When To Seek Professional Help
Seek the help of a professional trainer the moment you begin to notice problems with biting or barking. You want to make sure any sign of aggression towards the dog’s family is stopped right away. Dogs are pack animals by nature, and you must make sure your dog knows its place in the pack and sees you as the pack leader. If the dog sees himself as the pack leader, behavior problems such as violence can come into play.
How To Stop A German Shepherd From Barking
You need to start obedience training as early as possible. You can use a clicker to teach your German Shepherd when they should and shouldnt bark. You also need to let them know when theyre doing good or bad with a strict No and Good boy/girl. You can also develop a special command for this behavior.
Do German Shepherds Bark A Lot
Perhaps some of the less endearing traits of this breed are the tendency to be very vocal which can be a big nuisance and may be a problem with neighbors.
They are guard dogs, which means that they are going to bark and potentially attack intruders. This is why you need to control and train them. However, they will always behave that way.
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Theyre One Of The Uks Most Popular Breeds Of Dog But How Much Do You Know About The Brave And Bold German Shepherd
The last 18 months have seen many of us welcome a new four-legged friend into our homes, as the Kennel Club saw dog ownership rise by nearly eight per cent over 2020.
But with 221 different breeds of pedigree dog to choose from, theres plenty of thinking to do before you select your perfect pup.
Those with active lifestyles might want to consider a larger dog, while somebody with allergies will be looking for a hypoallergenic dog.
Theres even academic guidance to seek out, with Psychologist Stanley Corens book The Intelligence of Dogs ranking breeds by instincts, obedience, and the ability to adapt.
One dog that often appears at the top of peoples canine wishlists is the German Shepherd they were one of the UKs 10 most popular dog breeds in 2020 and have a range of positive attributes that make them a great family pet.
Here are 10 fun and interesting facts about the breed.
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Caring For Your German Shepherd
German Shepherds are fantastic dogs and its easy to see why they are such a popular breed. However their size and strength means they arent suited to all families and need a lot of space to burn off their energy. Youll need to make sure you have a lot of time to spend with these dogs and you are committed to providing for their exercise needs every day.
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How Sociable Are German Shepherds
Are they friendly with strangers?
Most German Shepherds are reserved with strangers. As the breed’s national club says, a good German Shepherd has:
“a certain aloofness that does not lend itself to immediate and indiscriminate friendships. The dog must be approachable, quietly standing its ground and showing confidence and willingness to meet overtures without itself making them.”
As you might imagine, this can be a fine line to walk. Without proper guidance from the owner, a German Shepherd’s natural aloofness can morph over the line to suspiciousness, distrust, and even aggression or fearfulness.
When you own an aloof breed, you need to socialize the dog thoroughly. This means a careful program of teaching him to pay attention to you and mind you in the presence of other people and other dogs. He doesn’t have to like them, but he must accept them.
One thing I should mention: many German Shepherds who bark and lunge at strangers or other dogs aren’t being either protective or aggressive. Rather, this kind of reactivity can be the dog’s attempt to hide his own insecurities behind a blustering facade.
There are also legal liabilities to consider when you acquire a German Shepherd. For example, your homeowner insurance policy might be cancelled or the rates hiked, because people are often quicker to sue if a “guard dog breed” does anything even remotely questionable.
Are German Shepherds good with children?
Are German Shepherds good with other pets?
Theyre Arent Related To The White Shepherd
Although it varies by dog, around 35 percent of a Panda German Shepherds coat is white. Despite their abundance of white markings, they arent, as many people think, related to the White Shepherd, a variety of German Shepherd bred predominantly in the US thats been recognized as a separate breed by the United Kennel Club.
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They Require Mental Stimulation
Long walks might tire out other breeds, but not the German shepherd. In addition to daily exercise, your new German shepherd will also require some mental stimulation. Obedience classes and dog sports can be especially helpful for rescue shepherds. Classes and training give you a bonding experience that builds trust and helps your dog figure out their place in your household, and it can help you diagnose any behavior problems early on.
Does Akc Recognize Liver German Shepherds
Yes, liver German Shepherds are recognized by the AKC and many international kennel clubs. There is a downside, nevertheless. The lighter coloring is seen as a serious fault.
Liver German Shepherds are allowed to participate in competitions. They are almost always marked down for the deviation in their coat coloring, however. This is why the dogs are rarely ever crowned in championships.
