German Shepherd Breed Development
German Shepherd Dogs are very large dogs, and all very large dog breeds require 2 to 3 years to fully mature. Female GSDs tend to develop quicker than males. There are several German Shepherd growth stages through which these dogs go as they grow, and this section will discuss them. The early stages are anywhere from a few weeks to a couple of months each, and the adolescent stage is the longest one. It’s best to get a GSD growth calculator with pictures so you can completely understand the puppy to adult growth rates and stages.
| Dog Age |
| Mental maturity should be fully developed by the end of this period |
How To Make A German Shepherd Sit
Its quite easy to make your dog listen to you if you have the patience you need. German Shepherds are known for their intelligence so it would be really easy to make your pet know what you want. In a matter of a few weeks, you would find your German Shepherd knowing just when you want it to sit.
Start with finding suitable treats. Dog biscuits or even a meal of bowl can be used. You can the dog tied or someone else holding the leash.
If you have time you should cook your own dog treats. In so many ways, cooking your own dog treats is a lot healthier than buying. You know exactly what kind of ingredients that you put into.
But sometimes, we are too busy to cook our own dog treats. In that case, you can buy ready-made dog treats. As a general rule, when you are looking to buy dog treats, you should always check the ingredients contained. If you are unsure about specific ingredients, open your browser and Google the ingredients.
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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Finding The Right Apartment
First off, youll have to make sure the apartment you live in accepts a dog as large as a German Shepherd. Many apartment complexes have the size and weight limits for dogs. In addition to that, some dog breeds like German Shepherds, Rottweiler, or Pitbulls are considered as aggressive dogs so they are not allowed. Be sure to check with your apartment management company or your landlord.
And there are a few considerations you have to make when it comes to living with a German Shepherd in an apartment.
How Much Exercise Does A German Shepherd Need
Whether youre lucky enough to own a German Shepherd already or thinking about having one join your family, knowing just how much exercise these handsome dogs need is a must.
Making sure your German Shepherd gets plenty of exercise and mental stimulation for that matter is really important for keeping them healthy and happy. Regular exercise can not only keep them in good shape, but it can also help improve their behaviour and wellbeing.
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Recipe Three: Frozen Peanut Butter And Blueberry Treats
Ingredients:
½ cup peanut butter, unsalted
¼ cup honey
½ cup blueberries, fresh or frozen
Preparation:
In a medium sized bowl, mix together the peanut butter and honey until well combined. Fold in the blueberries and mix gently. Pour mixture into an ice cube tray and freeze overnight. Pop-out treats once frozen and store in a closed container in the freezer until prepared to use. You can even store in the refrigerator for approximately a couple of weeks, but theyll be considered a bit soft so you may want to serve them straight from the freezer!
Take Preventive Measures To Avoid Bloat
German Shepherds are a deep-chested breed and this makes them more prone to bloat , which is a surgical emergency. A gastropexy surgery is a simple procedure to help prevent future bloating from becoming a life-threatening issue. Changes in the way you feed your dog may increase the risk of bloat, so stay consistent in the way you feed your dog. – Erica M. Irish, DVM
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Considerations: Cost Diet Size And Temperament
One of the first things that you should consider is the cost of a German Shepherd. In addition to the cost of a normal dog, which is anywhere from $300 to $700, you will also have to pay the cost of keeping the puppy healthy and safe.
German Shepherds cost about $1,500 to $2,500 a year. This cost will cover things like food, the supplies that you will need to groom your dog, and care from a veterinarian. This depends on where you live, the price of decent dog food, etc. In my country, I can keep costs below $ 1,000.
Another thing to consider is the diet of your dog. German shepherds grow up quite quickly, and you will need to adjust their diet according to the age and size of your dog. Diet is also incredibly important for a German Shepherd because a proper diet can help reduce the chances of them in developing joint and bone conditions later in life.
Also important is to learn about the type of dog that you are buying. Understanding the temperament of a German Shepherd, as well as their intense energy levels, can help prepare you for raising one.
Use Dog Pants Or Dipper
A dog in heat will bleed a lot. It will bleed for nearly 3 weeks. If you do not want blood spots all over your house, then you should consider buying a dog diaper or dog pants.
