Bringing Home A New German Shepherd Puppy
The period of bringing a new German Shepherd puppy home and introducing them to your home and family takes time and above all, patience.
If possible, plan to take off work for at least a few days after bringing your puppy home. I picked up Allie on a Saturday, and then took most of the following week off to spend time getting her adjusted to her new home.
Remember, your new puppy has been taken from the only family it knew, and you are now their new family. You dont want your puppy to go from having its mother and littermates to being alone all day right away. That first week home was a good week of bonding with Allie. It helped her feel comfortable with her new life and allowed me to really get to know my new beautiful energy filled puppy.
The best tip for a smooth transition when bringing your German Shepherd puppy home is to begin crate training and potty training as soon as possible. As a breed prone to , you want to give your GSD a zone to feel safe, comfortable, and content to be on their own.
While the initial steps of crate training can be time-consuming, it can make the difference between a dog that is a joy to own, and one that can never be left on their own so, be the dog parent your pooch deserves and put the time in!
Is A Wolf Shepherd Dangerous
When adding the genes of a wild animal to the pool, its imperative to understand that this results in a crossbreed that is highly unpredictable.
The German Shepherd Wolf mixs behavior is characterized by shy and skittish traits. If a Wolfdog is uncomfortable, it can attack out of defense. This has earned them a reputation for being dangerous and they are banned in several US states.
Wolves build dens and roam frequently. They also have a strong pack and predatory instincts.
These traits translate into destructive behavior for the Wolfdog, such as digging holes in the garden and chewing up wooden furniture. They also may urinate more frequently than other dog breeds to mark their territory.
Ill go ahead and say right off the bat that this hybrid is not recommended for first-time dog owners. It takes one who is passionate and willing to devote time and energy to a German Shepherd Wolf dog.
Because of its unpredictable nature, it is advised that this crossbreed should not be left alone around other pets and especially children.
Black German Shepherd Wolf mixes in particular, are known for being less tolerant towards children. They have been known to react by biting and shaking. This is a natural response of the Black GSD when correcting puppy behavior.
Its not all bad though. With rigorous training, a Wolfdog makes a protective and loyal companion. They are strong, intelligent, playful, and affectionate towards family.
Raising And Training A German Shepherd Puppy
When thinking of bringing a German Shepherd pup into your home, it is important to understand the responsibility you will need to take. Giving your puppy the care, love, and training it needs while it is still young is vital so that you have a well-behaved dog in the future.
A German Shepherd is not only a wonderful friend to have in the house but a wonderful alarm, as he is ready to bark at any sign of danger. But German Shepherd puppies must be taught who is in control.
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Expect A Dog Who Wants To Know Your Business All The Time
If you dont like having a dog follow you everywhere, even into the bathroom, perhaps reconsider getting a German Shepherd. These dogs are busybodies, and they want to know where you are and what you are doing at ALL times in the event that your actions could compromise the security of the house and the family. Theyre just doing their jobs, you know. ?
Be Watchful For Signs Of Shyness
Many German Shepherds, especially American-line dogs bred for show/companionship, tend toward shyness and anxiety. If not addressed, this shyness can transform into fear-based aggression. For this reason, socialize that puppy from the minute he comes home with you, and dont stop throughout his lifetime.
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What Does A German Shepherd Wolf Hybrid Look Like
The German Shepherd resembles a wolf in appearance, to begin with, so you can count on the hybrid to be large, with a long face, thick coat and pointed ears.
The coat of the Wolfshepherd can be gray, sable, white, black, or a mixture of these colors. It will most likely inherit the thick fur that is standard for both parents and is known to shed heavily.
The average German Shepherd Wolf mixs size is a weight of 120 lbs and a height of 24 inches .
You can take a closer look at this Wolfdog mix in the video.
They Are Called Land Sharks
This is an important point to consider if you are planning to buy a German Shepherd. The German Shepherd dog puppies bite or nip anything that comes their way. You should train them from a young age that even a nip isnt acceptable behavior. While they will still be young and the nip shouldnt hurt too much, they wont stay small for long and their bite will get more painful with time.
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This Is What You Need To Know About The German Shepherd Wolf Mix
German Shepherd Wolf Mix is a cross of German Shepherd and a Wolf, also known as Wolf-Shepherd or Wolf-dog. The first hybrid of a Wolf and German Shepherd was performed by Leendert Saarloos in 1932, some studies prove that they existed in Teotihuacan many years ago. Wolf dogs lifespan is 12 to 14 years.
This might seem like a dream dog combo come true, but what is the story behind this legendary wolf dog? Heres everything you need to know.
