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How To Bond With Your German Shepherd Puppy

Is A German Shepherd A Good Choice If You Want An Affectionate Pet Dog

How To Train A German Shepherd – Bonding with your new IPO Trained German Shepherd

If you are considering whether to add a German Shepherd dog to your family and you really want an affectionate dog breed, this could be a good dog breed to choose from.

However, it is vitally important to understand that German Shepherds cannot tolerate being left alone or even in the company of other dogs.

They need to be with their people and they need lots of daily play, exercise, training, and interaction to be happy and healthy.

If you can meet your German Shepherds needs, you are likely to be rewarded with a lifetime of affection in return.

Going On Scavenger Hunts

Scavenger hunts are similar to hide-and-seek, but involve things rather than people. Training them to play this game works best if you start with one of their favorite toys.

Place the toy somewhere in plain sight, hold your hand out, and command your GSD to find. When they take the toy to you, reward them with praises and treats. If theyre play-driven, you can throw the toy across the room for a quick game of fetch.

Repeat the same steps but try going further and further away from your dogs starting point. When youre confident in their understanding of the find command, you can make the task increasingly difficult by using some obstacles or hiding it in another room.

Make sure you reward them generously whenever theyre successful. At first, your dog might lose their way or become distracted. But as you keep practicing, their focus and scenting abilities sharpen and they become better and better at it.

Eventually, you can try this with other toys to transfer the command to anything you might want to use during your scavenger hunt.

Differences Between Training A Puppy Versus An Older Gsd

You can successfully train a German Shepherd no matter how old they are. However, youll need to adjust your expectations based on their age.

Its generally easier to train puppies because youre starting from a clean slate. Theyre not yet set in their ways and will be more open to looking to you for guidance and leadership.

Nevertheless, you shouldnt worry if youre getting your GSD as an adult. Your training might have to involve reversing some bad habits.

Additionally, it might take longer for them to respect your leadership. However, if try your best to understand them and give them a reason to trust and follow you, training a German Shepherd as an adult is definitely possible.

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Socialization: Teaching Your German Shepherd Puppy To Interact Nicely Around Other People And Dogs

Socializing your 8-week-old German Shepherd means that you must provide your dog with interesting and positive interactions where they feel safe.

During weeks 8 to 12 of their life with you, your dog learns what is and isnt safe. Its very important to ensure that your dog interacts, and has a positive and rewarding experience, with different people, dogs, animals, sights, sounds, objects, and experiences. This helps give your young dog confidence in their environment.

German Shepherd Dogs are extremely loyal and have a tendency of apprehensiveness with strangers.

Socialization helps ensure that your puppy not only grows a strong bond with you without developing over-protectiveness, but also learns to trust that you have their best interest in mind and will keep their experiences as positive as possible.

Socializing Your German Shepherd Puppy

Bonds start early with German Shepherds.

Part of training your German Shepherd is making sure they are properly socialized. Socialization involves getting your dog used to all sorts of real-world scenarios so they can grow up fearless and full of confidence.

Fear-based aggression is a serious problem among GSDs. In such cases, unfamiliar or scary situations trigger aggressive behaviors.

The goal of socialization is to make your dog comfortable in all sorts of environments. So, as early as possible, give your puppy plenty of opportunities to interact with different people and animals.

Show them many different places and make sure they get used to all sorts of sights, sounds, and smells.

Socialization also involves being open to handling. For example, you should be able to fuss over their paws and ears without drama. They should also get used to being handled by other people.

This is useful when you need to have them groomed, walked, or boarded. Having a properly socialized dog will also allow you to train them in real-world settings.

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Training A German Shepherd Puppy

German Shepherd dogs need to be trained since they are young, as they are sensitive, as already mentioned.

And they do not have the same impulse control as some of the other dog breeds out there.

This means that, if you do not train your dog from the time that they are a puppy, you will find it much harder to get them to control their urges to bite.

such as in cases where they are quickly touched, which might give the dog a fright.

How To Teach Your Puppy To Walk On A Leash

Always ensure that your puppy is not stressed by their new harness and leash. Make sure the harness is soft and doesnt rub or pinch their skin.

Some owners prefer to use a collar for leash training.

If this is your choice then only choose life-saving break-away collars since your puppy could get hung up and seriously injure themselves if their collar catches on something during their outside walk.

It only takes a second for your puppy to find themselves in a dangerous situation, so always have a leash on them outside when they are puppies and you arent in a secure area.

Dont take any chances with your puppy!

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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.

Harness Fitting For A German Shepherd Puppy

Living with a German Shepherd

The days for going on walks arent that far away! To prepare for the big day, getting used to wearing a harness will make your puppys transition to the outdoors much smoother.

