German Shepherd. There are plenty of unethical breeders around the world that are convincing people that they have miniature German Shepherds available. While the pups might look like they are a smaller version of a full bred GSD, this simply is not true. The only full bred GSD that is extremely smaller than the standard size German Shepherd are those rare ones that have a genetic defect that causes dwarfism. These dogs can live a happy healthy life as long as they are cared for properly. They tend to bald as they age due to their dwarfism. Breeders should advise potential dog owners of the genetic deformity at first glance because there is a possibility the dog will experience health issues related to its dwarfism throughout his or her lifetime. Some breeders refer to a mix breed such as a German Shepherd and Collie breed as a Miniature German Shepherd. This is not true, and it is truly a mix breed. While the combination of the two breeds results in a beautifully colored dog, it is still not considered a full breed German Shepherd. This mix breed also can have different characteristics and temperament when compared to a full breed German Shepherd. Beware of these adorable mix breeds if you prefer to have a full breed GSD. How Does Neutering Affect German Shepherds. Dog owners that choose not to breed their dog will find that spaying or neutering has a positive effect on German Shepherds. Since German Shepherds have a well-balanced temper, the neutering or spaying process does not affect the behavior either way. It does, however, lessen the risk of health issues such as developing cancer of the testicles in male dogs. The choice of neutering a GSD is the choice of the dog owner and possibly at the request of a licensed veterinarian.www.denizraf.com/image/files/canon-ir-c4080-c4580-manual.pdf Exercise Requirements for German Shepherds The GSD is naturally a hard worker and enjoys a strenuous activity. They have a bundle of energy and need to be exercised on a daily basis. If this exercise requirement is not met the German Shepherd will get bored and release his built up energy by chewing on furniture and destroying other household items. German Shepherds are great exercise buddies. If you enjoy jogging, running, walking, bicycling, hiking and almost any other outdoor activity you can be assured that your GSD will be right by your side matching your energy level. They also love to play fetch, Frisbee, and other games that they can exert themselves and use their mind. If you are an active person or have an active family that enjoys being active and being outdoors, the GSD is a perfect fit. Do German Shepherds have Health Issues. A common health issue that is passed down through DNA is hip dysplasia. This breed frequently suffers from the ailment, but there are measures that can be taken to prevent and treat it. The first signs that hip dysplasia is present is the GSD limping on his hind legs and having trouble getting up from a sitting or lying down position. Dog owners are encouraged to bring their GSD to the veterinarian for proper diagnosis. The veterinarian will conduct a thorough physical exam, process blood tests and possibly take X-rays of the hips. Once the condition is confirmed, the veterinarian will provide a course of action to help the GSD live with the condition. Some solutions that are recommended by veterinarians include consuming a healthy diet, moderate exercise, supplements, prescription medication for pain and inflammation and possibly surgery. German Shepherds are known to live a long healthy and happy life even though they suffer from this condition. Training a German Shepherd German Shepherds excel at obedience and agility training. They are eager to please their owner and take pride in completing their tasks.http://www.nbrownies.com.br/wp-content/plugins/formcraft/file-upload/server/content/files/1629231f9eab82---94-chevy-4x4-manual-transmission.pdf Training of house rules and obedience should begin at the moment your GSD arrives at your home for the first time. Dog owners can choose to train their dogs or have the assistance of a professional dog trainer. While training your dog allows you to bond, it also makes it clear that you are the Alpha. On the other hand, there are a variety of dog training classes available within communities located worldwide that can help the training process go smoothly. Where to Find a German Shepherd Once you make the decision to be a GSD owner, you will want to begin your search for your perfect dog. Remember, full breed German Shepherds have a variety of color coats such as solid white, solid black, black and tan, black and white, sable, red, black, white and red plus black white and tan. You can begin your search by going online to find reputable German Shepherd breeders or rescues in your community. Remember to inquire about the pup’s parents, possible health issues, health