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HomeFactsAre German Shepherds Good Water Dogs

Are German Shepherds Good Water Dogs

Dutch German Shepherd Vs Czech German Shepherd

New dog kennel water drain design from Watchman German Shepherds

An independent dog that looks more like a wolf! These dogs have longer coats than the Czech Alsatian and have brindle coats.

Used as guard dogs for farms and cattle carts, these dogs are dependable workers that dont require as much human interaction, best for those often away from home.

What To Be Cautious About When Letting Your German Shepherd Swim

When youre german shepherd is swimming you should always keep an eye on them to make sure theyre alright. If you notice any of the following you should avoid letting your german shepherd swim.

Make Sure The Water Is Clean

Dont let your german shepherd swim in water that seems polluted. If you notice lots of rubbish floating on the top of the water then its best to avoid. As well as rubbish and pollution check to make sure theres no algae either.

Its normally best to let them swim in flowing water as its less likely to be polluted or stagnant.

Dont Let Your Dog Drink The Water

Even in freshwater its still best that you dont let your dog drink the water. It can often be full of bacteria that will give them an upset stomach or make them sick.

If your dog is going to drink the water then take them somewhere the water is really clean and flowing well.

Dont Let Them Spend Too Long In Chlorinated Pools

Even if your dog does drink the water in chlorinated pools you still shouldnt let them spend too long in there. Chlorine will begin to irritate and hurt their eyes over time as theyre a lot more sensitive than ours.

Check To Make Sure Its Safe

Lastly, check to make sure the area your dog is swimming in is safe. If its by the sea and its too rough, it may be best to avoid it. Likewise, freshwater that has strong currents may not be the best idea either.

And look for any objects that could cause damage to your dog when theyre swimming or if theyre jumping in.

German Shepherds Will Explore Everything With Their Noses

Youll find evidence of their very thorough sniffing everywhere walls, doors, windows, and more. All dogs have a better sense of smell than humans 10,000 to 100,000 times better in fact thanks to having millions more scent receptors. But compared to other breeds, the GSD ranks near the top in scenting ability. Its no wonder they make such great police and detection dogs. Among many other jobs, GSDs are known for their bomb and drug sniffing work, tracking, and search and rescue.

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Gsds Are Loving Companions

These are very social dogs who want to spend time with their humans. The more time your dog gets to spend with you, the happier your companion will be. They may exhibit aloofness with strangers rather than immediately adoring everyone they see, but that only makes their love even more special. Plus, these loyal and dedicated guardians and gentle family pets are willing to put their life on the line to protect their loved ones. And you cant ask for a more loving best friend than that.

What Can German Shepherds Eat

My German Shepherd loving the water

So now we know what nutrients dogs need lets take a closer look at what exactly they can eat. These are the main foods German Shepherds can eat. However, they do come with some caveats, so read on!

PROTEINS
Watermelon

These are the caveats to be aware of:

  • If a fruit contains pits or seeds, these must be removed as they contain toxic cyanide.
  • Most vegetables should be cooked first to help with digestion.
  • Fruits, vegetables, dairy, and nuts should be fed in small amounts no more than 10% of daily calories.
  • Although dogs can eat some nuts, they are not recommended due to their high-fat content, which can cause an upset stomach.
  • Its not advisable to feed raw eggs or raw fish due to the risk of salmonella or listeria.
  • Some dogs are lactose intolerant and can not eat certain dairy foods, depending on how much lactose they contain.

I wrote complete guides to all the fruits and vegetables your German Shepherd can eat where you can find a ton of helpful information. These articles also include the nasty ones to watch out for!

Also Check: When To Start Training Your German Shepherd

Can German Shepherds Swim In Cold Water

Dogs, like humans, can suffer from hypothermia if they swim too long in cold water. Because your dog wont understand the water is what is making them cold, its your job to decide whether the water is too cold for your dog or not. In general, if the water feels too cold for you to stand to wade in, then it might be too cold for your German shepherd as well.

Also read: How cold is too cold for German shepherds

Can German Shepherds Swim In Swimming Pools

One of the benefits of a swimming pool is it allows you complete supervision over your dog. However, there is a downside as well. If your pool is chlorinated, it can strip your dogs coat of its natural oils and lead to dry, irritated skin.

But there are ways to pool-proof your dogs coat so they can enjoy a relaxing swim. Which a German shepherd would certainly appreciate in the summer.

Tips to pool-proof your German shepherd include:

  • Spray their coat with a canine conditioner before they swim. This can lock in some moisture.
  • Rinse off afterward. If you get the chlorinated water out of their coat it can minimize its effects.
  • Comb out any tangles and provide a thorough brushing once a week to remove any residual chlorine.
  • Dry out those ears. Keeping your German shepherds ears dry is important no matter where they have been swimming.

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Skeletal Health And Supplementation

Musculoskeletal disorders are debilitating conditions that are often associated with genetic makeup, malnutrition, and stress-related events. Some breeds like the German shepherd, are predisposed to a variety of different skeletal disorders, including but not limited to: canine hip dysplasia, Cauda equina syndrome, and osteoarthritis. These conditions can be a result of poor breeding or induced by intense exercise and poor diet.