Contents & Quick Navigation
The Wolfshepherd is produced when a German Shepherd and a Wolf breed together.
Its difficult to understand this mix fully without first looking at the parents background because it is impossible to predict how a hybrid will look or act as it matures. No two Wolfdogs are the same!
What To Watch For
Any abnormal symptom could be a sign of serious disease or it could just be a minor or temporary problem. The important thing is to be able to tell when to seek veterinary help and how urgently. Many diseases cause dogs to have a characteristic combination of symptoms, which together can be a clear signal that your German Shepherd Dog needs help.
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Americans With Disabilities Act
The Americans with Disabilities Act was passed in 1990 and has helped people with disabilities obtain more rights, especially when referring to service animals. The act covers what service animals are, how they have to be trained, and more.
While diving into the laws can seem intimidating, knowing a little bit about how each one protects you or a loved one makes the process of registering a service dog easier. Additionally, youll be better equipped to handle situations or questions anyone asks you.
When Do German Shepherds Stop Growing
Like many large breeds, a German Shepherd dog is not considered fully grown until they are about 18 months old. Female German Shepherds continue to fill out until they are around two years old, while the male German Shepherd growth rate continues until they reach two and a half years of age. Males are larger are require more time to fill out their chest and abdomen.
As you can see by the German Shepherd weight chart, these dogs can continue to grow until they are three years old, but the majority of growth occurs within 24 months. If your GSD is older than 36 months and continues to put on weight, contact your veterinarian to ensure weight gain does not lead to obesity.
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Where To Adopt Of Buy A German Shepherd
If you think you’d like to adopt a German shepherd, start by contacting one of the following organizations:
These groups will be able to provide guidance and next steps for adoption. If you aren’t certain the breed is right for you, you may be able to try foster care to test if a GSD is a good fit for your home.
Czech German Shepherd Rescue And For Adoption
If you have the time and heart to rescue a dog, you can search for your faithful fido from local shelters.
Bear in mind that many abandoned dogs might come with behavioral problems, but are always fully assessed and rehabilitated before placed in an adoptive home, so theres no chance of bringing home an aggressive dog.
Many people believe that raising a puppy means that the dog will be easier to control and will show more devotion to its owner. This is not true. Dogs of all ages can learn to love the hand that nourishes them.
Finding a Czech-specific shelter is hard, but you can try your luck at the following German Shepherd rescues:
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Are Wolf German Shepherd Mix Health Issues Common
As we mentioned above the life expectancy of a German Shepherd Wolf Mix is up to 14 or even 15. However, the German Shepherd breed is vulnerable to serious genetic diseases that can get passed down to this particular Wolfdog hybrid.
- Hip Dysplasia: A painful hip joint deformity that causes loss of mobility and lameness.
- Elbow Dysplasia: A joint deformity that affects the elbows and can cause pain and loss of mobility.
- Bloat: A build-up of gas in the stomach that can cause it to twist and lead to shock or even death.
- Cancer: Abnormal cell growth that can spread throughout the body.
Do’s & Don’ts For A Healthy Dog
It is unhealthy for a dog to be overweight. Overfeeding is NOT a sign of love.
Your German Shepherd is the right weight when you can tell there are ribs and there is a slight ‘waistline’ behind the ribs, before the rear legs.
- Stages:- Puppies eat more and are highly active- Adult dogs have normal routines and food intake- Older dogs might require special diets & limited exercise
- Feed a really good quality dog food. Quality foods have good protein sources and few fillers. Quality foods cost more but you will feed less because your dog will get more nutrition for the food. Good food will decrease your daily pickup chores.
- Set Regular Mealtimes. An irregular eating schedule can affect your dogs digestive system and ultimately cause chronic digestive disorders.
- Keep the water and food bowls in the same place every day. If you have more than one dog, make sure each dog has its own food and water bowl. Wash them often. Stainless steel is a good choice.
- Dont worry about your dog getting hunger pangs between meals. Unless instructed by your veterinarian, your dog should only need two meals daily.
- Set a 15 minute rule. If your dog has walked away from its bowl, it has probably had enough to eat. Take the bowl up, dispose of the uneaten food & wash the bowl.
Based on information supplied by The American Kennel Club, Inc.
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Types Of German Shepherds
There are five types of German Shepherds that each have unique characteristics and breeding standards. The American Show Line is bred primarily for showing, hence the name. This type generally requires less exercise since they are bred primarily for appearance and not for work. This type also has a more pronounced angulation to their hindquarters. The West German Show Line is bred entirely for beauty and requires a strict healthy report before they can be bred. The West German Working Line is bred for work efficiency. They can be trained to do a number of working jobs and will excel at them. They are the modern representation of the original breed created by Max Von Stephanitz. Finally, the East German Working Lines is rugged, with dark coat pigmentation, a large and muscular figure, and stamina. Due to strict regulations by the government following World War II, this line has developed into quite the powerhouse. They require a great deal of work and are not recommended for the inexperienced dog owner.
