German Shepherds

German Shepherd Information

Physical Appearance of German Shepherds

Temperament of German Shepherds

They tend to be alert, which is why they are excellent guard dogs. German Shepherds are intelligent and can be trained to perform many kinds of tricks. German Shepherds have a confident personality and are also loyal and obedient family dogs.

German Shepherds can be a great guide for the disabled and elderly. They have a fun-loving and playful attitude around children, which is why they’re known as excellent family dogs. While they are great with their family, they are reserved and do not make friends with strangers easily. Socialization training is necessary to help them be comfortable with strangers and other animals.

Training a German Shepherd

Early Socialization Training

Obedience Training Classes

Obedience training classes are a great way to help your dog learn some basic instructions. Obedience training isn’t just for your dog, it also helps owners learn to teach and control their new dog. These classes can teach you as an owner the best ways to teach your puppy. The amount of time you spend trying to stop your German Shepherds’ excessive barking can be a lot less if you know the best way to teach them.

Because these dogs love barking, with or without obedience training you will likely spend a good deal of time teaching them to be quiet.

Apart from the usual sit, stand, kneel, and roll instructions you will likely spend some time teaching them how to stay quiet. While their breed is known for barking this is something that you can control with proper training.

Clicker Training

Puppies need to be trained to understand what is good behavior and what is not OK. Clicker training will help them understand what is good behavior. Clicker training has you make a noise with the clicker when the desired action is done. In addition to the click you’ll give them a treat, at least while you train them. Every time your dog hears the click they’ll know they did a good job and you are happy.

If your dog misbehaves, try not to punish them because it can discourage them. Instead, remember the clicker training and divert their attention to something else. You might have to do this several times to help your dog understand that they are not supposed to do the undesired activities.

Kennel Training

Some Germans are known to suffer from separation anxiety. If done right they will see the kennel as their safe space, and a place that they can relax and sleep. Most dogs enjoy small spaces and will find a sense of security while inside it. Getting them comfortable in a kennel early on will save you a lot of headaches. You know that they can’t get into trouble while you’re sleeping or at work if they’re in their kennel. It’s also a great place for them to dry off after they come into the house when it’s wet outside.

Their Compatibility with Children

While the German Shepherd is a puppy you should try to expose them to children early on. The more exposure you give them while they are younger the better they will be. Socialization training will ensure they become approachable and friendly with kids. Quite often a German Shepherd who is a few years old will also handle babies quite well, and actually be quite protective of them.

German Shepherd Dogs inherently have a protective nature towards their family. When it comes to children they tend to be more gentle and affectionate in their behavior. Having them around will ensure your children are protected from strangers and other animals. However, due to their large and strong muscular-build, sometimes they may accidentally jump on or push your child.

Teach your kids the best ways to interact with your dog. Children should not disturb them when they are eating because they might get bit because your dog thinks their food is being taken away. Until you know how your children and new puppy will react its best to have an adult supervise their interactions. Supervision is the best way to prevent accidents from occurring.

Best Climate for a German Shepherd

German Shepherds dogs are capable of handling extreme temperatures. They are comfortable in both hot and cold climates. Their insulated coat helps them to trap the heat or cold when exposed to extreme temperatures.

In hot climates, you need to make sure that they have adequate shade and enough water to keep them from overheating. They can spend a lot of time in the sun outside but you have to keep them hydrated. If you live in a hot region make sure there is enough water for your dog to drink at all times. On hot days their water should be checked a few times a day. Their bowl may spill or they could drink it all if they get too hot.

It is also important to note that there is no agreed upon temperature that is “too high” for German Shepherds. Once the temperatures creep past 80 you should watch your dog to see how they are handling the heat. Each family has a unique situation for heat, people can only use their best judgefment with how long their dogs can safely stay outside.

German Shepherd dogs do great in the cold. You can take them out for long walks in the snow or let them play in your yard for hours. Most German Shepherds can comfortably stay outside for several hours to as low as 0 degrees. If you plan to have the dog stay out all night, you will need something like a dog house to protect them. They’ll need something to stop the wind and help retain heat. A heater and some blankets aren’t a bad idea either.

If you bring your dog inside after it has had a chance to play outside remember to clean their paws off well. By cleaning their paws you stop chemicals used to melt snow from being licked by your dog as they clean themselves, and keep them from staining your carpet.

The Attention a German Shepherd Needs

German Shepherd dogs have an active personality. With as active as they are, they will need a good deal of time spent playing with them or spent on walks. They really need at least one hour daily spent running around in the yard or on walks to keep fit. Exercise will keep them in good shape, both mentally and physically. If they do not get enough time spent exercising, like most dogs they have a tendency to misbehave, often destructively.

In addition to their exercise needs, they also demand a lot of attention from their family. Because they live for affection, the German Shepherds dogs love spending time around their family whenever possible. Staying alone can bore them which can lead to your dog barking excessively or even cause certain behavioral problems.

