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How To Get A German Shepherd To Like You

How Big Can A German Shepherd Get

5 Things to Know Before Getting a German Shepherd!

German Shepherds are one of the finest dog breeds and also considered as the best all-purpose dogs. They are large-sized and muscular-looking dogs with personality traits such as cleverness, alertness, loyalty, courageousness and high self-esteem. Overall, a Shepherd is just a real charm to humans.

But how big can a German Shepherd get?

On average, male German Shepherds can grow 65-90 pounds in weight and 24-26 inches in height whereas female German Shepherds are able to grow 50-70 pounds in weight and 22-24 inches in height .

These numbers are based on an average analysis and depending on different factors such as health conditions, the size of a GSD can be different. However, you can see a size-difference between male and female Shepherds and it is surely a quite normal thing to see in the animal world in general.

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  • Can I Leave My German Shepherd Alone With My Children

    Even if your German Shepherd is normally quiet and friendly, you should always supervise him while hes around young children for his protection as well as theirs. A dog who regularly exhibits dominant behavior should not be left unsupervised with children of any age.

    A dog who has ever aggressively bitten anyone should not be around children at all. Even if nipping occurred only during play, you should closely supervise your German Shepherd around children until youre absolutely certain the behavior wont be repeated.

    I Am The Proud Best Friend Of An Amazing German Shepherd For Almost 7 Years Now And It Is For Sure One Of The Best Experiences Of My Life

    Id like to share with others a few things that describe very well my life with a German Shepherd, with its ups and also downs.

    A lot of people think that getting a dog is just like getting a new Xbox game. You play with it until you get bored and then you throw it in the back of a drawer and forget about it.

    Sometimes people are disappointed to find out that having a dog is not what they thought and even consider abandoning or even giving away their pet for that reason.

    An average dog lifespan is around 1013 years. When you decide to adopt one, keep in mind that it may be sticking around for a while. Think very well through if you have enough space, financial resources and time for your dog.

    Dont get a dog to make you feel better, less lonely, more important or more responsible. Adopt a dog for the purpose of offering that animal a good and happy life.

    Here are some things I have experienced and learned about having a dog, a big and fury pal a German Shepherd:

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    Hello, do not hesitate to let Jaxon meet a trainer. It will be the best thing you can do for him. He needs socialization with people right away or the situation will only get worse. And Jaxon will get bigger and stronger every day. Makes some calls or go to the dog park and ask around there. When you speak to the trainer, explain the problems you are having. The trainer will let you know if they specialize in that type of issue and if not, they can refer you to someone. Practice obedience commands 20 minutes a day in the meantime: https://wagwalking.com/training/obedience-train-a-whippet. As well, work on Heeling while walking Jaxson. This will give him focus when you are out and help him behave better. Take a look at the Turns Method and the Treat Lure Method: https://wagwalking.com/training/train-a-poodle-to-heel. But yes, call the trainer right away and all the best!

    How Do I Get My German Shepherd To Bond With Me

    Should you get a German shepherd puppy? 11 things to know ...

    3 Great Ways To Strengthen Your Bond With Your German Shepherd Dog

  • #1 Play. Play is an easy and fun way to bond with your German Shepherd.
  • #2 Training. Not only does training give your Shepherd the mental stimulation he needs, but it really helps your relationship.
  • #3 Learn Your Shepherds Language.
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    They Look You In The Eyes

    Another;study;led by Japan-based researchers determined that when dogs and their humans engage in eye contact, it leads to a boost in oxytocin in both parties. Oxytocin is generally regarded as the cuddle hormone because it is responsible for feelings of comfort in both dogs and humans.

    Additionally, the more oxytocin a dog has, the more likely they are to gaze at you. So, when your GSD stares at you, it is because they love you, and your presence makes them feel good.

    Let Your German Shepherd Know You Are In Charge

    Older German Shepherds that bite will often do it to try to exert dominance over their owner. They can also bite due to jealousy, or when you tell them to do something like get off your chair or bed.

    Handy Hint: Ive written an in-depth explanation to why dogs like to steal your seat when you get up.

    You need to train your German Shepherd to realize you are the pack leader and the dominant one. Alphas like us owners, should not be bitten by pack members lower down the chain.

    Being assertive will help, but often simply rewarding good behavior is enough to get a dog to bend to your will.

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    How We Build This Programme: Push Drop Stick

    Heres a good resource for you to have the Push Drop Stick game. I like to use this game to see whether puppies are ready to move on in their training, or if they need to spend more practice runs.

    Did we need to remind you how intelligent German Shepherds are? Make sure to keep them stimulated by progressively making their exercises more challenging. They really do need to be given a job to do rather than allowing them to be self-employedwho knows how that can end up.

    What is Push, Drop, Stick?

    Push, Drop, Stick, is a way of systematically raising the difficulty of an exercise or behaviour.