guarantee and proof of good health from a veterinarian. Reputable breeders will be happy to answer any questions and provide you with any health documentation you request. Some breeders may even have a strict purchasing policy meaning they may require you to provide them with details about yourself and your home to assure that the GSD is being placed in a secure and loving home. You can also contact local dog shelters for adoption process information and inquire if they have any pure bred GSD in their facility. You can also request to be put on a waiting list for when a GSD does arrive they can contact you. Always keep in mind that most pet stores have puppies that are the product of puppy mills. Most puppy mills treat their breeding dogs harshly and demand that the dogs produce more puppy litters than what is healthy for them. They also live in harsh conditions and can have a variety of health issues that can affect the health of their offspring.https://www.blackhillsdancecentre.com/wp-content/plugins/formcraft/file-upload/server/content/files/1629232077ab38---94-chevy-astro-van-manual.pdf When making a decision to choose a GSD be patient and make sure it is the right choice for you. Always investigate the source of where the dog came from and ask as many questions as you like. You can always ask family or friends if they can recommend a reputable GSD breeder in the area. Last Updated on October 7, 2016 by admin Related Posts 15 Jan, 2021 German Shepherd Eye Colors Explained 16 Jul, 2020 The Great History Of The Police K-9 14 Dec, 2018 The Guide To Making A DIY Dog Crate 11 Dec, 2018 The Guide To Dog Treadmills For Shepherds 08 Sep, 2016 Where German Shepherds Get Their Loyalty From. One of the most easily recognized and one of the most popular of all breeds, it is acclaimed for its versatility, renowned for its intelligence, and beloved for its devotion and loyalty to its owner. The breed traces its ancestors to a widely diverse group of sheepherding and farm dogs in Germany. In the late 19th Century, informal breeding groups of sheepherders banded together through a common interest in their dogs and attempted to produce dogs with the desired working attributes. This group, Der Verein fur Deutsche Schaeferhunde (sv) was founded by Max von Stephanitz, a cavalry officer known as the father of the breed. In addition, Rin Tin Tin and Strongheart, two beloved silent film stars, captured the hearts of the American public. Members of the breed are widely used by police officers and the military, as guide dogs for the blind, guardians, drug and contraband detection dogs, and Search and Rescue dogs. Most, however, are purchased to serve the important role of devoted family friend and protector. Temperament is inherited, and therefore is a direct result of the dog's breeding. Although a mature German Shepherd will not wear his heart on his sleeve, he should be approachable and outgoing. Strangers may be regarded with some suspicion, but the dog should be neither overly sharp and aggressive nor cringe with fear. An unsound one is a disaster waiting to happen.www.denizlihurda.com/image/files/canon-ir-c3220-user-manual.pdf Sound GSDs are naturally protective of their homes and families. An alert dog and a few warning barks is all the protection most families require. Such a dog can be trained in formal personal protection by a competent instructor. An overly aggressive or unsound dog should not be trained in protection, for it will be a danger and cannot be trusted. Anyone planning to acquire a personal protection dog should choose the dog and the trainer carefully, for a poor dog or a poor trainers can court disaster.This is a trotting dog that can cover a lot of ground very gracefully, with almost no effort. The impression of the dog should be one of ruggedness combined with nobility, power, agility, and elegance. Males should be 24-26 inches at the withers (top of the shoulder blades), and females 22-24 inches. Although larger dogs exist, excessive size is not desireable. Colors are black and tan, black and red, black and cream, black and silver, solid black, sable, and white. White is considered to be a fault in the US and white shepherds cannot enter breed classes at shows. Long coats are a fault in the show ring. The dogs are strong in body, spirit, and mind. They need much attention, love, and firm guidance as they grow -- which they do quite quickly. Their strong, happy tails can clear tables, and their powerful jaws and teeth wreak havoc on furniture. German Shepherds are active dogs. They love to run and explore their surroundings with their excellent noses. They require considerable exercise, especially while growing. This exercise can be provided by an active owner, another dog or two, or a fenced yard or dog run. Tying this dog to a house is unacceptable, as it will create frustration, boredom, and a potentially dangerous