Heres how to prepare:

  • Pick a comfortable harness for them. A padded one that doesnt squeeze them tight will be brilliant.
  • Adjust the harness roughly to the size of your puppy. If youre hesitating, its generally better that it fits too big rather than too tight.

How to do it

  • Lets get them acquainted with each other. Sit on the floor holding the harness and let your puppy investigate it.
  • Drape the harness over them, and give them a couple of treats.
  • Encourage your puppy to put their head through the harness reward them when they try it! They should think of the harness as being a good thing that brings treats galore. Its half true anyway.
  • When your puppy is happy with their head in the harness, fasten it gently and give them a handful of treats.
  • Take the harness off, and practice getting it back on around 3 times always and keep on, rewarding your puppy! We want them to keep thinking its a magic thing.
  • PRO TIP: Dont adjust the harness while theyre wearing itit will probably make them feel like its a dodgy piece of armoury. It if needs adjusting, take it off and resize before trying it on again.

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    Mental Exercises For German Shepherd

    Like all working breeds, German Shepherds have both physical and mental capacities that need stimulation. Otherwise, they find their own ways to put their faculties to work.

    People with German Shepherds are generally familiar with how to meet the breeds nutritional and exercise requirements. Owners know to take them on walks and engage them in tons of physical exercise. However, GSDs also need mental exercise in order to be a happy, well-mannered dog.

    *This article may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase through one of the links I get a small commission at no additional cost to you .

    Testing The Dna Of The Dog

  • 1Purchase a DNA test kit online. Search Google for a dog DNA test kit. These kits cost approximately $80 to $100 and can be ordered online.XResearch source
  • 2Read and follow the instructions. Once you receive the DNA test kit in the mail, open the package and carefully read all of the instructions. The instructions will provide you with steps on how to take a DNA swab and then how to return the results to the lab for testing.XResearch source
  • Each kit is only designed to test the DNA of one dog.
  • 3Swab the dogs cheek. The kit will likely come with two swabs. They are both to be used on the same dog. Open your dogs mouth and rub the swab across the inside of the dogs cheek. Do the same thing with each of the swabs.XResearch source
  • 4Mail the kit. Place the swabs into the plastic baggies provided. Then place them in the pre-paid return envelope or box. Once sealed, mail the results to the lab for testing.XResearch source
  • 5Read the results. Approximately three weeks after you complete the test, you will receive detailed DNA results. Your dogs DNA will be compared to approximately 200 different breeds. If you have a German Shepherd, a DNA test will easily be able to identify this breed.XResearch source
  • The results can even test to see if your dog is a mixed-breed that is part German Shepherd.
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    Overview Of The Training Programme And Topics Well Cover

    Just to make sure were on the same page, you were looking for the ultimate guide on training a German Shepherd puppy, right?

    Good, then you wont be surprised by the long list of topics well be touching on:

    • Sitting
    • Coming when you call them
    • Walking nicely on a lead
    • Playing fetch
    • Coping with being left alone
    • Going to the toilet in the right place
    • Teaching your German Shepherd puppy to not bark

    Yep, youll most likely be using it all. But nothing to worry about weve made it nice and simple to follow!

    The 3 Key Times When Disciplining Your German Shepherd Is Most Successful

    German Shepherd Dogs (Bonding)
  • When you introduce your German Shepherd to your home and set up the environment to prevent bad behavior from occurring.
  • During the early training when your dog is still a puppy and learning is the most important and quickest.
  • As your German Shepherd is in the act of the unwanted behavior and you react appropriately to discipline them.
  • Lets take a quick look at how these 3 times produce the most success when disciplining your German Shepherd puppy.

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    Safe Ways To Discipline A German Shepherd

    Disciplining your German Shepherd can make or break your future relationship with your dog.

    But, many owners simply dont know the appropriate way to correct their dog and wind up frustrated, stressed, and confused.

    So, how do you discipline a German Shepherd without ruining your bond with him?

    Especially a mischief-making puppy!

    What NOT to do!

    Do German Shepherds Need To Be Inside

    Yes. If you want your German Shepherd to develop a suitable temperament, they should be allowed inside at least half of the time.

    These dogs are active, so they may naturally want to spend a lot of time outdoors especially when the weather is nice. However, they should never be forced to spend the majority of their time outdoors.

    There are a few reasons for this:

  • They need to bond with their family.
  • German Shepherds rely a lot on their bond with their family members. They are people-oriented dogs that were bred for their devotion. However, if they arent around their family a lot, they likely wont develop this relationship. A German Shepherd that isnt devoted to their family probably wont be a well-behaved one.

