Good At Handling Change
German Shepherds are excellent at handling changes. They can withstand various conditions from high temperatures to low, GSDs can live inside and outside. A German Shepherd can adapt to a big family and it’s okay if you live alone.German Shepherds are the third most intelligent dog breed. Pay attention to the dog’s education and your four-pawed friend will definitely live up to your expectations.
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Look For A Known Child
The best choice for many families is to find a young adult GSD who previously lived successfully with children. This means the rescue or previous owner knows the German Shepherd is child-friendly through the dogs history.
Look for a dog who obviously LOVES kids! Not a dog who merely tolerates kids.
Check with your local German Shepherd Dog rescues or other dog organizations for adoptable adult dogs that show success with families.
The best GSD for kids is those GSDs who receive proper socialization, positive family-friendly training, proper amounts and the right type of exercise, and attention.
Dont underestimate how much time and resources your GSD needs!
Things To Consider Before Buying A Dog House For Your German Shepherd
The GSD will not fit in just any dog house. As such, there are different features you should look out for when purchasing the best house for your GSD. They include:
- Size
Adult GSDs grow to a considerable size, which means that you have to select a dog house that will be able to accommodate their size. There are no perfect dog house sizes so you need to choose one that is spacious enough inside. Pick a house that your German Shepherd will be able to get in and out, move around, and lie down in comfortably.
Before paying for any house, however, make sure to review its overall measurements. Check the size of the doorway, windows, inside space, and height. By checking the height, you can know if the dog house will be sufficient. It is also important to know that choosing the biggest is not always best since bigger houses reduce heat retention, thus keeping your dog cold.
- Material
Reviewing the dog house material is important because it determines the durability of the house and the safety of your dog when he or she is inside the house. They are mainly made from wood and plastic and your choice of material should depend on your dogs temperament and your home areas climate.
If your dog likes chewing on stuff, it will be advisable to get a material that can withstand the abrasiveness. Similarly, you should get a material that can withstand weather elements if you intend to keep the dog house outside. Here is a small brief about each material.
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How Much Does A German Shepherd Cost
How much is a German Shepherd? On average, a German Shepherd costs between $500 and $1,500 when purchased from a breeder. The cost can fluctuate depending on the location and reputation of the breeder. You can also consider getting a German Shepherd from a rescue organization. This option may be less expensive, but you may also have to wait until they have a dog available for you.
Is A German Shepherd A Good Family Dog
The short answer is maybe. It really depends on your family and your lifestyle. If youre looking for an active dog who can help keep your family safe the German shepherd might be the perfect family pet.
It is important that potential owners of German shepheds have a plan to ensure that their dogs have a job to do and enough space to get some exercise. While a fenced in yard is ideal, if you dont have one it doesnt automatically mean you cant keep one of these dogs successfully. Doggie daycares, dog parks/runs and even participating in sporting lessons like agility can offer plenty of exercise for your pup.
Like any other dog, German shepherds need proper training and socialization. This means exposing your dog to as many people, places and things as possible when they are young. You also want to make sure your dog is under you control. A 90 pound German Shephard dragging you around town can be downright dangerous, so leash manners are a must. A good and reliable sit, down and come will also help you keep your dog well under your control.
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Are German Shepherds Good Family Pets
The German Shepherd temperament is calm and caring. They are considered a good house dog.
Their intelligence, respect, energy, loyalty, love, and alertness make them good family pets.
Like most dogs, they do have a few health issues with arthritis and other joint issues in their later years of life. When buying a puppy always make sure their parents have had all the relevant health checks for the breed, to reduce chances of common genetic problems.
In conclusion, the German Shepherd would make a wonderful family pet. They are dedicated to love and protect their family while being a playful and active companion.
Do you own a German Shepherd? Wed love to know more about your furry friend! Feel free to leave any tips or comments below!
Grooming: Do German Shepherds Shed A Lot Are They Easy To Groom
About shedding….
I have good news and bad news.
The good news is that German Shepherds have only one shedding period a year.
The bad news is…. their shedding period lasts for 365 days. In other words, German Shepherds shed constantly.
How is this different from most breeds?
Most breeds shed a few hairs here and there throughout the year. But the vast bulk of their shedding occurs only twice a year for three weeks in the spring as their thicker winter coat switches over to a cooler summer coat, and for three weeks in the fall as the summer coat switches over to a winter coat.
