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Are German Shepherds Outside Dogs

German Shepherds Are Loyal And Protective

German Shepherd dog anxiously paces outside the vet’s office waiting for his brother.

Loyalty is a great personality that can be found in dogs. German Shepherds have a particularly strong sense of loyalty. They would protect not only their owners, but also all their family members in the household. The strong sense of loyalty and protective instinct make German Shepherds a good guard dog. However, proper socialisation and training is required so that they wont become overprotective.

Should You Shave Your German Shepherd In The Summer

Shaving your GSD in the summer seems like a natural thing to do. Heck, when I get hot I love getting a nice haircut and feeling the cool wind blow against my scalp, but is it the same for your German Shepherd?

If you see a heat wave coming you may want to hold off with those clippers because your German Shepherds coat may be the only thing preventing heat exhaustion.

As we discussed earlier in the article, a German Shepherds coat insulates from the blazing heat of the sun. Remove that insulation and your dog will have to face the full power of the blazing sun without protection.

I have heard of some people shaving their dog and then covering them with sunblock. Thats like taking away a knights shield and giving him a pot lid. You are doing way more harm than good.

Trust in your German Shepherds natural systems, they have proven themselves before and they will work now.

Take Advantage Of Hidden Storage Areas

Wolf notes that there are many neglected or overlooked areas that could be utilized for storage, but aren’t regardless of whether you’re living in a studio apartment or a 10,000-square foot luxury home. No matter how small your space, rethinking how you utilize it can unveil new storage opportunities.

“Many of the places we use every day could also double as storage be it the space on top of the kitchen cabinets, or even the floor under your bed or sofa. And you might be surprised to learn how strategic your furniture choices can be in helping you maximize storage. For example, ottomans and platform beds provide built-in storage drawers or cubbies where you can keep extra bedding, linens, towels and clothing. Closet storage shelving is the perfect home for rarely used items that can easily fit on top of your closet storage shelving. There’s almost always more space available, if you just think creatively.”

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What Age Should A German Shepherd Puppy Sleep Outside

Your German Shepherd is going to become a large-sized dog. In fact, according to the AKC, German Shepherds will be anywhere from 22-26 inches tall.;

Aside from their generous height in a standup position, German Shepherds can also weigh anywhere between 50 and 90 pounds. Of course, there are always variations, and many will be larger than this, nevertheless, its still a hefty dog!

Considering their size and the fact that they were bred to be herding dogs, which meant they were used to sleeping outside to protect the animals they were guarding, German Shepherd owners might consider putting their dogs outside to sleep.

After all, they can take up quite a lot of space, so you might think they are more comfortable sleeping outside at night. But you should not do it right away!

In fact, German Shepherd puppies should not sleep outside until around four months of age. Keep in mind, though, that any dog as adults or as puppies should not be left alone by themselves the entire day and night.;Like most dogs, the German Shepherd is a social pet and needs to be part of a pack during the day, and that pack is you and your family!

What To Look For When Choosing An Outdoor Dog Kennels For A German Shepherd

Adorable german shepherd dog outdoors in summer # ...

Here are some things to consider when buying a Dog Kennel for your German Shepherd:

Purpose.;Before you buy, consider what kennel you need in advance. Do you need a crate for outdoor, your backyard, or just a few occasions?

Durability.;If you are buying online, read some reviews and check out the kennel structure. Good German Shepherd kennels should be sturdy and have door hinges made to withstand dog escape attempts and prevent bending.

They should also have locks that prevent them from being damaged by your German shepherd, but you can quickly and easily unlock and unlock them.

Portability.;A good dog kennel no matter how big it is, it should be easy to collapse and assemble, and easy to carry.

Easy to clean.;Choose a crate that you can clean without much trouble.

Here are Our top Picks for the Outdoor Dog Kennels for German shepherds

  • This large dog kennel provides ample exercise space while the chain link mesh all around helps prevent mischief and unexpected accidents while enabling ventilation.;
  • Thanks to the sturdy and heavy-duty galvanized steel construction, this high-quality dog kennel is durable and built to last.;The included top canopy, made of 100% polyethylene, is fire-resistant and UV protected, providing protection from sun, rain, snow, and other weather conditions.;
  • The hinged door ensures extra security and safety for your dogs thanks to the lockable latch system.;It is easy to assemble.

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Can A German Shepherd Dog Live Outside In The Backyard

Amy L: Can a German Shepherd live outside in the backyard?Well, I really want a German Shepherd and my father wants one too. My mother is afraid of dogs so it can’t ever go inside. So, it has to stay outside in the backyard. I’m planning on getting an adult one. Also, I’m going to have to go to school for 8hrs. So it also has to stay by itself at home until I come back. My father also wants a dog that can protect the house from any unwanted intruders.

