Master The Art Of Doggie Massage
Learning how to give a dog massage is enriching for owner and dog alike. A nice massage can help soothe and relax nearly any dog.
And dog massages are great for older dogs or those with arthritis, since it helps soothe sore and achy joints. Giving your dog a massage reduces anxiety, relieves stress, improves circulation, and creates a great bond between you and your dog.
Tip: If your dog has a hard time settling down for a massage you can practice the relaxation protocol.
Other Dogs Can Be Fun
If your GSD is used to being your only dog, then this tip may not be a good match. However, if your German Shepherd likes the company of other dogs, why not let him have a playdate?
Even better, if you have the room and the love, get another dog to keep your GSD company while youre gone.
This tip works best with highly socialized dogs and those who were raised around other dogs.
If your GSD has spent most of his life as an only dog, bringing another one home might cause more stress than happiness.
Dont Rush The Process
Below is a photo of my German Shepherd who took a dislike to one of her cushions in her crate!
Its important to recognize that not all German Shepherd puppies will learn everything right away. Patience and consistency are the key components of training your dog not to chew your stuff!
If you scold them too much or get mad at them, theyll become anxious or stressed. Shouting will not work when trying to discipline your German Shepherd.
You also shouldnt scold them aggressively when trying to stop destructive behavior as they might start to think that chewing is bad in general.
This will force them away from their chew toys and make them confused or sad. Your GSD could even end up barking, which is much more challenging to tame and prevent than chewing.
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Bone & Joint Protection
Many dog owners associate bone and joint disease with senior dogs, but the truth is that it is often genetic, and symptoms can start presenting themselves both in young and older dogs. German Shepherds are prone to joint problems, so prevention is crucial when wanting to care properly for your pup.
Since the GSD is a large breed dog, they mature more slowly than other smaller breeds, which includes the bones and joints. A young German Shepherd should be kept from jumping up and down on tall surfaces, to avoid causing irreparable damage as their bones are still soft, and once they grow older it is a good idea to start them on a supplement with glucosamine and chondroitin to improve and maintain bone- and joint health.
How Do I Know If A Toy Is Safe
Aside from paying attention to the size in relation to your dog and durability, you also want to look at what the manufacturer has made the toy from. Since theres no regulation for dog toy safety, sometimes potentially harmful chemicals can end up in the makeup. All the toys weve recommended here are safe, but always check when shopping on your own. You can also ask your vet for information if you feel unsure.
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Enriching Your Dogs Environment
Canis Familiaris is the culmination of several thousand years of evolution. A dogs entire genotype and phenotype is directed towards one primary goal survival! And survival in canine terms means an animal whose instincts are fine-tuned to hunt other animals, catch them, kill them, eat them, and subsequently replicate to improve those instincts and phenotype for the next generation!If we think of our domestic dogs , a well kept dogs only fight for survival might be whether the cat or himself gets on the couch first!
Lets face it, a domestic dogs life can be dead boring!
Top 20 Best Toys And Enrichment Activities For German Shepherd Dogs And Puppies
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Why do German Shepherds need toys and enrichment activities? Highly intelligent dogs need mental and physical stimulation. Toys and enrichment activities keep a German Shepherds brain sharp and body active while preventing hyperactivity and the development of bad behaviors due to boredom. Even just a bone to chew on is better than no toys at all.
Think about your dogs wolf-life instincts. Especially as a German Shepherd, he probably likes to chew on toys , chase his toys , and search for food within a toy .
If your German Shepherd doesnt have toys to play with, he may be tempted to chew on your shoes or the furniture. And nobody wants that!
Additionally, if you have a puppy who is teething, chew toys can bring relief to the pain and discomfort. Soft, rubber toys are usually best for this puppy stage.
Here, we built a highly-selective list of the best toys and enrichment activities for German Shepherd dogs and puppies. Weve divided the toys into categories: plush squeaky toys, rubber chew toys, puzzle/interactive toys, and outdoor toys for fetch and tug. Weve also designed a buying guide to help you understand which toys are best for your German Shepherd dog or puppys play habits.