Not German Shepherds. They shed a TON during those spring and fall coat-switching seasons. Plus they shed moderately the rest of the year.
So year-round, you’ll find hair on your clothing, on your carpets, and under your refrigerator. Frequent vaccuming will become a way of life.
You might be wondering, “How can a shorthaired dog shed so much?” The answer is that German Shepherds have a double coat. They have a short outer coat , plus a woolly undercoat . Breeds with a double coat always shed more than breeds who simply have an outer coat but no undercoat.
German Shepherds come in a long coat, as well as a short coat. Both coats shed heavily.
Now, about grooming….
How much grooming is required depends on whether a German Shepherd is shorthaired or longhaired.
Longhaired dogs need trimming
Along with brushing and combing, longhaired German Shepherds need trimming every few months.
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They Need A Strong Leader
The German Shepherd was originally bred to be a working dog. As a result, they tend to work hard and push even harder. If they dont have a leader to look to for instruction and direction, then they will try to become the leader of the pack themselves. Their owner must be firm, consistent, and confident while also can remain cool, calm, and collected. Leadership must always come from the owner. If a German Shepherd senses weakness or a lack of leadership, it may try to take the place of top dog.;
The German Shepherd: Family Dog Material
You never want to assume a negative trait of a breed occurs in an individual dog, because you could miss out on the perfect pooch! Its always best to get to know the actual pup that you plan to bring home.; Here are four reasons why a German Shepherd can be the best family dog:
- A German Shepherd is very intelligent, and he can be taught a number of fun tricks that will delight your children.
- A German Shepherd is loyal and will bond well with the family children if started at an early age.
- A German Shepherd has a lot of stamina and energy, making him a great playmate for active kids.;
- A German Shepherd is protective of his family and will watch out for your kids, but its important to use caution with other children.
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What Colors Do German Shepherds Come In
The most common colors are black and tan, black and red, black and cream, or black and silver. These colors cover the dog in one of these three patterns:
- Saddleback the black overlays the dog’s back and sides . The rest of the dog is tan, red, cream, or silver. Usually there’s some black on the face, as well.
- Blanketback the black extends further down the shoulders and hips.
- Bicolor like a Doberman or Rottweiler, which is mostly black with small tan/red/cream markings specifically confined to the head, chest, and legs. Honestly I don’t know why this pattern is called bicolor, which simply means two colors. As we’ve just seen, the other two patterns also have just two colors.
Another common color is sable, which is an overall shade of gray, golden, or red, with black-tipped hairs that create a “dusted with black” effect.
A less common, but perfectly acceptable, color is solid black.
“Faulty” colors
Then there are two controversial colors: blue and liver:
- Blue German Shepherds have inherited a color-modifying gene that changes their black pigment to smoky gray. Many blue dogs look as though they’ve been dusted with flour.
- Liver German Shepherds have inherited a color-modifying gene that changes their black pigment to brown .
Blue and liver are considered serious faults by the official German Shepherd clubs and breeders who show their dogs in the conformation ring. But you can still register these dogs and compete with them in activities such as obedience and agility.
Want To Train Your German Shepherd With Peace Of Mind
If you havent trained your German shepherd properly, then this is the perfect time to start. Whatever bad behavior your shepherd has, whether its barking at night or other bad behaviors, using the right training program is the key to having an obedient and happy pup.
The training program I love and highly recommend is Brain Training For Dogs.
With Brain Training For Dogs youll save yourself a ton of time and effort. Instead of banging your head against the wall trying to figure out why your dog wont listen, youll follow a path that has been tried, tested, and most importantly, thats given proven results. Not to mention the fact, youll be able to fit the course around your schedule, not fit your schedule around a trainer or obedience class.
So instead of worrying about whether theyre going to be well-behaved or not, youll only have to worry about how much fun youll have with them!
And in most cases its still going to be:
- Cheaper than hiring a professional.
- Cheaper than replacing everything they might break.
- And definitely cheaper than a lawsuit against you, if they decide to bite someone.
Just imagine how great it will feel to finally be able to trust your German Shepherd completely and never worry whether theyll be naughty or not. Instead, youll have the peace of mind that you have a well-behaved pup, and the boundaries you set for them, will always be there, EVEN IF YOURE NOT.;
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German Shepherds As Pets And Health: What To Know
German Shepherd dogs have suffered in recent decades due to selective breeding for specific conformation .
Back and joint issues such as hip and elbow dysplasia, ACL ligament tears, and the inability to stand and walk properly are associated with selective breeding and with early spay/neuter .