Answers and Views:

Answer by crazydaisy993Well, I don’t think it would be fair on the dog to never be allowed to go inside. If you were to give it a lot of shelter outside that would maybe be okay but animals require lots of love and attention. Don’t get a dog just for it to be a less expensive alarm system, get one because you want a companion. Also, you should remember that having a big German Shepherd means that you will have to give it exercise as well.

Answer by ZeroYou dont sound like a very experienced dog owner at all! Yes, German Shepherds can sleep outside but dogs never allowed inside will develop serious behavioral problems! He will bark 24/7 because he is bored and your backyard will be in utter ruin! If you see your dog merely as an alarm system instead of a companion well, I would recommend you to stick with a proper alarm system.

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German Shepherds Are Highly Intelligent

It is a well-known fact that German Shepherds are highly intelligent. They can learn and do almost every task you give them. Perhaps this is why the largest percentage of police dogs all over the world is German Shepherd. Due to their high intelligence and versatility, German Shepherds are also widely trained as service dogs to aid people with disabilities. Some German Shepherds are trained to compete in dog sporting events.

Make Your Dog Sit Under A Shaded Area

Kraftwerk k9 German shepherd puppy Alpha outside fun!

As the ground temperature can rise drastically in hot weather and direct sunlight will also take a toll on your furry friend.

It would help if you found a shaded area under a tree or somewhere with cool shade and a cold ground where your dog can sit and rest.

If no shaded area is available. You need to invest in a an umbrella for your back or front yard. They are affordable and can be used for many occasions.

Read Also: When To Start Training Your German Shepherd

Also Check: How Many Puppies In A German Shepherd Litter

Do You Want A Pet Or A Working Dog

Theres a strong argument that allowing your dog to live inside with you will create a better relationship and bond compared to living separately. So Its important to consider this and think about whether you want a pet, or you purely want your GSD for working purposes only.Do you want your GSD to cuddle in the morning and scooch up to during the evenings? If you want an affectionate, family-orientated german shepherd, then allowing him to sleep inside with you and your family is a must.

Why Shouldnt German Shepherds Live Outside

There are a few reasons why a German Shepherd should not live outside full-time. The following are some of those reasons and why they may be bad for a German Shepherd.

Weather

One of the most basic reasons is the weather. German Shepherds are double-coated and so they have thick fur. This keeps them nice and warm in the winter and it can cool them off in the summer after they shed. If they are always kept outside, however, the summer sun may become too much. German Shepherds are prone to getting heatstroke due to the heat on their thick fur.

Heatstroke is unpleasant for anyone. If a dog gets it, it can vomit, faint, become lethargic, and have many other symptoms that are unhealthy. Depending on where you may live, summer can be extremely hot, as well as humid, a combination that is not good for German Shepherds.

While they may also be okay in the winter, for the most part, temperatures can get extreme in some places. If they arent acclimated to the harsher temperatures, they can struggle. When they are let inside, they are given a break from the cold. Staying outside in it constantly may be fine in some cases, but it can have adverse effects for other reasons as well.

Health

A German Shepherd may also hurt its paws on salt and chemical melt. If there are sharp tools or objects left outside, that could injure them as well. And if you have a fence, they could hurt themselves trying to jump over it.

Bevahior

Also Check: How Much Food Does A German Shepherd Eat

What Are The Dangers Of Keeping Your Dog Outdoors To Live

There are many potential dangers that your dog could face while living outside. Of course, extreme cold and heat could be harmful to your dog.

But there are other outdoor conditions that you need to worry about. In particular, wild animals could pose a threat to your pet.

You might be thinking that your dog might attack other animals. But it is possible that your German Shepherd could get attacked when they live outside.

No pet owner wants their pet to get attacked. So consider this danger before you let your German Shepherd stay outdoors.

Groundhogs are one potential threat to your Shepherd. They could end up attacking your dog if they come in contact with them.

Groundhogs might seem harmless, but they are actually highly territorial animals. If they spot your dog, they might claw and bite them.

Another animal your pet might need to worry about is skunks. Skunks are usually harmless but they might spray your dog.

And if your Shepherd gets too close the skunk could attack.

Squirrels and raccoons can also make a home in your backyard and put your pet in danger. Your dog will be able to protect itself from these animals.

But raccoons and squirrels, in particular, can carry rabies, Lyme disease, and other types of bacterias. You dont want your dog to get infected or sick.

So this is why I usually recommend keeping your dogs indoors at night.

Other animals that are more dangerous could also get to your dog. So you want to keep this in mind.