Health Issues

Hip Dysplasia

Hip dysplasia is a hereditary problem that can make walking, getting up or laying down difficult and painful. When a dog has hip dysplasia, their hip socket fails to fully cover the ball portion of their thigh bone. The looseness between the hip and leg bone leads to partial or complete dislocation of their hip joint and can cause pain and stiffness. In most cases, medication and exercise restrictions are advised by the vet. Over time the condition could become severe enough that your vet might recommend surgery to correct it.

Allergies

Allergies are a common problem for dogs, just like humans. Dogs can have food allergies, environmental allergens such as pollen and dust mites, and even flea bites. Allergies can cause a variety of symptoms in dogs, including itchy skin, sneezing, coughing, and eye discharge.

Symptoms of Canine Allergies

The most common symptom of dog allergies is itchy skin. Dogs can scratch, lick, or chew at their skin to try and relieve the itching. Other symptoms include:

• Sneezing
• Coughing
• Eye discharge

Some dogs might also have hair loss or bald patches due to excessive scratching or licking.

Periodontal Disease

Domesticated cats and dogs can get periodontal disease if their oral health is not taken care of. Periodontal disease is a tooth and gum condition that can become serious in a few ways. One of the biggest problems is that this disease can destroy the gums and teeth of your pet if left untreated.

Another major problem if the bacteria in the mouth enters the bloodstream. Plaque build-up in the mouth can damage the gums and let bacteria enter the bloodstream. If this happens it can cause kidney and liver diseases and narrow their blood vessels which can lead to heart problems.

One of the easiest ways to prevent periodontal disease is to regularly brush your pet’s teeth. More than likely they won’t like it, but regular brushing is the best way you can prevent plaque buildup in your pets mouth.

Degenerative myelopathy

Canine Degenerative myelopathy (DM) is a progressive and incurable neurological disorder that affects dogs. It’s caused by nerve cells deteriorating in their spinal cord. Symptoms of DM typically begin to appear when the dog is between one and five years old, although some breeds can be affected earlier or later. Affected dogs can have signs of weakness in their hind legs, loss of coordination, and difficulty walking. As the condition progresses, dogs can become completely paralyzed in their hind legs.

The cause of degenerative myelopathy is not fully understood. It’s most commonly found in older dogs, but is most common in Boxers, Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, Rhodesian Ridgebacks, Poodles, Pugs and Golden Retrievers. Studies suggest that a genetic mutation might be associated with the disease. This mutation causes certain proteins to abnormaly buildup in their spinal cord, which can lead to nerve cell damage.

Unfortunately, there is no cure for degenerative myelopathy. Early diagnosis and treatment can help slow the disease’s progression. It’s important for pet owners to be aware of the signs and symptoms of DM, so that they can get medical attention as soon as possible if their dog starts having symptoms.

Elbow Dysplasia

Elbow Dysplasia is a condition that affects a dog’s elbow joint. It’s caused by abnormal growth and development of their elbow joint, resulting in pain, lameness, and arthritis. Elbow dysplasia can be caused by genetic factors or environmental factors such as nutrition or trauma.

Symptoms of Elbow Dysplasia

Dogs can also have a decreased range of motion in the affected joint. In severe cases, dogs will have difficulty walking or running. The symptoms of Elbow Dysplasia can vary depending on the stage of the disease. In the early stages, dogs can have signs of:

•  Lameness 
•  Stiffness in their elbow joint

 As the condition progresses, dogs will get:

• Increased pain 
• Swelling in the joint

In severe cases, dogs can get arthritis in their elbow joint.

Bloat or Gastric Torsion

Bloat or gastric torsion is a serious and potentially life-threatening condition that can affect any dog breed. It’s important to be aware of the symptoms so that you can get medical attention for your pet as soon as possible if they have any of them. Bloat or gastric torsion occurs when the stomach becomes filled with gas, fluid, or food.

This causes the stomach to twist on itself, cutting off the blood supply to the organs and leading to shock.

Symptoms of Bloat or Gastric Torsion

The most common symptoms of bloat or gastric torsion include:

• Restlessness
• Pacing
• Drooling
• Abdominal pain
• Distention
• Vomiting
• Inability to burp or pass gas

If your dog has any of these symptoms, it’s important to get medical attention immediately because the condition can be fatal if not treated quickly.

It’s important to note that some dogs might not have any signs until the condition has become severe.

Bathing, Coat, and Cleaning

Feeding A German Shepherd

Related Questions:

Which is Better for Your Family, Male or Female German Shepherds?

Females are considered to be more calm and gentle. When it comes to training, female German Shepherds seem to be more obedient than males. One reason is because males are a little more aggressive than females.

How Intelligent are German Shepherds?

It depends on what you are comparing them to! They are considered the third most intelligent dog breed. Their intelligence is one of the reasons why they are widely used as police dogs.

How did They become so Popular?

German Shepherd dogs became popular after their contribution in World War I. They performed different jobs and became noticeable for assisted soldiers of Germany and allied forces. They were actively engaged in rescue operations and warning soldiers of traps. After the war, some returning soldiers took them to the United States. German Shepherds were again used in World War II. They have also been cast in many movies which has further increased their popularity.

Are German Shepherds Popular Dogs?

Yes, according to the American Kennel Club (AKC) they are the second most popular dog, right behind Golden Retrievers.