Destructive Behavior And Separation Anxiety In German Shepherds
The German Shepherd is originally a pack dog. That means he finds a replacement for his wild mates in his human family. Besides, the GSD is also a friendly and affectionate dog that loves cuddle time and spending time with family.
As such, leaving your German Shepherd alone can cause excessive loneliness, otherwise referred to as , when it gets into the levels of an undesired psychological condition.
The German Shepherd is among the top 10 breeds that are most predisposed to separation anxiety. This suggests that it could also be a breed thing, and you need to take extra precautions.
Dogs with this behavior problem find something to relieve their nervousness and stress, which is why most of them will turn to destructive behavior.
Common forms of destructive behavior include excessive chewing, house soiling, getting into the trash can, digging, destroying furniture and other items in the house, and increased aggression toward family, strangers, and other pets.
Below is a photo of my German Shepherd Willow at around 18 months old. I would never leave her for more than 2-3 hours in her crate. However, I got delayed in traffic for another 30 minutes on this occasion, and she clearly got bored!
Canine Von Willebrand Disease
Canine von Willebrand disease is another common issue with German Shepherds, and is a genetic bleeding disorder caused by a lack of von Willebrand factor protein in the bloodstream. Without sufficient amounts of this protein, the blood can not clot properly.
German Shepherds can be screened for this disorder, and responsible breeders should test their dogs for vWD before breeding them.
Treatment for severe bleeding is usually a transfusion of canine blood. There is currently no cure or medicine that can make up for the lack of vWD protein in the bloodstream.
Symptoms of von Willebrand disease in German Shepherds:
- prolonged or excessive bleeding
Letting Your Gsd Have His Way
What if you heard a GSD owner say their dog never behaves badly, only to discover that the owner allows the dog to always have their own way! Would you call that a well-behaved dog?
Not setting boundaries with your dog can be another reason your German Shepherd is having behavior issues. Your dog can pee on your newly purchased couch, and youll still feel pity for him .
Such a dog will show aggression the minute someone tries to set boundaries, such as at the vets or the dog park. Research has shown that spoiling your dog is one of the major factors leading to dominance aggression in dogs.
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Vital Stats 2+ Hours A Day For Adult Dogs Life Span: Coatexercise2+ Hrslife Span10+years
German Shepherd Temperament & Personality
The German Shepherds temperament is intelligent, loyal and energetic.
- Reserved but friendly.
- Generally enjoy the company of their family and can struggle with separation anxiety.
- German Shepherds are not naturally aggressive but their protective instinct means they can be hesitant when first meeting strangers.
- Tend to be gentle with children and other animals, but behavioural problems such as aggression may arise if the dog is left alone for too long or doesnt get enough exercise.
- A key German Shepherd trait is their loud bark but their tendency to be vocal can be reduced with proper socialisation.
Do German Shepherds Have Health Issues
The German Shepherd is the second most popular breed in America. These are strong athletic dogs, but like most other breeds, they are susceptible to certain health issues.
Below is a list of potential health issues that can occur in these dogs. This doesnt mean that these health issues will surely occur in your pet, nor that he cannot develop a disease that is not mentioned on this list.
The health issues that German Shepherds are prone to more than other dog breeds are the following:
German Shepherds need to be regularly examined by veterinarians in order to detect and treat potential health problems in time. These dogs are active and need a lot of physical activity, but its important to find balance and not overdo it because they have slightly more sensitive joints.
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Are German Shepherds Easy To Train
German Shepherds are a member of the working breed group. Like their other working dog counterparts, German Shepherds are intelligent and highly trainable, with an eagerness to please. Because of this, German Shepherds can be sensitive and respond best to positive reinforcement methods with lots of praise but need set boundaries to keep their behaviour under control.
German Shepherds And Barking
As with any dog, German Shepherds are likely to bark. Their main purpose was for herding and guarding so they can be quite vocal when people walk past or enter or exit the house, but how much noise they make will vary from dog to dog. If youre having problems with excessive noise or barking, we recommend seeking the advice of an accredited behaviourist.
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Do Anatolian Shepherds Have Health Issues
Although the Anatolian Shepherd is known as a strong and hardy breed, this, unfortunately, doesnt mean that dogs of this breed cannot have certain health problems.