This is why owners who want their dogs to compete in shows will avoid liver German Shepherds. As a result, many breeders dont actively breed this coat color.
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What Are German Shepherds Exercise Needs
This is a breed that requires a lot of time, stimulation, training and exercise you will never wear them out, they will always be ready for more. A bored, lonely German Shepherds can be very destructive and can cause an awful lot of damage to property in a short space of time.
Thats why theyre not great apartment dogs. Each day, German Shepherds need at least 2 hours of exercise. This is a significant amount of time, which means that you cant let your German Shepherd alone in an apartment.
Anything Else To Consider
If you were wondering what to consider before getting a German Shepherd, I hope the tips here have been helpful.
If you’re still deciding and have any questions, feel free to drop them in the comments.
Learn everything you need to know to find a reputable German Shepherd breeder.
Hello, my name is Faith. Im only 14 and I know I seem like Im too young to know anything but Im positive Im able to provide a nurturing and loving home. Obviously my parents would be paying for a lot of stuff but Ive saved up a few 100 to help pay. Ive been doing absolutely nothing but research. Ill be taking care of the GSD Im getting. His name is Jax and Im lost on how much and how often to feed the puppy. Every site keeps telling me something different and I dont trust a lot of sites. Im getting him on Saturday . By the way, you helped A LOT.
Hey Again, I forgot to say I have 2 siblings ad 1 on the way. We also go to the beach and camping once a year. Would a GSD be a good family dog? Would it be able to drive 10 hours in the car ? Could I take it to the beach/camping and be able to walk it with no leash? I need some good advice here so I can he for sure this is the right dog for me
Thanks Again
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Beware The Land Sharks
German Shepherd Puppies have earned the moniker land shark for their mouthiness. It comes from somewhere deep in their herding heritage, I suppose, but these are very bitey puppies! For this reason, a GSD can be a trying breed with young children, who often become unwitting targets for playful biting. Start teaching your puppy right away that biting humans is inappropriate behavior and channel that mouthiness into heavy-duty chew toys and games that dont involve tasty human hands.
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What Is Your Activity Level
The German Shepherd Dog is an active and intelligent breed. They need to be kept busy learning, playing, and working constantly and consistently. Daily exercises, both physical and mental, is a must. GSDs love to run, play, and learn new tricks that keep their minds active. GSDs are highly intelligent, trainable, and thrive on having a job to do. You can train these dogs to do almost anything and theyll love to make you happy!
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What Does German Shepherd Heat Mean
Heat in a German Shepherd simply means that your dog is now fertile and ready to breed.
Of course, like the human menstrual period, dog heat only appears in female dogs.
However, unlike humans, dogs do not go through their heat cycle every month. Instead, for most dogs, the process happens twice a year.
While large breeds like German Shepherds may experience heat once or twice a year, the small breed can experience it even thrice.
What Were German Shepherds Bred For
German Shepherds a large-sized breed that originated in Germany in 1899 was part of the Herding Group. Known for their courage, loyalty and guarding instincts, their history of herding has meant they are great guard dogs, police dogs, military dogs, search and rescue dogs, and guide dogs for the blind.
“As the name suggest, German Shepherd dogs were originally bred to help shepherds herd animals, but have since become a versatile working dogs, often in the military, police and other emergency services, as well as guide and assistance dogs,” Bill tells us.
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What Is The Life Expectancy Of A Panda German Shepherd
There appears to be some discrepancy when determining the lifespan of a Panda German Shepherd. Some experts claim it is only 7 to 10 years. Others, however, state that Panda German Shepherds can live for between 10 to 14 years.
Why does this discrepancy exist and which range should you consider?
This variation is probably due to the fact that there are technically two different lines of German Shepherds. The American German Shepherd tends to come from show lines. As a result, breeders put a greater focus on the physical appearance of the dogs.
Health and physical capabilities arent considered as much as these dogs are bred for their looks and temperament. Therefore, these pups may have a shorter lifespan.
German Shepherds from Germany are meant for the working line. These dogs also have to pass far more health and physical tests to prove that they are strong and able. Thus, these dogs have a tendency to live for a longer period.