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Consider The Vet For A Check
If you have a German Shepherd puppy whos excessively chewing on everything around the house and youve tried all of the above, seek help from your veterinarian. Some puppies have extra-itchy or painful gums when their adult teeth are coming through. This causes them to scratch them by biting everything they can.
Some vets might prescribe a spray or medicine in case theres an infection present. Every puppy is unique, and they might have demands that arent met by common chewing suggestions. A vet can take a close look to tell you if theres any other problem.
Chuckit Paraflight Dog Toy
Price: $$
- Can be used outdoors
Our Overview
No dog toy list is complete without a frisbee, and Chuckit is back with another top-quality toy that will keep your GSD healthy with plenty of running and jumping.
Woven from tough nylon, the aerodynamic shape of this flying disc is meant to be lightweight. It can float, making it suitable for pool use as well.
Although the brand claims it can stand up to chewing, the rubber edges tend to get bent when caught during a round of fetch. This can make it fly a bit wonky than in a straight line.
Still, for the price and quality, this is a durable frisbee option.
For pricing and availability .
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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.
Dont Neglect The Favorites
Frequent toy rotations are the easiest, cheapest, and simplest way to keep a GSD busy while youre gone. But we cant ignore the appeal of old favorites.
If your German Shepherd is attached to one or two specific toys, keep them out of the rotation. Those are the perfect comfort objects and should always be available and within reach.
Some common favorite toys include rope toys, stuffed animals, and refillable treat toys.
Just keep an eye on your dog and see which toys she gravitates to during sleepy, relaxed times. Those are the ones that will help trigger calming hormones and happy thoughts while youre away.
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Best Games To Play With A German Shepherd
The best games to play with a german shepherd help bring you one step closer to training success and dont break your bank account.
When you know the right brain games for German Shepherds you also entice their minds and give their intelligence a workout.
And these German Shepherd games are exactly the types of activities you want with your high-energy breed!
You can even try a new game right now, as many of these are totally free for you!
Give Them Something To Do
What do you want them to do while waiting for them to calm down?
If they display other bad behavior such as barking, nows the time to work on it. Follow the same steps above.
Or, you can teach them to sit and wait for their food. Do this when they have calmed down from jumping and barking. Their meal would serve as their reward.
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Playing Red Light/green Light
Red light/green light is an excellent game to teach impulse control. Its basically just a fun way to reinforce your dogs obedience.
If your German Shepherd has already mastered their stationary commands as well as their release command , this game will be a breeze to learn.
The best way to play this is with a tug toy, rope toy, or flirt pole. Play with them as energetically as you can.
Then, say red light, stop playing, and command them to sit. Pause for about 2 seconds and say green light, give them their release command, and start playing again.
The goal of the game is to make sure they follow their commands even when theyre stimulated by play. As your GSD improves, lengthen the time between your red light and your green light.
Eventually, theyll know exactly what to do when its red light and green light, and you wont need to give them their specific commands.
Simple Ways To Keep Your Dog Busy Indoors
Last updated on By Puppy Leaks
Looking for some easy ways to keep your dog busy and entertained? Youve come to the right place.
Keeping your dog entertained can be a challenge. And trying to come up with new ways to keep your dog entertained can be more exhausting than actually getting up and doing it.
To help you out Ive put together a list of 33 simple ways to keep your dog busy indoors.
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Intelligent Dogs Need To Use Their Brains
If they dont use their brains they become bored, and that leads to mischief. Bored German Shepherds are still clever German Shepherds. Highly-intelligent dogs, when left to their own devices, can wreak havoc in a home.
They may work out how to open bins or doors, how to access forbidden items. They may harm themselves. They will certainly make a mess.
Ive had training clients whose German Shepherds learned to escape steel crates. They could find their way into secured food bins and refrigerators, and open cupboards all over the house to ease their boredom.
