Have You Tested The Puppy
As noted above, many reputable breeders will have screened their puppies for elbow and hip dysplasia and should be able to provide you with a report from the OFA, SV, or PennHIP.
Be wary of any breeder who tells you they didnt feel the need to screen their litter because neither of the parents has hip or elbow dysplasia.
Although the offspring of healthy parents are less likely to suffer from dysplasia, theyre not immune. The only way to know for certain that a puppy is healthy is to have it tested.
German Shepherd Breeding Specific Information
The first thing potential dog breeders should do before undertaking the challenge is to educate themselves on the German Shepherd breed. The kind of information to look for includes things like:
- What age does the Dam have to be before breeding can start
- Are there any standards that must be met
- What health concerns should be addressed
- How to choose the right male partner for breeding
Those are just some examples of what needs to be known before getting started. As surprising as it may sound, the answers can change across breeds. So its crucial that dog breeders do their homework on the specific breed theyre dealing with.
Teach Them The Command
Once your German Shepherd is comfortable with basic commands, its time to try the attack command. The best process is to put on your gloves and tap on the face and nose of your dog. This action will cause annoyance, and eventually, they will respond by biting the gloves. When this happens, state the command attack.
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Search Pet Adoption Websites
Apart from the rescue groups listed in breed club networks, you can also search adoption sites, filtering your search to focus on the German Shepherd breed. Here are three examples of adoption sites you can target:
Petfinder is an online directory of adoption organizations and animal shelters across the US, Mexico, and Canada and a database of animals in need of a home.
On its dogs for adoption section, the Petfinder website lets you search for a dog of your preference by specifying details related to the breed, age, size, gender, coat type and color, and your preferred rescue or shelter, among others.
Adopt a Pet is a non-profit adoption advertising charity site with headquarters in Indian Hill Blvd., Claremont, CA. The site helps homeless pets in shelters to find a new owner and home.
You can search the site by specifying the breed, location, and distance you are looking for the pet, sex, and age.
Dogtime has its headquarters in Los Angeles and has a long history of rescuing pets, among other initiatives. The website features an adopt a dog tool finder that can help you filter your search according to the breed and the area you are in.
Training And Discipline Methods
Yet another factor that can enhance or detract from your bond with your German Shepherd is the type of training and discipline methods you choose to use with your dog.
There are two main schools of thought in dog training today: positive and negative.
Positive training sessions involve rewards for desired behaviors.
Negative training, similarly, involves punishments for undesirable behaviors.
The general school of thought today is that positive training methods do a great deal more to facilitate the owner-dog bond than do negative training methods.
The more praise, pats, gaze holding, treats, playtime, toys, and overall positive interactions you can have with your dog, the more affectionate and loving you are likely to feel towards one another.
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What Does A Barking German Shepherd Dog Sound Like
The sound of a German Shepherd dog barking can change markedly from puppyhood to adulthood, even though this is a relatively short amount of time.
As this short YouTube video highlights, the GSDs puppy bark sound is quite high pitched and shrill.
But as a German Shepherd puppy grows into adulthood, the bark sound deepens and becomes more resonant and forceful. Your dog may also discover that they can howl and start to howl as well, especially at night.
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What Is A Gsd
In this how to train your German Shepherd puppy article, it would make a lot of sense to talk about, you know, German shepherds?
German Shepherds, also known as German shepherd Dogs are medium to large sized dogs originating from.Germany.
This breed was officially known as the Alsatian in Britain until 1977 when its name was changed back to German Shepherd.
Even though they sport a rather primal, wolf-like appearance, the German Shepherd is a relatively new breed of dog, with their origin dating to only1899.
They are a part of the Herding Group. True to their name, German Shepherds are working dogs developed originally for herding sheep.
However, because of their strength, intelligence, trainability, and obedience, German Shepherds around the world are often the preferred breed for many types of work, including disability assistance, search-and-rescue, police and military roles, and acting.
One of my grandparents friends was by the police force for quite some time and upon retiring took his German Shepherd with him to live the relaxed pensioner life.
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Different Gsds May Show Affection Differently
In addition to the general contributing factors that were mentioned here earlier oxytocin, puppyhood experience, training methods, and health there are some dog-specific factors that can influence how your particular GSD displays affection.
Just like some people are more likely to hug friends while other people may smile or shake hands or even give a kiss on both cheeks, some German Shepherds may be more inclined to whine and wriggle while others will lick or lean instead.