The health issues that Anatolian Shepherds are prone to are the following:
Please note that this doesnt mean that all or most of these diseases will occur in your pet, but that these health issues have been reported in this breed over the years.
Anatolian Shepherds are also known to be sensitive to anesthesia, so its necessary to approach its use with caution and monitor the dog all the time while under because there is a risk of an allergic reaction.
White German Shepherd Puppies Before You Buy
Naturally occurring White German Shepherds are quite rare to produce a white puppy, both parent dogs need to carry and pass on the recessive white gene. It is therefore often the case that White German Shepherds will have siblings within their litter that are not white. In fact, the only way to guarantee a litter of white puppies is to breed from two white dogs.
As such, it is significantly more difficult to find and purchase a White German Shepherd puppy than a standard colored pup. From a practical point of view, for those looking to buy a White German Shepherd, you should expect to wait longer for a puppy to become available, and you may also need to pay more than you would for a standard German Shepherd puppy.
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German Shepherd Health Problems & Issues
Bred to be the most efficient and powerful herding dog in the world, what came about is a remarkably intelligent, adaptable, and resilient canine. Yet unlike many working-class dogs, the German Shepherd is a great family pet. With those they love and trust, that natural aloofness vanishes and in its place rests a soft puppy-hearted animal that wants to adore and be adored.
If youve landed here its possible that youre contemplating bringing a German Shepherd into your home. Maybe youre doing your due diligence, or perhaps you want to know what youre in for before purchasing a German Shepherd. This article is going to detail everything you need to know about the health and longevity of a German Shepherd.
Routine Care Diet And Exercise
Build her routine care into your schedule to help your GSD live longer, stay healthier, and be happier during her lifetime. We cannot overemphasize the importance of a proper diet and exercise routine.
- Supervise your pet as you would a toddler. Keep doors closed, pick up after yourself, and block off rooms as necessary. This will keep her out of trouble and away from objects she shouldnt put in her mouth.
- She needs a thorough brushing at least weekly most of the year. Twice a year she blows her coat and loses crazy amounts of hair daily brushing is recommended during this time.
- German Shepherd Dogs generally have good teeth, and you can keep them perfect by brushing them at least twice a week!
- Clean her ears weekly, even as a puppy. Dont worrywell show you how!
- She has a high prey drive, so she needs to be leash walked and a fenced yard is a must.
- Shes a large smart dog with lots of energy, so keep her mind and body active, or shell get bored. Thats when the naughty stuff starts.
- Naturally a bit wary, shes distrustful of strangers bond her to children early to trigger protective behaviors.
- Keep your dogs diet consistent and dont give her people food.
- Feed a high-quality diet appropriate for her age.
- Exercise your dog regularly, but dont overdo it at first.
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Gastric Dilatation And Volvulus
Large dogs such as the German Shepherd can also be affected by gastric dilatation and volvulus , also known as bloating. However, in dogs this condition can be fatal. Due to the extra air inhaled during meals or exercise, the stomach can bloat and twist on itself causing a sudden case of GDV that needs urgent medical attention. This German Shepherd health issue can also affect other dog breeds and often requires surgical intervention.Pay attention to symptoms such as retching, vomiting, a swollen abdomen, or excessive drooling and dont hesitate to contact your vet as soon as possible.
German Shepherd Personality And Temperament
German Shepherds were initially bred to be herding and guard dogs. The breed is considered to be smart and easy to train. They are known to be gentle family dogs and loyal protectors of those they trust. This loyalty can make German Shepherds seem more standoffish around strangers. It does take them some time to gain the trust of other people and other pets.
German Shepherds are a very active and athletic breed that require a ton of exercise for both their physical and mental health. Without exercise they will develop unfavorable behaviors, due to irritation and pent-up energy. Controlled leash walks and supervised free play in safe, fenced-in areas should be started when they are puppies.
Keeping a German Shepherd on a leash at all times when in public places is a good rule of thumb, as even the most well-trained dog can be distracted and not follow regular commands, leading to a possible confrontation.
A German Shepherds temperament can also be genetic in nature. The American Temperament Test Society and the German Shepherd Dog Club of America will issue a TT certificate after temperament testing. These results should be provided to a pet parent by the breeder of the German Shepherd before the dog is purchased.