dog. They need attention and companionship. They do not do well if left in isolation from people and other companion animals. If they are raised with children, they will develop an abundance of tolerance to the grabbing and poking of tiny fingers. Often the fast-growing puppy will use his teeth in playing with children and their toys, sometimes resulting in scratches. Young children often excite puppies who want to wrestle and chase -- like they did with their littermates. As long as parents realize that they will need an extra dose of patience, the German Shepherd puppy can grow up side by side with the children and be a source of lasting memories for all. Basic obedience training is excellent for them. Many of them enjoy learning tricks as well (or more!) Only occasional baths are needed. German Shepherds are double-coated with a coarse, water-resistent outer coat and a heavy, woolly undercoat. They are heavy shedders, especially in spring, and require regular combing. This is definitely not a dog for those who cannot abide dog hair on the furniture, carpets, clothes, etc. Many dogs of poor quality Although its A responsible breeder will also offer a written sales contract and a written guarantee of the health and soundness of their puppies. He wants the puppy you take home to be a welcome and successful addition to the family as much as you do and will make every effort to match the right puppy with you. Prospective puppy buyers can talk to breeders at dog shows. A good breeder cares about the puppies he brings into the world and about where they are placed. (Don't be surprised if the breeder asks questions about you, your home, and your plans for care of the dog so he can decide if he wants to place a puppy with your family.) If so, the breeder can assist in selection of the puppy that has the most promise in these areas. A sound dog, raised well, makes an owner forget that other breeds even exist. If this is the breed for you and your family, you will never have a better friend. You may print or download this material for non-commercial personal or school educational use. All other rights reserved. If you, your organization or business would like to reprint our articles in a newsletter or distribute them free of charge as an educational handout please. The German Shepherd: A Guide for Owners. Throughout the world there exists only a handful of dog breeds that can consistently be characterized as loyal, family-friendly, and highly intelligent. One of these dogs includes the German Shepherd. Although a relatively new breed in the realm of canines, the German Shepherd has proven itself to be an excellent companion and working-class dog due to its remarkable intelligence and energetic nature. This work examines the German Shepherd and provides an in-depth analysis of the dog’s behavioral patterns, temperament, and general characteristics. It is the author’s hope that a better understanding (and appreciation) of this remarkable animal will accompany readers following their completion of this work. Scientific Classification Common Name: German Shepherd History of the German Shepherd The German Shepherd was first introduced in the late 1800s by Captain Max von Stephanitz and Herr Artur Meyer in Frankfurt, Germany. Originally bred as a shepherd-dog capable of herding (or guarding) flocks, the dog was later used for police work and military duty during the First World War. Bred from a highly selective pool, Horand von Grafrath (later designated SV1) was the first German Shepherd to be registered by the Verein fur Deutsche Schaferhunde. The dog was later recognized by the AKC in 1907. Function The German Shepherd is classified as a working dog, and was originally bred to work closely with its owner (or handler) in the role as a herder. Due to its muscular body and remarkable level of intelligence, however, owners soon realized that the German Shepherd was capable of much more. In the decades that followed, the breed began to take on a variety of new roles, including police work, search and rescue, and guiding the disabled. Beyond these roles, it was also discovered that the German Shepherd made for a great companion and family dog due to its natural affinity for children and sense of loyalty to its owner. German Shepherd during its puppy stages of development. Appearance Body Height: 24 to 26 inches (males) Considered a relatively large dog (at nearly 26 inches tall, and upwards of 90 pounds for males), the German Shepherd possesses a long body, deep chest, and smooth curvature that accentuates its muscular tone. Both the forequarters and hindquarters should be proportionate and harmonious in size with this breed, with strong deviations viewed as deformities by professional breeders. Head The skull of a shepherd takes on a “chiseled” and “noble” appearance, with males and females having distinctly masculine or feminine features