Canine hip dysplasia is an orthopedic condition resulting from abnormal development of the hip joint and surrounding tissue causing the instability and partial dislocation of the hip joint, resulting in pain, inflammation, lameness, and potentially osteoarthritis of the joint. German shepherds are genetically predisposed to CHD and the University of Veterinary Medicine in Germany found its prevalence estimated to be approximately 35% of veterinary cases associated with the disorder.

Osteoarthritis is one of the main contributors of musculoskeletal pain and disabilities that commonly affect German shepherds. Mechanical stress, oxidative damage and inflammatory mediators combine to induce the gradual degeneration of the articular cartilage in the joint, resulting in reduced muscle mass, pain, and locomotion.

Vitamins such as A and D also have crucial roles in bone development and maintenance by regulating bone and calcium metabolism. Adequate levels should be incorporated into a German shepherd diet to promote a healthy musculoskeletal system.

What Is The Best Dog Food For A German Shepherd

Are working line German Shepherd Good for First time dog owners????

German Shepherds require a low-protein diet of around 18% protein and 1,740 to 2,100 calories per day. Giving your pup high-quality dog food should eliminate the need for supplemental vitamins and nutrients. Some dogs require specific dietary requirements, so be sure to check with your vet about the right food for your dog. If you want to simplify feeding in your home, our experts review fresh dog food, raw food, and food delivery options.

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Blue Buffalo Wilderness High Protein

The Blue Buffalo Wilderness Chicken Recipe Grain-Free Dry Dog Food is intended to feed the part of your dogs inner wolf. This high-protein, grain-free recipe aids in the creation and maintenance of lean muscle tissue by including real chicken as the first ingredient.

Its also high in antioxidants and contains LifeSource Bits, vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients as well as complex carbohydrates from fruits and vegetables to give your adult dog the energy it requires. After every bite, hell yell with pleasure!

This high-protein dish is made with actual chicken to assist build and maintaining muscle mass. Sweet potatoes and peas are included in this healthy carb-rich meal to help your adult dogs active lifestyle run smoothly. Omega-3 and -6 fatty acids are included to promote good skin and a glossy coat.

LifeSource Bit is a high-quality supplement that provides a balanced blend of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals chosen by holistic veterinarians and animal nutritionists to enhance immune system health, life stage demands, and healthy oxidative equilibrium. Made with all-natural ingredients and no chicken by-product meals, corn, wheat, soy, artificial flavors, or preservatives.

Pros:

Pros:

How Much Exercise Do They Need

The German Shepherd is a working dog and requires a considerable amount of physical and mental exercise to stimulate them and keep them out of mischief. This is not a breed thats happy to be a couch potato. The best toys for German Shepherds are the ones that require physical activity and mental stimulation. We review the best dog toys and brain games to help you give your pup what they need.

Its crucial to provide a long daily walk or, better yet, a run. Obedience training and games can also help stimulate this dogs active brain. These dogs love pack games like fetch or frisbee, which also serve well to tire them out.

If you were wondering how fast can a German Shepherd run, the answer is up to 30 mph.

Maybe you are also asking, do German Shepherds like water? Or can German Shepherds swim? While they are certainly capable of learning to swim, they dont always take to water naturally.

If youre curious about how much exercise your dog gets daily, consider getting a dog activity tracker.

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Go Larger Instead Of Smaller

A slightly larger dog bed is better long-term to reduce the likelihood that your puppy will refuse to go to a new bed, as theyve become accustomed to their old bed. Make it easier on them by getting a bed thatll fit them as they grow.

Now that youve got your measurements you know what size bed your German Shepherd can comfortably lie down on.

And the extra inches that surround them will give them room to stretch and find a position to sleep in without any doggie parts hanging off.

Dog Bed Covers And Materials

German Shepherd Dog In Water Stock Photo

Make sure the cover doesnt slip and slide on the floor, particularly if your German Shepherd moves a lot or likes to build a nest and dig around. The material should also be easy to remove with zippers, durable with a tight-weave structure, and constructed with heavy-duty stitching so its less likely to tear or snag.

Waterproof materials and layers might cost extra, but theyre worth considering if your GSD has bladder control issues, is still potty training, or regularly comes home wet and muddy.

In addition, the material should also be easy to clean and made of fabric that doesnt let your dogs hair either stick to the surface or embed into the weave of the material to avoid holding dander and fur.

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How Cold Is Too Cold For A German Shepherd

German Shepherds have two insulating coats, which is a big reason that they do well in colder environments. However, just because they can handle a cold environment doesnt mean that they can handle everything out there.

For starters, they need access to housing and insulation. Their shelter needs to protect them from rain, wind, and anything else that the great outdoors can throw at them. Wind and rain quickly lower how much your German Shepherd can handle being outside.