They Hate Being Alone
Panda German Shepherds are, like all German Shepherds, serious, alert, and courageous. Providing theyre properly trained, they tend to be cheerful, calm, and eager to learn. Theyre extremely loyal, and love to stay close to their families as much as possible. Unfortunately, their devotion can create problems if it develops into separation anxiety, which can make them extremely anxious and stressed whenever theyre left alone. As a rule, Panda German Shepherds shouldnt be isolated for long stretches of the day. Training can help ensure they adjust to short periods of time alone without becoming fretful.
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Interesting Facts About German Shepherds
Did you know that German Shepherds are the second most popular breed of dogs in America? They are clench in high esteem for their protective nature, intelligence, ability to learn commands easily and quickly, and their temperament. German Shepards are a very fascinating breed. Here are some interesting facts about german shepherds you didnt know.
Is This The Right Dog For You
Exercise Needs
HIGH: This active breed is looking for a job to do or a way to expel energy. Try daily walks, jogging and/or play to keep your GSD healthy and happy.
These dogs can do well in apartments as long as their exercise needs a daily, consistent commitment are met.
Grooming Needs
MEDIUM: In addition to trimming nails, cleaning ears and brushing the teeth, you should brush your GSD daily these dogs are average shedders and shed more seasonally.
Their skin irritates easily, so dont bathe your GSD too frequently.
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What Do Panda Shepherds Look Like
As mentioned, the amount of white presented in any dog can vary quite a bit.
When most people think of Panda German Shepherds, they picture a pup with a white forelock, muzzle, chest, and paws. The rest of its coat is black. Nevertheless, this is a pretty rare representation.
It isnt uncommon to find a significant distribution of tan throughout a Panda German Shepherds. There may even be black and tan speckles across the white portions. There are any number of variations to how this dog can look.
Apart from this, they look like German Shepherds in every other way. This includes everything from the pricked up ears to the almond-shaped brown eyes. They will also have the same height, long body, and characteristic musculature.
Theyre German Shepherds By Any Other Name
With its distinctive looks, itd be easy to think that the Panda German Shepherd was a different breed to the regular German Shepherd were all used to. In fact, the only difference between a Panda German Shepherd and every other type of German Shepherd is its unique coloring. Whereas the standard colors of the German Shepherd are black and tan, the Panda German Shepherd has symmetrical black and white markings around its muzzle, stomach, collar, and the tip of its tail. Its these unique markings that make them stand out from the pack.
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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
Stages Of German Shepherd Heat Cycle
The heat cycle or Menstrual period in dogs is not all about Bleeding.
Their body goes through a lot of chances and transformation, which breaks down into four stages. Heres a quick glimpse through them:
Proestrus stage
Proestrus is the first stage of the heat cycle which can last for a week or from 4 to 20 days.
- The first sign of this stage is frequent urination.
- During this stage, the dog will bleed, and you may find some traces in your couch, mattress, or so. However, because most dogs lick and clean themselves, keeping an eye is crucial.
- Your dog may not always lick because they have bled, but if you observe a swollen Vulva, her heat cycle has begun. Signs are, her Vulva and teats will swell, becoming larger than usual, and her lower abdomen may darken.
- She will now tuck in her tail, trying to cover her Vulva. It happens because the female GSD does not want any male dog coming physically close/ attracted to her. And like women, dogs too become more quiet, clingy, and nervous just at the beginning of their period.
Estrus stage
Estrus is the second stage which is also the primary stage of the heat cycle. While the other three are additional, this is the main. It may last from 4 to 15 days, and during the phase, your dog is ready to mate.
Diestrus stage
Diestrus is more likely a returning stage to the Proestrus. It lasts from up to 60 to 90 days with similar symptoms as the Proestrus stage.
Anestrus stage
This is probably the best time to neuter the dog.
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The German Shepherd Dog Protects His Family
The German Shepherd has a strong protective instinct and is very loyal . Once youve won his heart, you can always count on him. The prerequisite for this is that you have learned and experienced social behavior from an early age.
If he feels comfortable with you, he will keep a good eye on your home and all family members and will defend them in an emergency. The dog likes to live with people and he likes children. It is good that you place it in a family environment. He does not like life in a kennel in the garden so much and it leads to too nervous behavior.
It is important that the German Shepherd also stay busy and physically and mentally challenged within the family circle. Otherwise, you will find your own occupation, for example with poaching. It is necessary to take several long walks a day. In addition, you should conduct regular training sessions with your dog.