Usually, the German Shepherd tries to lick her self to stay clean, but it is better if you put her on a dipper.
Do not keep her pants up all day. Give her some time off the pants because dogs usually want to lick their genitals.
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Lean On Your Dog Or Let Them Lean On You
Some dogs really love to lean on their owners this is because this is a way that creates a significant attachment between them and the owner. German Shepherd Dogs are very social Dogs and they Love and enjoy physical contact with their owners. Sometimes they can become too excited that they will jump on you.Sometimes leaning is a way for Dogs to catch our attention. For example, when your Dog Leans on you and you react in a certain way or give him more attention. He will try to lean on you to catch your attention.Sometimes leaning can be a result of fear or insecurity of your Dog.
Can Leaning Be a Problem?
Leaning is considered safe but in some situations, some owners can not like that their dog leans on them. For stopping your dog to lean on you, Just walk away when your dog tries to lean on you and do not give him any attention until he stops leaning on you. But this can affect negatively on your relationship.
How Often Should You Bathe Your German Shepherd
There is no set schedule for how often you should bathe your German Shepherd. This depends on how dirty your German Shepherd is as well as the condition of their skin and coat.
Some owners bathe their German Shepherds every two to three months. Others bathe their dogs every three to four months. A few people only bathe their dogs twice a year.
You will need to decide what interval suits you and your dog best.
What you should avoid in this case is over bathing. Try not to bathe your dog every week or month. This will damage your dogs skin and coat.
What a lot of people fail to realize is that a German Shepherds skin naturally produces oils for their skin and coat. This is what keeps them healthy and gives them a shine.
Every time you wash your dogs coat, youre getting rid of these oils. Wash your dog too often and you might strip them of these oils, causing the skin to become dry and the coat to become brittle and unhealthy.
Overbathing your dog can also trigger another reaction. Your dogs skin might begin to produce an excess of oils to counteract the dryness. This will cause your dogs skin and coat to feel more oily, leading you to bathe them more often and allowing this vicious cycle to continue.
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How To Take Care Of A Dog
After you have adopted a dog, there are many things that must be considered in order to properly take care of them.
Most important is feeding them properly, brushing their coat, and playing with them. In this section, we will cover all of the essential information you need to be a great dog guardian!
Feeding
Like humans, every dog has their own unique dietary needs that must be met in order for them to function properly.
The first thing that should be done is figure out the breeds specific diet and then follow those guidelines closely. Once you know your dogs dietary needs, the next step is to purchase food that meets those requirements.
There are many different types of dog food on the market, so it is important to do your research and find a high-quality dog food that is best suited for your breed.
In addition to a proper diet, Dogs need drinking water just like us! it is also important to make sure your dog always has access to clean water. Be sure to provide your dog with enough fresh drinking water throughout the day.
If there are any changes in your dogs eating habits, it is important to consult with your veterinarian immediately.
Food Schedule
One of the most important things you need to do as a dog owner is to feed them properly. This means setting up a regular feeding schedule and making sure they always have access to food. You should also make sure their diet is healthy and includes plenty of protein.
So, How often should you feed your dog?
Treats
Bones:
Week Old German Shepherd Puppy: Care Weight And Training
Imagine you knew everything you needed to become an expert in 6 week old German Shepherd puppy care right now.
How happy would you look raising a baby German Shepherd successfully?
Keep reading to find out all the best information to put your mind and worries at ease and to help you raise a happy, healthy dog for life.
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Raising The Dog: Training And Socialization
There are many things to consider when raising a German Shepherd dog. Having a dog is no small responsibility. Think of it like having a small childâthe dog requires lots of love, lots of food, and lots of education.
If you don’t train your dog early in its life, it will become more and more difficult to train it as it gets older. If you want your dog to behave well, then it is vital that you train it early in its life. Itâs also extremely important to properly socialize your dog so that they can interact with humans and other dogs comfortably.
How Much Exercise Does A German Shepherd Puppy Need
German Shepherd puppies wont need as much exercise as their adult companions. In fact, its important not to over exercise your puppy, as it could lead to joint and mobility issues in later life . This is especially true for this breed since they are prone to conditions like hip dysplasia.
As a rule of thumb, puppies will need five minutes of formal exercise for every month of their age.