Not all temperament and behavioral issues are evident in a growing puppy, and it is impossible to predict whether a dog will be free of these problems. Find a trustworthy breeder who is committed to breeding the healthiest animals possible.
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Most Common German Shepherd Health Issues
The German shepherd is one of the most famous breeds however German shepherd health issues may now have aroused a lot in the past few decades. Because the most severe problems are caused by inbreeding, reputable breeders take extra effort to trace the lineage before breeding.
A German Shepherd has an average lifespan of 10 to 12 years however, some illnesses may limit this. Here is a look at some of the most frequent health issues that German Shepherds face, as well as how to spot them.
Nutritional Tips For German Shepherd
A few dietary supplements might be considered for your German Shepherd.
Joint Supplements
Glucosamine, chondroitin, and MSM supplements are great to promote joint health. MSM has all-natural anti-inflammatory properties. Omega-3 fatty acids are thought to have anti-inflammatory properties as well when given at appropriate doses.
Research shows that reducing inflammation helps to control pain associated with osteoarthritis, which is a common problem in dogs with joint issues.
Probiotics
Probiotics such as Purina Calming Care can be helpful not just for digestive issues, but with minor behavioral issues as well. Digestive enzymes come in powdered form to assist dogs who have pancreatic issues, such as German Shepherds with exocrine pancreatic insufficiency.
Other vitamin and mineral supplements are generally not needed for healthy puppies and adults, as they get all they need from their AAFCO-approved diet daily.
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Top 10 Common German Shepherd Health Problems
All pets are bound to have health issues the older they get at some point in their lives. Many variables come into play with the type and severity of the problem.
German Shepherds are no exception to the rule. However, there are preventive measures you can take to avoid some conditions potentially or, at the least, catch the condition before it can progress.
Joint issues are a concern for German Shepherd health, but there are several other diseases and conditions that owners need to be aware of.
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 orthopaedic 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.
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Most Common Health Issues In Senior German Shepherds
Get a German Shepherd, they said. It will be fun, they said. Sure. Until he gets older and can’t get up from a lying position properly. Or his owner suddenly notices a big hard lump on his shoulder that he could swear wasn’t there the day before and then finds out his German Shepherd has Osteosarcoma. Or the poor old dog develops a weird thick, brown substance in his eyes that seems to impede his ability to see.Does any of that sound familiar to you? If not, and you own a German Shepherd, you should be aware that they risk developing health issues as they age. Heck, health issues and lack of funds to care for them are the number 2 reason for surrendering to Woody’s Place Senior German Shepherd Sanctuary.
So why is there the potential for older German Shepherds to develop so many health issues? Well, for starters, you may or may not know this, but because of inbreeding early on in the history of the German Shepherd dog, some congenital defects that took place then persist in the breed even today.A prime example of this would be Hip Dysplasia.Other causes range from the sheer size of the German Shepherd dog and wear and tear on the body to a lifetime of being fed nothing but a commercial dog food diet that is laden with unhealthy byproducts, preservatives, and food coloring, which are most likely nutritionallydefiant.
You’re welcome. 🙂
If you have a German Shepherd Golden Retriever Mix, be sure to check out this guide with our friends at Calming Dog.
What To Know Before You Buy Or Rehome A German Shepherd
Considering buying or rehoming a German Shepherd? Before you find a puppy or adopt a GSD, here are a few important things to remember.
- German Shepherds are loving, loyal and extremely active in body and mind. They need to be well-socialised as puppies and need lots of training, plus at least two hours of exercise per day.
- German Shepherds have thick coats that shed all year round and may not be the best choice for people with allergies.
- Its important to get your GSD puppy from a reputable German Shepherd breeder so you can meet the puppys mum and check she has the temperament youre looking for. dictates that new puppies or kittens must be bought directly from a breeder or adopted from rescue. Third party sellers are now illegal.
- Like all dogs, German Shepherds can suffer from a range of health conditions, and hip and elbow dysplasia are particularly common in the breed. A reputable GSD breeder will be able to provide proof of genetic testing, like hip and elbow scores, for both parents to help you choose a healthy dog.
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