depending on the gender (akc.org). Accentuating the head is a pair of dark medium-sized eyes with an almond-like shape, as well as two pointed ears that are open to the front and which sit atop the skull perpendicular to the ground. Completing the German Shepherd’s facial features is a long, wedge-shaped muzzle that runs parallel to the “topline of the skull” (akc.org). Topping the muzzle is a black nose, a firm set of lips, and jaws containing 42 teeth (20 upper teeth, and 22 lower). Forequarters Shoulder blades of the German Shepherd are both long and angled, with the upper arm joints conjoined at a 90-degree angle. The dog’s forequarters are well-toned and muscular in appearance, with the front legs appearing in a straight manner that runs perpendicular to the ground. Attached to the dog’s medium-sized legs is a pair of short feet with high-arched toes (for speed and agility). Pads for the feet are both thick and firm to the touch. Hindquarters The hindquarters follow many of the same characteristics of the forequarters, showcasing a muscular and toned appearance from the German Shepherd’s thighs all the way to its hind legs. The only major difference with the hindquarters is that they follow a slightly angular appearance which provides the dog with greater agility and acceleration. Coloration and Coat Shepherds possess a medium-length coat of fur with two distinct layers. Hair along the head, legs, and paws is usually short, while the neck, rear, and forelegs possess longer strands of fur. The German Shepherd’s coat is considered extremely beautiful in the dog world, and comes in a variety of color patterns, including: tan and black, solid black, and sable. Tail Completing the German Shepherd’s appearance is a relatively long and bushy tail that extends past the hock joint and which displays a slight curvature. Up-close photo of the German Shepherd's head. Notice the dog's straight ears that sit perpendicular to the ground. Are German Shepherds Right for Your Household. Potential owners should also be aware that the German Shepherd aims to please their owner in every way possible due to their extreme loyalty and protective instincts. Such qualities can also prove harmful, however, as this breed can display extreme levels of aggression to strangers if not properly trained and acclimated to others (including other pets) at an early age. Aggression in German Shepherds is often triggered by specific reasons, including boredom, lack of exercise, or perceived threats. Unfamiliar settings (or individuals) can also trigger these aggressive feelings as the dog’s protective instincts (for their owner) are often engaged. Although these behaviors are easy to fix due to the dog’s remarkable adaptability and intelligence, owners will still need to closely monitor their dogs throughout their lifetime to prevent flareups. Yes! Following proper training guidelines, the German Shepherd is ideal for families with children (of all ages) due to their obedience, loyalty, and protective instinct. Due to the dog’s natural affinity for exercise, children are often great for the German Shepherd as they provide the animal with plenty of activity and mental stimulation on a regular basis. This is crucial for the dog, as German Shepherds are prone to boredom which can, in turn, lead to destructive behaviors if not addressed. How Smart are German Shepherds. German Shepherds are regularly classified as one of the smartest dog breeds in the world (behind only the Poodle and Border Collie, respectively). Bred specifically for their intelligence, it is well-known that a German Shepherd is capable of learning a new task after only five repetitions with a success rate of 95-percent or more (PetHelpful.com). Shepherds are also quite adaptable to a variety of roles and situations, as their intelligence is based largely on experience and trial-and-error. Owners seeking a smart breed of dog can’t go wrong with the German Shepherd. Grooming Requirements The German Shepherd possesses a long and thick coat of fur. For this reason, the dog requires regular grooming on a weekly basis to keep its fur from matting and to maintain a sense of cleanliness. Shedding for this breed usually occurs once or twice a year. During these times, owners should increase the frequency of brushing to remove excess hair before it ends up on furniture or household items. German Shepherd owners should exercise restraint in the number of baths given to their pet as excess water can strip the dog’s coat of its natural oils leading to dry skin and irritation. With regular brushing, baths are only necessary every 4 to 5 months (unless your pet spends a lot of time outdoors in the dirt). Nails should also be trimmed every month to prevent injury to your pet’s feet (or others). Training As with all breeds, early training during the puppy stages of development is crucial for the German Shepherd.