These walks should be opportunities to explore their environment, work on training and good behaviour outdoors, and socialise with other people and dogs in a controlled manner.
Your puppy will also get plenty of exercise from tearing around the house and playing, just make sure theyre getting enough sleep and be prepared to interrupt play for naptime if needed.
The easiest way to keep track of how much exercise your puppy is doing is by using a PitPat dog activity monitor. Its small and light so they wont notice it on their collar, and itll record all the activity they are up to in a day from playing with you to pottering in the garden.
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German Shepherd Border Collie Mix Is It Worth Owning
Names: German Shepherd Border Collie Mix, Shollie, GSD-BC mix, Border Collie German Shepherd Mix
German Shepherd Border Collie Mix is a cross between German shepherds and border collies. This guide is dedicated to all the owners of this outstanding breed!
German Shepherd Border Collies are intelligent and loyal animals that provide a sense of security and protection to their owners. They have a thick double coat that helps them adapt in cold climates and will be the perfect guard dog for a family with a fenced-in backyard. They are energetic dogs so they should have long walks every day. They love water so be sure to take them along next time you go for a dip in the pool or at the beach!
Accept And Love Your German Shepherd At Any Age
Dog owners know that getting a puppy is the first step on an incredible journey, but they also understand that the journey is a short one. Taking care of an older dog gives us the opportunity repay years of loyalty and love, and it can also help us to prepare for the inevitable.
If you want to bring a German Shepherd into your life and are willing to accept the responsibilities of dog ownership, the experts at Regis Regal can help you to find the perfect puppy and answer any questions you have. To find out more about our health guarantee, follow-up services and training programs, you can call us on 741-1908 or fill out our online contact form.
About Cindy Kelly
Iâm the owner of Regis Regal German Shepherds, a small family business located in Spring Grove, Illinois. Iâve been breeding German Shepherds of sound body and mind for over 30 years and specialize in providing families with loving companion dogs, and dogs for emotional support therapy, for veterans suffering PTSD, and for other special needs. Iâm trying to share my extensive knowledge on breeding and training the perfect German Shepherd with the wider community.
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Learn About The Measurements Of Your Puppys Parents
The next step to take in guesstimating your German Shepherd puppys adult height, weight, and size is to learn as much as you can about the mother and father dog.
Find out from your breeder what the exact height, weight, and length measurements are for each parent dog. You can also ask the breeder about how long it took each parent dog to complete its growth.
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How To Pick A German Shepherd Puppy
How are you supposed to know which dog to choose from? They are all going to be adorable. How can you tell which one will grow up to be the type of dog that you were looking for?
If you are not prepared to deal with it, trying to avoid getting a dog that has undergone trauma. Signs of trauma, like anxiety, distance, or antisocial behavior can be indicators of this. If there is any suspicious behavior from the breeder or anything that gives you cause to question the way that they care for their dogs, then you should not hesitate to seek a different breeder.
Make sure that the puppy you are choosing has just as much energy as their peers. Make sure that it is relatively easy for you to develop a connection with the dog before purchasing it. If he does not approach you or does not seem interested in developing a connection, they may have experienced trauma, or they may simply not like you. Some dogs simply don’t enjoy affection, and in many cases, this does not change when they become adults.
However, you must consider all aspects. If you are looking for a dog that will primarily be guarding your house or business, and we’ll be spending ample time alone, then perhaps it is wise to choose a dog that fares well on its own.
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From 9 Months To 24 Months
Dogs of different breeds and sizes mature at different ages, and while one year of age is commonly considered the end of puppyhood in general, a German Shepherd Dog may not reach an adult level of maturity before the age of two or three . So continuing to work on impulse control, improve obedience skills, and advance to training in more focused activities like tracking, scent work, protection work, agility, and herdingall of which are capabilities of this breedmust continue throughout this period and then be reinforced as your GSD reaches adulthood.
Keep in mind that this is a breed that thrives on constant and consistent work and training, and loves to have a jobor many jobs!to do. If you can provide your GSD with outlets for their intelligence and versatility, both you and your dog will reap the rewards.
Yasmine S. Ali, MD, is a cardiologist and writer based in Tennessee, where she lives with three Canine Good Citizens, including an AKC-registered German Shepherd Dog.