Can German Shepherds Live In California

Enjoying the outside

Yes, German shepherds can live in California.

Californias average temperature in summer is 78.8-degrees Fahrenheit, which is relatively friendly and should let the German Shepherd enjoy it with a little care.

While in the winter season, Californias average temperature varies between 9-degree Celsius to 68-degrees Fahrenheit, and it rarely snows there, meaning that Californias weather stays friendly throughout the year.

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What Are The Sign That Your German Shepherd Cannot Handle The Cold

There are the following signs which identify german shepherd is feeling cold, which include: shivering, burrowing, anxiety and stress, and slugginess.

Can A German Shepherd Freeze To Death?

The German shepherd is a double-coated dog, so they are more resistant to cold weather than other dogs. Instead of that, some german shepherd breeds are dying due to cold weather. Here the question comes to mind: what conditions dog needs special care from freezing, or what type of dog needs special care?

Here we clean you baby dogs, young dogs, pregnant mothers, and nursing mothers die due to cold weather freezing. So they need special care in harsh cold weather.

Can German Shepherds Sleep In The Snow?

German shepherd dogs are working actively in the snow. But when the day is over and work is complete, they are likely to sleep in warmer places instead of snow. Moreover, they are like to sleep in the insulated warmer home or with their owner or family.

Effective Ways To Protect German Shepherd In Cold:

There are the following are sufficient to protect your german shepherd from cold.

Sunlight:

Sunlight is most significant for both dogs and humans because it is a natural and rich source of vitamin D.Moreiver due to the bodys vitamin D immune system is enhanced. Resultantly dogs can fight against cold and disease.

Buy a jacket or coat for your dog:

Protection of dogs paws:

The German Shepherd Dog

The German Shepherd Dog is one of America’s most popular dog breeds ;for good reason. He’s an intelligent and capable;working dog. His devotion and courage are unmatched. And he’s amazingly versatile, excelling at most anything he’s trained to do!

All Around Friendliness? Friendly with children?

It must also be noted **All dogs are individuals*** and there’s never a guarantee of how a dog will behave when raised. All dogs of any breed have strong jaws, sharp pointy teeth, and may bite in stressful circumstances. Young children and dogs of any breed should always be supervised by an adult and never left alone together, period. Children must also be taught how to behave around dogs and be respectful of them and their space just as the dog must learn how to be respectful of ours!

Dog Friendly? Good For Novice Owners? Adaptability? Sensitivity? G Tolerates Being Alone? Tolerates Cold Weather? Tolerates Hot Weather? Hair/fur shedding? Grooming? G

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At What Age Can A German Shepherd Live Outside

If you are planning to let your dog live outside, though, what is an appropriate age to leave your dog outdoors?

Puppies need a lot of care and attention. In general, I would not suggest letting them live outside full time.

This could even be dangerous for them. But, once your dog is at least four months old you can let them stay outside for short stretches of time.

This will help acclimate your dog to the outdoors. You want to go about this process slowly, and let your dog get used to the outdoors.

Never force your dog to stay out longer than they want to. And, if your pet is still young try to keep their needs in mind.

In other words:

If you plan on letting your dog live outdoors, make sure they are four months or older. I would recommend waiting till they are at least six months.

But this is up to you.

Ultimately, the older your dog is the better equipped your pet will be to live outside.

And remember, puppies bond the most with you when they are young.

So, it is better to keep them inside this way you can socialize and train them with your full attention. In other words, this is a crucial time in your dogs life.

They will benefit the most from staying inside with their owners when they are young. But, this choice is ultimately up to you.

German Shepherd Lack Of Socialization

5-week old German Shepherds puppies outside with mom

A German Shepherd needs to be well socialized in order to have healthy interactions and relationships in its life. This means that a GSD needs to be in contact with other people, animals, and new situations as much as possible, especially when it is younger.

If a GSD is kept outside and away from people for most of its time, it will not have this opportunity. This will very likely have a negative effect on the dog.

A GSD that is kept outside and away from meeting house guests and just interacting with you and your family in general on a daily basis will very likely begin to exhibit behavioral issues, including aggression.

This can be a hazard to mail delivery persons, meter readers, landscapers, or basically anyone that may require access to your property from time to time.

Too often dogs are kept outside as a result of their poor behavior due to a lack of socialization. But keeping a dog outside is not a solution to this problem, it instead only compounds it.

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Where To Adopt Of Buy A German Shepherd

If you think you’d like to adopt a German shepherd, start by contacting one of the following organizations:

These groups will be able to provide guidance and next steps for adoption. If you aren’t certain the breed is right for you, you may be able to try foster care to test if a GSD is a good fit for your home.

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