Wolf: Straight From The Wilderness
This is a wild animal. That means that domestication is not natural for the Wolf and does not come easily. It also means that you cannot expect a dog with wolf genes to be predictable.
Wolves are predatory creatures with strong hunting instincts. Other animals, especially smaller critters, are seen as food, not friends. As well, wolves are shy around humans.
There are two different Wolf species that have been bred with a German Shepherd.
The Saarloos Wulfhund
This is a German Shepherd Timberwolf mix. It was created in 1935 by Leendert Saarloos from the Netherlands. Saarloos sought a new hybrid with more natural traits to shape a hardy working dog.
The result was not what he expected. Instead, the Saarloos Wulfhund is cautious, reserved and lacking in ferocity. Despite its unfavorable characteristics as a working dog, the hybrid thrived as a wolf like companion dog.
It can reach up to 30 in in height and weigh up to 100 lbs . It has a muscular, athletic build with a dense coat of fur that can be gray, red or white in color.
The Czechoslovakian Wolfdog
This mix was created in 1955 in Czechoslovakia when a German Shepherd was bred with a Carpathian Wolf.
The idea was to produce a mix with the intelligence, trainability, and pack mentality of the German Shepherd as well as the physical prowess and stamina of the Wolf.
This Wolfdog was bred to be used as an attack dog for the special military forces as well as rescue, tracking, herding, and hunting.
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Look For Signs Of Abuse Or Neglect
Any sign of abuse or neglect must be considered you want to know if you are bringing home a puppy that has been through trauma. Take a look at the breeder and at the location where the puppies have lived for the last few weeks. If there is something there that causes you any reason for concern, then it is best to look somewhere else.
Is A Newfoundland Australian Shepherd Mix Good For Your Family
People often ask us which breed of dog is the best. Of course, many factors are personal to your lifestyle, but if you are looking for a dog known to be gentle with kids, you might want to consider the Newfoundland Australian Shepherd mix. They are not only great with children, but theyre also friendly and loyal dogs who typically enjoy being around other people and animals. Also, because this breed tends to have one calming parent , these breeds typically have a pretty stable temperament.
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German Shepherd Service Dogs
German shepherds are typically known for their skills in police, military, and guide dog work. While German shepherds perform well in those areas, they make great service dogs too. German shepherds are easy to train, fun to play with, and their temperament is typically mellow even around people and other dogs.
If youre curious about whether or not your German shepherd has what it takes to be a service dog, read on. Were going to take you through everything you need to know about German shepherds becoming service dogs. Youll learn about what a service dog is, what legal protections youll have, and what traits of a German shepherd make them a great choice for a service dog.
They Dont Have A Stop Eating Button
This is a food toy called a Kong Wobbler. It slows down your GSDs fast eating habits.
Your German Shepherd really doesnt know when to stop eating or how to slow themselves.
Dont just keep filling up their bowls when they finish or just let them free feed all day. Keep to a schedule so that you can control their food intake and watch their weight.
Your breed is notorious for bad joints and hips when they put on weight too quickly, but it doesnt have to be this way!
Instead, use rubber toys in which you place part of their food to help control their voracious eating.
Benefits of feeder toys:
- helps your GSD cope with separation anxiety problems
- prevents destructive behavior
- stimulates their brilliant minds
- keeps them busy when you need time to yourself
Use feeder toys at least a few times a week to keep them occupied with their food longer.
I like to use a Kong Wobbler for both puppies and adults. Its a pleasurable distraction for puppies to concentrate on, instead of eating your furniture or expensive designer shoes.
Once you get your first food puzzle toy I think youll be as hooked as I was. Youll want to read my post of exciting Food Puzzle Toys for German Shepherds to see which ones your GSD will love!
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Good With People And Dogs
Youll be the one spending the most amount of time with your dog, but you also want to make sure that hes well-behaved around other people and dogs.
Early socialization is therefore extremely important. A dog thats protective of you is great, but a dog thats friendly and welcoming in the right situation is even better!
German Shepherds are friendly towards strangers as long as they sense your approval first.
My GSD is extremely protective however, she is well trained, and once she knows Im okay with the stranger visiting the house, she completely relaxes and will show affection to the newcomer.
German Shepherds are also good with kids and babies again, as long as they have been properly socialized. They are particularly good with children they have grown up with due to their loyal and protective nature.