    If exercises are always kept too easy, then dogs will keep doing them correctly because they are being rewarded . However, progress will be slower as theyll get stuck at this level.;

    If lessons are too hard, then its likely that theyll give up since treats wont be coming as easy. Looks like theyd be quite good businessmen as humans.

    Push Drop Stick can help avoid both scenarios by maintaining enough momentum: It will keep your puppy winning enough times to keep them interested and not quit, but not so much that they arent thinking about how to be rewarded by trying harder.

    How does it work?

    Push Go to the next level of difficulty

    Drop Back to the previous level of difficulty

    Stick Stay at the current level of difficulty

    ;
    3 or 4 out of 5 Do another set of 5 at this difficulty He doesnt need you to drop, but he isnt quite ready to be pushed yet.

    Ways To Improve The Bond With Your Dog

    3 Things YOU MUST KNOW Before You Get a German Shepherd Puppy! GSD Puppy Beginners Guide.

    The bond between dogs and people is ancient. A new study in the Journal Science argues that the domestication of dogs happened between 18,800 and 32,100 years ago in Europe.

    Today, the dog human relationship goes much deeper than relying on dogs for herding, hunting, and protecting. Our dogs are our companions, friends, and confidants. We rely on their unconditional love and loyalty for emotional support, joy, and when were stressed, they sooth our souls. We sleep better at night knowing they are there, forever watchful and alert. The bond we share is unique and there is nothing that can replicate it.

    Usually our relationship with our dogs forms so naturally that it is easy to forget that it takes work to develop it. Even the best of dog and owner relationships can benefit from doing the things that help strengthen, grow, or simply nurture the relationship. When bringing a new dog into the family, sometimes bonding takes more time and effort.

    Signs that the new relationship with a dog needs work includes: Emotional indifference, refusal to play or interact, distrust, no desire to be touched, lack of eye contact, fear, isolation, attempting to run away or escape, lethargy, aggression or even depression. The reasons a newly adopted dog may exhibit these behaviors is numerous, however, the good news is that most dogs desire and need human love and companionship so that with time and nurturing, a bond will deepen and flourish.

    Bond building activities for dogs

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    Be Proactive Not Reactive

    Even if such behavior is a phase of doggie development, it is still unacceptable to the public at large. Start listening to your young German Shepherd about what he or she is or isnt comfortable with and act accordingly.

    If your dog seems to dislike bearded men, for instance, do not force him or her to interact with bearded men. Instead, keep your distance in a relaxed manner, and if your dog observes the man without barking or growing, praise and feed a treat. If your dog does bark or growl, you must move farther away until your dog is able to focus on you and be calm. Feed and praise the dog for looking at you, making your distance to the undesirable person closer ONLY AS THE DOG FEELS COMFORTABLE. Any signs of discomfort from the dog should be interpreted as though you are moving too fast.

    Typically, a soothing laugh from you and a cookie or two given BEFORE the dog begins to react are enough to calm most young dogs nerves. But always, always, listen to your dogs body language before allowing a stranger to pet the dog.

    Dogs who move away from a strangers touch are stating in no unclear terms that they do not want to be petted. Forcing the issue could lead to a bite!

    German Shepherds Like To Play Rough

    Shepherds have a tendency to rough-house with both people and other dogs. Theyre intense animals! They dont have the soft mouths of retrievers or the delicate playfulness of smaller breeds. Dog owners with other breeds have told me that it took them a while to realize that our shepherds were playing with their dogs and not trying to kill them. In my experience, even in play, shepherds like to go for the throat and get into some heavy-duty wrestling. Supervise their interactions with other dogs, and help your shepherd take lots of breaks and time-outs so that the play doesnt get too overwhelming.

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    What Are Good Rewards For A German Shepherd

    Always keep a stash of motivational rewards on hand for your training to motivate your dog to listen to you and pay attention.

    Some good rewards for a German Shepherd that really improve your dogs hearing are:

    • Tiny pieces of real, cooked chicken
    • Pea-sized bits of cheese
    • A special rope tug toy
    • A toy that crinkles or squeaks
    • The Ferrari of dog treats freeze-dried liver
    • Food treats that are highly scented to get their nose really worked up

    Be sure to choose a snack that is healthy for your dog!

    Your dog is sure to love one of these healthy, highly scented training treats for German Shepherds.

    Dont forget that you can use a special toy if your dog isnt food motivated.

    Or even praise through your words and pets.

    And always be sure to account for the extra calories your dog eats during training so you can reduce their regular meals a bit.

    Recall Outside Using A Lead

    Luna

    Ooh, time to practice outside.;;

    Let us give you a disclaimer: The outside will bring huge distractions to your training especially for an inquisitive puppy!

    But its nothing you cant handle. Were sure youre even turning into a pro now.