These types of health issues are life-limiting and extremely painful for your dog.
They are also very expensive to treat and can put additional stress on your whole family.
Do They Need To Be In A Crate
If you live in an apartment, you may bewondering about crating your dog.; WhileGerman Shepherds are highly active dogs, they can do quite well in a crate ifthey are trained properly. The use of a crate is a great way to ensure yourdog does not destroy your home while you are away.;
The key to crate training is to make surethe crate is a desirable place to be, not a punishment destination.; This is particularly important if you areusing it for any length of time.
How Large Should the Crate Be?
You want the crate you use to be largeenough to hold a German Shepherd, but it does not have to be massive.; If the crate is large enough for the dogto stand up, stretch out, and turn around in comfortably, it should besufficient.; Depending on the amountof time your dog will be spending in the crate, you may wish to get a largercrate.
Can I Just Barricade the Dog in a Room?
Some German Shepherd owners or dog owners,in general, prefer to give their dog free roam of a room in the house.; This may work for some dogs, but notall.; You will want to use extracaution when doing this with a German Shepherd because not only are theynaturally curious, but they are also great at escaping.
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German Shepherds Make Horrible Family Dogs Here Are 10+ Reasons Why
When you decide to adopt a dog, you have to do some research in finding a breed that will be a good fit for your family and household. And families who are considering a German Shepherd as the newest member of their family should definitely think twice. We all know that German Shepherds make great police dogs but how can that translate into a family setting.
German Shepherds With Babies And Younger Children
One thing you have to bear in mind when choosing a German shepherd to be around babies and toddlers is the size.
German shepherds are a large breed of dog that sometimes doesnt understand their own strength. This is especially true of puppies or younger dogs who will often be clumsy and jump up in excitement.
A well-trained German shepherd will never intentionally harm a member of your family or visiting kids. However, extra care and training may be needed to teach the German shepherd the boundaries of play around smaller people. Teaching your GSD key voice commands, and not to jump, will be helpful for when toddlers are around.
If youre planning to introduce a baby into the home, you should train your GSD in anticipation of the new arrival.
Wrapping a baby doll in a blanket can teach a German shepherd how to behave around the new baby in a car or a stroller. You could also use the doll to teach the GSD not to go into the babys room or bark during sleep time.
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How Do German Shepherds And Labrador Retrievers Get Along
According to Alexander Hunt, Shepherds and Labradors get along very well, largely due to a Labs easygoing personality.
Both breeds have a high activity level that encourages them to explore and engage in other activities with their families. If you have an active family that includes children, this combination will be perfect.
Because both breeds are people-oriented, they do best in a setting where they get a lot of attention. The dogs are best for providing company for each other.
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Getting To Know The German Shepherd Dog Breed
In the late 1800s, Max Emil Friedrich von Stephanitz, while studying at the Berlin Veterinary School, became interested in the herding dogs that were being used throughout Germany. But instead of pursuing a career in veterinary medicine or his dream as a gentleman farmer, he relented to family pressure and joined the military.
As a cavalry officer in the German countryside, Von Stephanitz came to admire the sheep-herding dogs he encountered. He noticed their keen intelligence and lightning-fast responsiveness as well as their special abilities to herd sheep. In Germany, flocks of sheep are moved from their pens to open areas along the road where they can pasture. The dogs job is to keep the sheep on the grassy roadside, away from fast-moving cars and out of a farmers crops. This kind of sheep herding is very demanding and is called tending or boundary herding.; The AKC offers a sport called Herding C course. It mirrors this kind of boundary work or as some call it the invisible fence.
His first efforts were to place emphasis on standardizing the many German flavors of herding dogs that were identifiable as sheepdogs. In the beginning, how they looked was of little importance. His emphasis remained on fixing the traits he considered central to producing the ultimate German herding farm dog.; Because the herding instinct and their working ability was not the issue, he focused on the upright ears and wolf-like body style that so many fanciers admired.
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What Is A German Shepherds Temperament
To understand a german shepherds temperament, you need to think about what theyve been bred for.
Some of the common jobs theyve always held are police dogs, guard dogs, herders, and bomb/ sniffers.
Youd think this wouldnt make them the best for a family, however, being bred this way has given them some traits that make them great for the right families.
Fortunately, though, their temperament isnt going to be the only thing that determines what kind of behavior your german shepherd will have or whether that behavior fits with your family.