    Their eager-to-please temperament wont be there if the relationship isnt.

  • They can become bored.
  • German Shepherds are brilliant dogs. Their brains are always on. To develop properly, they need a lot of mental stimulation.

    If your dog is confined to the same block of space, they likely wont get enough mental stimulation. This lack can lead to destructive behaviors. Dogs may start by digging holes or attempting to climb the fence . They may also bark needlessly.

    In extreme cases, these German Shepherds can become aggressive. They may be a bit too excited to see people, leading to over-exuberant behaviors and aggression.

  • German Shepherds must learn to behave in the home.
  • A dog left outside cant protect your home.
  • German Shepherds need lots of socialization.
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    Week Old German Shepherd Diarrhea

    If your brand new puppy has an upset stomach despite your best efforts, dont worry too much its normal for puppies to have diarrhea within the first few days of arriving at their new homes.

    The stress of such a drastic life change can manifest in different ways, and an upset stomach is a pretty common reaction.

    You can give your pup a better chance of having a settled stomach by keeping her on the food she was eating before you brought her home, and feeding on a consistent schedule.

    Diarrhea can also be a sign of an underlying issue besides stress, however, and severe diarrhea can be life-threatening if left untreated.

    If your puppy is vomiting, has bloody diarrhea, seems unusually lethargic, or is refusing to eat or drink, then its time to call the vet.

    American Kennel Club Overview

    How to socialize your German Shepherd puppy. (Naala males)

    The first impression of a good German Shepherd dog is that of a strong, agile, well-muscled animal, alert and full of life. It is well balanced, with harmonious development of the forequarter and hindquarter. The dog is longer than tall, deep-bodied, and presents an outline of smooth curves rather than angles. It looks substantial and not spindly, giving the impression, both at rest and in motion, of muscular fitness and nimbleness without any look of clumsiness or soft living. The ideal dog is stamped with a look of quality and nobility â difficult to define, but unmistakable when present. Secondary sex characteristics are strongly marked, and every animal gives a definite impression of masculinity or femininity, according to its sex.

    There are many reasons why German Sheperds stand in the front rank of canine royalty, but breed experts say their dogs most important attribute is character: loyalty, courage, confidence, the ability to learn and retain commands for an amazing number of specialized jobs, and the willingness to put their life on the line in defense of loved ones. Well-bred German Sheperds of proper training and socialization will be gentle family pets and steadfast guardians eternally devoted to their human flock.

    Thatâs a great description of an ideal German Shepherd.

    Mental exercise is even more important for German Shepherds. This is a smart, thinking breed and his intelligence is often wasted in a home that simply wants a casual pet.

    Behavioral issues

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    Look Your German Shepherd Dog Directly In The Eyes

    Takeumi Kikusui after his experiment and research found that dogs used their eyes to win the hearts of humans thousands of years ago and they do so today. Big philosophers say that the eyes are a window for looking at the soul of a person. When you look in the eyes of your Dog it will trigger an oxytocin hormone in his Brain. Kikusui says that dogs very cleverly use this system to bond with his or her child. Studies say that when an owner and a Dog spend more than five minutes together they release more oxytocin hormones. While you are looking at your Dogs eyes try to give him a treat so he can understand your love.

    Playing The Muffin Tin Game

    Similar to the shell game, the objective of the muffin tin game is to uncover hidden treats. To play this, you need some treats, a muffin tin, and enough tennis balls to cover each well.

    To start, place a treat in each of the wells and cover each one up with a tennis ball. Present the entire muffin tin to your dog and watch them try to uncover how to get to the treats.

    It might take them some time to discover that they should lift each one to get a treat. But, stick around to keep encouraging them and guide them through the right way to interact with the homemade toy.

    Once they get the hang of it, you can make it harder by putting treats in only some of the wells. This is definitely an inexpensive game your dog will enjoy playing for a long time.

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    Reward Them For Making The Right Choice

    Food is generally a great reward for many German Shepherds.

    Okay, heres what helps to solidify the wanted behavior you choose

    The reward!

    Once youve shown them what theyre missing out on in the previous step and they decide its worth their effort to investigate it, give it to them as their reward.

    Now, you might be thinking, But how is that going to help discipline my German Shepherd?

    Well, remember when I told you the basics of how dogs think?

    And that dogs will continue to repeat behaviors that are rewarded?

    As your puppy catches on to your redirects and the reward, they slowly begin to learn they get something thats better than the unwanted behavior. And, you get to look like a fair leader who has their best interest at heart

    Strengthening your bond with them!

    Choose a healthy treat for your German Shepherd to keep them fit and strong.

    There might be times when your puppy is just out of control and wild. For those times, a short time-out might be in order.

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