    How to do it

  • Walk with your puppy to the new location. Make sure youre using plenty of treats so that your puppy isnt pulling you in all directions.
  • When youre at a quiet corner, practice 6 recalls while theyre on the lead.;
  • Right before you give them the treat, pop your fingers inside the harness this helps later when youre putting the lead on and stops them running off after theyve collected their treat.
  • TIPS

    · ; Your puppy may find it very distracting with all of the smells, so try to make your voice sound extra cheerful and happy to get their attention.

    · ; Use your come cue when your puppy is actually looking at you. That way you can make sure theyre actually starting to learn what the word means.;

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    The Secret To Success

    The secret to having a German Shepherd who is safe around non-threatening strangers is teach him or her what friendly people look like. The message should be, Everyone is friendly. That way, if your German Shepherd meets someone who isnt, he or she will pick up on the persons intentions right away.

    Temperament Time-Out

    Some dogs, no matter how well socialized, are innately shy or innately suspicious. If your dog has a history of growling, snapping or lunging at strangers, do not attempt behavior modification without the opinion and/or supervision of an animal behavior professional.

    Get Ready For Negative Public Perceptions

    Thanks to the media, history, popular culture, and surely many mishandled dogs, German Shepherd;dont exactly have the best public image. If it hurts your feelings that some people are automatically scared of your dog, a German Shepherd may not be right for you. If you have a German; Shepherd, let this motivate you to make your dog a great breed ambassador and help change negative stereotypes.

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    Common German Shepherd Behavioral Problems And Personality Traits

    Over the years working as a dog trainer, Ive probably worked with as many German shepherd dogs as any other breed.

    Most often, they are an incredibly loyal breed, are devoted to their owners, and have really sweet and fun personalities. And so, to those of you who love the breed and wouldnt consider anything but a German shepherd in the future, I understand!

    Yet, some people are terrified of them and feel they are dangerous dogs to own.

    To those of you that are wary of German shepherds, I understand where you are coming from, too! First off, they are very large dogs and can come off very intimidating.

    Second, their instinct to protect their family or property is strong and can lead untrained German shepherds to becoming very protective, aggressive, and scary dogs.

    The keyword here is untrained, as any untrained dogregardless of breedcan have the same problems.

    Over the last decade I really feel like Ive come to understand German shepherds and have personally fallen in love with this breed. Ive also realized that theyre so misunderstood due to poorly trained German shepherds often ending up in the news and how they are portrayed on TV and in the media.

    For this reason, I wanted to write todays post in hopes that, if you are someone who fears this breed, are looking for help and direction with your dog, or you know someone who is wary of German shepherds, then this honest truth about this lovely breed might change your mind.

    Getting A Healthy Dog

    5 things you should do with your German Shepherd

    If youre buying a German Shepherd puppy then youre probably going to have them in your life for the next decade. During this time you will build a strong attachment to them as they will end up being a big part of your life.

    You will therefore want to look to find a puppy that is as healthy as possible. By finding a puppy that is as healthy as possible youre going to be able to spend more time with your new best friend but likely save yourself a large amount of money in vet bills.

    When buying the puppy, try not to get lost in the puppys eyes straight away, give them a critical look. Do they appear to be healthy? Are they skinny? How about the rest of the litter, or the parents? You wont always be able to meet the father but you should be concerned if youre not going to be able to meet the mother

    It is also worth asking the breeder about any genetic tests that have been done on the puppy or the mother. Not all will do the test but some do and if they have the information it is worth you getting it and understanding it.

    Unfortunately, German Shepherd dogs are known for their health issues. While you may try and find a puppy that is as healthy as possible, they may still experience anything from a minor allergy to serious health issues.

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    German Shepherds And Small Children

    On television and the internet, we are always seeing how great German Shepherds puppies are with children. However, this is something that you should be careful of.

    They might be great with children, and small children, but there is one thing that you should know. These puppies are hard players. They like playing rough and bites hard. This can hurt small children easily. You should learn this puppy that biting humans are not allowed. Right from the start. ;Then, you will have a dog that will always protect your children.

    Massage Them For A Super Bond

    Want to know the secret to a super bond with your dog?

    Put on these special glove mitts that massage your dog gently.

    Bonus: it also removes loose hair.

    Its actually a triple win since youre also helping increase circulation in their skin to give them a shiny coat, too.

    Massaging your dog is calming to them and they will associate you with relaxing affectionate times. The SPCA states that massage helps reduce stress and this means that you are the bringer of good things for them!

    Massaging also increases your bond with and teaches them that you love spending time with them!

    Quiet time relaxing with your dog also gives you a chance to relax and studies show it can lower your blood pressure when you stroke your dog for at least 5 minutes

    Preferably every day.

    German Shepherds love training with their person!

    Especially positive and fun training, that uses motivation and their drive like in this program that uses brain games that increase their mental stimulation and improves their behavior.

    Training a German Shepherd shouldnt only involve all the basic commands, but it should include fun ways to use your breeds exceptional intelligence.

    And, thats exactly what brain training does!

    Dont teach your GSD to fear you. Instead, show them you are a fun and fair leader full of love and affection for them with games and training.

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