Even my own managed to open the front door of a pet sitters home. And to go for an unsupervised stroll around the neighborhood.
German Shepherd training will challenge your dogs brain, reducing boredom, and will burn off some of that energy!
Does Your German Shepherd Whine Too Much
When your dog starts to whine, pay attention to the specific situation as well as their body language. In most cases, its easy to guess why theyre whining and once addressed, the whining should cease immediately.
If thats not the case with your dog and the whining doesnt seem to stop, you can address it through some of the above training techniques.
Additionally, if the excessive whining is sudden and uncharacteristic, make sure to get them checked out by a vet to rule out any medical causes of pain or discomfort.
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Work On Impulse Control For Better Manners
Dogs, like children, have to be taught that they cant always get what they want right away. From a puppy learning bite inhibition to teaching an adult dog to wait on command, impulse control keeps our dogs out of trouble and safe.
Brush up on the basic impulse control commands like leave it, wait, stay, settle, and down. These commands are important if your dog ever gets loose or decides to chase after that squirrel.
Instead of handing out a free meal have your dog perform a few tricks before they eat.
How To Keep German Shepherd Dog Busy While At Work
Leaving alone your German Shepherd at home can be a problem. But Do not Worry I am going to show you some really good tips for upcoming this problem.
Here are 11 easy and fun ways with which you can keep your Dog Busy:
There are several things you can do to take your German Shepherd busy while you are at work.
Everyone is very busy nowadays and we cant stay always with Our Loving German Shepherd. We have to pay bills, Buy to eat and many more things. Work is one of the key things in a person life.
But Also you Do not want to leave your German Shepherd Dog at home alone maybe because you have to go to work for 8 hours or more and there is no one else at home with your Dog.
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Kong Cozies Dog Squeaky Toy
The Kong Cozies Dog Squeaky Toy gives both young and full-grown German Shepherds the cuddles they love. At 16 inches in length, the extra-large toy will make the perfect pillow. Meanwhile, when your puppy is feeling energetic, the squeaker inside the toy entices him to play. You can even use the plush toy as a fetch toy.
Similar Toys to Consider:
ZippyPaws Squeakie Pup No-Stuffing Plush Dog Toy: A mini-me for your puppy! The ZippyPaws Squeakie Pup has 11 squeakers for tons of exciting noise while playing. But its also super soft for nap time.
Outward Hound Firehose Squeak N Fetch Dog Toy: While it may not be fluffy for cuddling, the firehose material is great for those power-chewing adult German Shepherds who destroy delicate plush toys.
Agility Training: Mentally Challenging And Encourages Discipline
Agility training isnt for every dog. We knew we didnt want Sultan to compete professionally, but we did know that she was a determined, intelligent dog who needed some serious exercise to relieve her energy.
There was a free agility course right inside the dog park in our neighborhood, and it was easy to teach her to run the course, even though she was wary of stunts like the seesaw at first. There was nothing she loved more than heading out to the park and running the agility course a few timesit was good for her and it was good for us.
If you dont have an agility course in your area, you might be able to set up a makeshift one. Dogs, just like humans, might like some repetitive games like fetch, but eventually, they’re going to get bored of that and want to do something that is a little more interactive and varied. Trying to find a game that fulfills those needs and gets both of you moving is key to a happy and healthy dog.
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Leave Him In A Safe Place
You have to be careful that your German Shepherd Dog Is in a Safe place when you Leave Because You Do not want that he scratch or broke something expensive if he gets bored when alone.
Most importantly he should not hurt himself playing with dangerous things or making accidents throughout the House.
Here is a good article on How to dog proof your house.
How To Keep A German Shepherd Busy While Youre Gone
With the right training and preparation, its much easier to keep a German Shepherd busy and happy while youre gone.
If you followed some of the suggestions above, you should be well on your way to achieving dog parent nirvana.
Youre now ready to dive into the specifics of keeping your GSD busy while youre away for a while, not just a few minutes at a time.
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