There isnt one better way for your GSD to show you affection.
Just because your friends German Shepherd likes to show affection by kissing her hands and your GSD likes to cuddle up with you on the couch doesnt mean anything except that the two dogs have different love languages. And perhaps you do too!
Your German Shepherd will surely notice what you respond to most and will probably adjust their behavior accordingly to give you more of that.
Similarly, if your habit is to sit and watch television at night with your dog while cuddling and giving pats, then your dog is more likely to cuddle with you and seek pats as a show of affection.
Like the German Shepherd Dog Club of America highlights, German Shepherds as a breed were developed to live and work closely with people.
The breeds founder, an ex-calvary officer in German named Captain Max von Stephanitz, set out with a vision to create the perfect working dog a dog of unparalleled work ethic and intelligence.
Gsds Are Loving Companions
These are very social dogs who want to spend time with their humans. The more time your dog gets to spend with you, the happier your companion will be. They may exhibit aloofness with strangers rather than immediately adoring everyone they see, but that only makes their love even more special. Plus, these loyal and dedicated guardians and gentle family pets are willing to put their life on the line to protect their loved ones. And you cant ask for a more loving best friend than that.
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S To Teaching The Speak Command
I recommend teaching your dog the speak command first. Before teaching your dog a new command, you should always decide which word you are going to use without sounding too similar to other cues.
In this situation, words like talk, bark or speak are commonly used. So, if youve already decided on a word, lets get right to the steps.
Step 1: Get Your Furball Yapping
First, you should get your dog to bark. Create a situation in which your dog usually barks. Get your dog excited!
Step 2: Mark The Behavior
The moment your dog barks mark it with a treat and praise it. Remember not to praise excessive barking, and try to catch a single bark before giving a treat.
Step 3: Use Your Cue Word
Now, its time to add the cue word. Repeat the first steps, but this time say the word speak and give the treat. You can also add a visual signal to help your dog learn this command faster.
Step 4: Praise And Practice
When your dog is able to relate a word with barking, itstime to say the command by itself. Make sure that you say the command only onceand offer a reward as soon as your dog barks.
Repeat the same thing for a few days until your pup masters the command.
Start Your Marketing Campaign Early
Unless you already have a list of interested people, youll need to get the word out about your litter before they even arrive and provide information on when the puppies will be available for sale. You can take an ad out in a publication, advertise on social media, get a website up and running, etc. There are multiple ways to advertise. The key is to start early enough to get traction.
Successful dog breeders such as Laras Canine Solutions in New Braunfels will tell you that breeding a quality litter isnt always easy. German Shepherd puppies can bring a lot of joy to someones life, but the reality is that it takes a lot of preparation, hard work, research and financial commitment on behalf of the breeder to ensure a successful litter and breeding experience.
The most important tip is to be prepared for any situation that may occur. In cases like these, the experts will tell you theres no such thing as being over prepared. If youre ready for the commitment, German Shepherd breeding can be an exciting and rewarding experience. Good luck!
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German Shepherds And Other Pets
To help them be calm and patient, it’s best to socialise your German Shepherd with other dogs and pets from a young age. Some can be a bit bossy with other dogs as they get older but with proper care, training and socialisation this is unlikely to become a problem. If youre having issues with your German Shepherd around other pets, the best thing to do is get advice from a trainer or behaviourist.
German Shepherds are usually fine with other family pets they have grown up with. If they havent grown up with a cat or other smaller pets, though, they may have the urge to chase them so any introductions later in life should be done very carefully.
Learn How To Stop Your German Shepherd From Barking At Strangers The Right Way
The best way to learn how to stop your German Shepherd from barking at strangers is to use a complete training program that helps your dog to understand whats expected and wanted.
Most importantly, stay consistent in your at-home German Shepherd training and dont expect results overnight.
Changing a self-rewarding behavior like barking at strangers can take weeks or months of diligent practice.
Many forward-thinking German Shepherd owners, like yourself, who want to teach their dogs to listen to them and avoid unwanted behaviors with positive training did so by joining an online training program that uses scientifically-backed protocols found in the online Brain Training for Dogs program.
Imagine learning how to control your German Shepherd with kindness, compassion, and science. The step-by-step obedience videos help teach your dog to listen to you and, with time and training, to listen to your quiet command and stop them from barking at strangers.
Take a moment to look over the online training program and learn how to use brain training for better behavior.
You and your dog deserve a break from their barking to have some fun!