They need to have a way to escape the weather if it gets too cold. Of course, this can be your home, but it also can be a shelter for them outside. The important part is that your German Shepherd can access whatever they need when they need it.

While wed love to give you a specific temperature at which you should bring in your German Shepherd, its not that simple. If you think that its too cold for your German Shepherd to be outside, it probably is unless they have somewhere to go to escape the weather.

Tell Me The Best Food For A German Shepherd

Best dog foods Have Omega 6-assistive compounds that possess great antimalarial effects and Immunogenic properties and are very critical to the dogs health. Choose the right product that you can eat in your dogs diet with such substances as glycine and chronotopic. This ingredient can lower joint damage by decreasing swelling in the bones and muscles of dogs.

Although controversial, consuming grain-free pet foods is best to avoid the possibility of allergic effects. It is important to note that food grainless contains some grains, such as rice, gluten, and milk-causing tummy problems. In exchange, the food companies used other foods that contain carbohydrates such as sweet potatoes and peas. The best way to see if this diet is good for your pet is to watch their stool, weight, and energy level.

There are many options when it comes to the best dry dog food for german shepherds, but it is important that you find the right one for your dog. Talk to your veterinarian about what is best for your dog, and do thorough research before you buy. The last thing you want to do is put something in your pets mouth that isnt good for them!

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What Foods Are Bad For German Shepherds

Milk can make your cat feel nausea. For some german sheep, onions can kill red blood cells. Also, avoid dog food which makes it harmful or causes allergies or food allergies.

A grape is forbidden to use in an environment where drinking can cause damage to the liver cells and kidney tissues. Drinking alcohol will kill your dogs kidneys and livers as well as amputation, experts say the United States Children in Care needs support.

They Need A Lot Of Daily Exercise

German Shepherd dogs and a water hose

German Shepherds are the perfect fit for anyone with an active lifestyle that wants to take their dog with them on their adventures! Adult German Shepherds require a ton of exercise, a minimum of two hours per day, to get rid of their pent-up energy and prevent behavioral problems.

This exercise should not only include walks but also running off-lead in a safe area. They also need playtime for mental stimulation and ongoing training.

Remember, puppies will need to gently build up to this amount of exercise to prevent harm to their fast-growing joints and bones. As a general rule, aim for exercising your puppy for five minutes per month of age, twice a day. .

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Do German Shepherd Ears Stand Up On Their Own Or Do They Have To Be Cut Or Taped To Make Them Stand Up

Ah, you’re thinking about cropping, a surgical procedure to make the ears stand up. That’s done with Doberman Pinschers, but not with German Shepherds. A Shepherd puppy’s ears prick up naturally they’re never cropped.

German Shepherd puppy with perfectly normal ears at this age. If the pup inherited normal genes, the other ear should come up shortly.

But German Shepherd puppies aren’t born with pricked ears. In some pups, the ears start to prick up at 6 or 8 weeks old, while others don’t start until 12 or 14 weeks old.

Often the ears don’t go up smoothly. In other words, they don’t suddenly pop straight up. Typically one ear will go up halfway, and stay like that for a few days. Then the other ear may start to prick while the first ear straightens all the way up. A few days later, just as the second ear straightens up, the first one suddenly flops back down.

This can be a trying time for new owners who worry that their pup’s ears will never stand properly. Rest assured, it’s normal for German Shepherd puppy ears to go up and down for a month or two, especially during the teething period.

Unfortunately, some puppies do inherit poor genes for ear strength and often those ears will never come all the way up. They’re called “soft ears.” Sometimes taping a weak ear can help it stand erect, but often not.

I had a German Shepherd with one soft ear. It flopped sideways on top of his head, while the other ear stood up beautifully. Of course I loved him dearly anyway!

Chuckit Travel Pillow Dog Bed: Best Travel Bed For Gsds

Dont forget to get a travel bed for your dog to explore the world with you.

Do you travel frequently and need a dog bed that is easy to pack and go?

Then, look no further than the Chuckit! Travel Pillow Dog Bed.

With a stuff-sack included theres no reason for your dog to not have their own soft spot when outdoors or going for a day at the beach. And, even though your German Shepherd should have a thicker foam bed for full-time sleeping, getting a travel bed is a great way to have a portable solution for keeping your GSD comfortable and off the ground.

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What Does A Czech German Shepherd Look Like

Erect ears and a wolfish appearance, thats what all German Shepherds look like. A closer look will reveal that not all GSDs are built the same.

Unlike the German Show Lines that often have excessively sloped backs, working line dogs need to be more functional than pretty. They have straighter backs and their legs do not have the same slant to them.

American breed standards dictate that conformation dogs should be Black and Tan or Black and Red.

Rich pigmentation is preferred by both AKC and FCI, but the Czech working line dogs are generally sable colored or black, despite the fact that GSDs can come in a variation of colors.

Working line Shepherds all bear a resemblance to one another.

In regards to their build, these dogs not only have strong jaws, but they also have a more muscular structure, as well as larger chests and heads.

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