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Top 10 Claims For German Shepherds
Like all dogs, German Shepherds can get sick or injured unexpectedly. The top 10 accident and illness claims received by ASPCA Pet Health Insurance^ for this breed are:
- Allergies*
- Lamenesswhich could indicate hip or elbow dysplasia
- Arthritis
*Pre-existing conditions are not covered. Waiting periods, annual deductible, co-insurance, benefit limits and exclusions may apply. For all terms and conditions visit www.aspcapetinsurance.com/terms. Preventive and Wellness Care reimbursements are based on a schedule. Complete Coverage reimbursements are based on the invoice. Levels 1-4 reimbursements are based on usual and customary eligible costs. Products, schedules, and rates may vary and are subject to change. Discounts may vary and are subject to change. More information available at checkout.
The ASPCA® is not an insurer and is not engaged in the business of insurance. Products are underwritten by United States Fire Insurance Company , produced and administered by C& F Insurance Agency, Inc. , a Crum & Forster company. Through a licensing agreement, the ASPCA receives a royalty fee that is in exchange for use of the ASPCAs marks and is not a charitable contribution. C& F and Crum & Forster are registered trademarks of United States Fire Insurance Company. Crum & Forster Pet Insurance Group is a trademark of United States Fire Insurance Company. The Crum & Forster group of companies is rated A by AM Best Company 2020.
Do German Shepherds Jump On You
The most probable reason for the jumping is that it is excited. When German Shepherds get excited its common for them to express their excitement by jumping up. They do it because they want to greet you at the face and because their mother would feed them from the face as puppies and they would jump up.
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When Should I Start Training My German Shephard Puppy
Lets start with basics. Many people may claim various things about when one should start training their new dog.
It is best to start training them as soon as they arrive in their forever home aka your house.
Usually a new puppy would arrive being between 6 and 8 weeks old. The sooner you start teaching them, the better.
Like that, the are more likely to listen and obey commands.
Do German Shepherds Dig Under Fences
German Shepherds can be very adventurous dogs one possible reason why it is digging is to escape. If your German Shepherd does the digging near the fence then this could be the reason. If your German Shepherd is digging near the fence then it is something that will be very important for you to put an end to.
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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.
Signs Of An Ethical Breeder
So, what exactly should you look for when you set out to vet a breeder? You will know you are dealing with an ethical breeder if:
- They look after their puppies health: Before selling one of their puppies, theyve made sure the pup has visited a licensed vet and has been dewormed and given shots.
- They try to match your personality: Reputable breeders care that their puppies are placed in the best homes for them. They may test the temperaments of a new litter so that they can match the puppies personalities with the prospective buyers.
- They want you to spay or neuter: Ethical breeders are very careful when they choose two parents to breed a litter. In order to ensure the continued health of the breed, as well as of the puppy itself , they will ask that you agree to have the puppy neutered or spayed.
- They ask you to sign a contract: This contract may include a guarantee against health problems, as well as a clause that stipulates you need to notify the breeder if you find yourself unable to care for your dog any longer, among other things.
- They are lifelong learners: They are knowledgeable about diseases and genetic problems affecting German Shepherds, such as elbow and hip dysplasia. They keep themselves up-to-date on the latest information and treatments.
There are also several things an ethical breeder might give you. These may include:
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Tip : Make Crate Training A Priority
Crate training offers plenty of critical benefits, especially to puppies. Apart from providing a private space where they can feel safe, the right crate can be an excellent housebreaking tool.
Since dogs are naturally averse to soiling their own den, theyre likely to bark, wail, or give you other signals that they need to go out for potty. Just make sure you crate train properly and use it as a positive tool for your dogs physical and mental wellbeing.
Desensitize Your Dog To The Stimulus
Gradually get your dog accustomed to whatever is causing them to bark. Start with the stimulus at a distance. It must be far enough away that they dont bark when they see it. Feed them lots of good treats. Move the stimulus a little closer and feed treats. If the stimulus moves out of sight, stop giving your dog treats. You want your dog to learn that the appearance of the stimulus leads to good things !
Example: Barking at other dogs
- Have a friend with a dog stand out of sight or far enough away so your dog wont bark at the other dog.
- As your friend and their dog come into view, start feeding your dog treats.
- Stop feeding treats as soon as your friend and their dog disappear from view.
- Repeat the process multiple times.
- Remember not to try to progress too quickly as it may take days or weeks before your dog can pay attention to you and the treats without barking at the other dog.
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