by: Clive Chansa
The German Shepherd Dog (Alsatian or Schafer(hund)) is an intelligent breed of dog. Because they are eager to please, they are easily trained in obedience and protection. The German Shepherd Dog is a large, strong, substantial-looking dog.
Ever since Rin Tin Tin became a famous television personality, the German Shepherd has gone from an already popular dog breed to one of the most well known breeds on earth. This versatile dog breed seems to be everywhere that a dog can be of help, from war torn countries to areas where natural disasters have occurred. The powerful German Shepherd will strike terror in the hearts of criminals one minute and endure the overly affectionate attention of little children the next.
German Shepherds were bred to be guardians and the breed still has a very strong protective instinct. A dog that is high strung or nervous should never be bred, as the resulting puppies can be untrustworthy. However, most German Shepherds are wonderful dogs and devoted to their families, including children and other pets.
The German Shepherd is a fairly large dog, weighing from sixty to seventy five pounds and standing twenty two to twenty six inches tall. This breed has erect ears, dark, intelligent eyes, and a graceful tail. The German Shepherd is most commonly black and tan, although gray and tan or black and gray dogs are also available. A striking all white dog, commonly called an Alsatian, is popular with many people. If you like the look of the Alsatian, be sure you meet the puppy's parents, as these white German Shepherds can sometimes be a bit high strung.
Although German Shepherds are high energy animals, they can live in the city. Just be aware that you will have to exercise your dog frequently and that he will be miserable if you leave him alone for long hours without giving him a job to do. Of course, a house with a big yard in a rural area is ideal.
Since your German Shepherd will rapidly grow into a big, powerful dog, you may want to enroll him in obedience classes while he is a puppy. It is much easier to control a small puppy than a full grown untrained dog. In addition, puppy obedience classes also help provide another important benefit for your German Shepherd puppy, socialization to other dogs and people. Many people who own these intelligent dogs make the unfortunate mistake of thinking that their dogs need to be trained as guard dogs. However, this training can lead to aggression if your dog is not trained properly. Since German Shepherds are naturally protective, they do not need attack dog training to guard your home.
The German Shepherd's coat requires very little grooming. The dense coat is coarse and does not mat easily. Brush your dog once a week to remove dirt and debris. If you live in the city, concrete will probably wear down your Shepherd's nails. However, if your dog lives in a rural area he may need to have his nails trimmed several times a year.
German Shepherds need to eat a nutritional food that is formulated for large breed dogs. If your Shepherd is a working dog, you may need to feed him a high protein food. A good dog vitamin is also a smart idea.
This loyal, smart breed commonly suffers from hip dysplasia or epilepsy. To see one of these dignified dogs suffering from either disease is heart breaking. Please be sure that your puppy's breeder has had the parents tested to be sure they do not carry these diseases.
German Shepherd Dogs are often used as working dogs in many capacities, including search and rescue, military, police or guard dogs. They are also used as assistance dogs or service dogs (such as guide dogs).
If you want a dog who will be protective and loyal, then a German Shepherd may be the right dog for you and your family.
About The Author
Clive Chansa writes for the Dog Care Guide at http://www.dog-care-help.com/ and the Pet Care Supplies Uk website at http://www.pet-care-supplies.co.uk/ which offers a wide range of pet products and supplies.
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5 Big Reasons to Crate Train your Dog
5 Big Reasons to Crate Train your Dog
by: Nathalie Lafleur
Are you frustrated with your dog?
Does he chew everything in sight? Does he leave puddles and piles everywhere? Is a car ride with your dog synonym of a nightmare?
If you answered yes to any of these questions, I have a simple solution for you: crate training.
Here are 5 big reasons why you should start crate training your dog:
Reason #1: A Crate Stops Destructive Behaviors
Most dogs are destructive because they don't have anything more interesting to do than chew on everything they can sink their teeth in.
You have to remember that chewing is a natural dog behavior and an excellent way for your dog to burn his excess of energy.
Consequently, your job is not to stop your dog from chewing, but to prevent him from chewing on the wrong things, like chair legs, shoes, socks, etc.
By providing safe chew toys to your dog in his crate, you accomplish...
5 Big Reasons to Crate Train your Dog
Puppy training > 5 Big Reasons to Crate Train your Dog
Housetraining Your Pup
Housetraining Your Pup
by: Mark Haakonsen
If you have just bought (or are considering buying) a new puppy, then one of your concerns will most likely be housetraining your new pet. Puppies, like babies have limited control of their bodily functions, so a simple training plan will need to be implemented from day one. The following guide will give you a quick start to housetraining your pet.
An important point to note about dogs is that by nature they are relatively clean animals, and they do not do their business around their sleeping or eating areas. In training your puppy, the key is to identify which are acceptable areas for your puppy to eliminate, and which are not.
One of the most common methods recommended for puppy housetraining is knows as ?crate training?. Crate training involves setting up a cage or cordoned off area that will act as a living area (crate) for your puppy in which they can sleep, eat and play. The purpose of the...
Housetraining Your Pup
Puppy training > Housetraining Your Pup
Buying a New Puppy? How To Avoid the Pitfalls
Buying a New Puppy? How To Avoid the Pitfalls
by: Armen T. Ghazarians
Many books and articles have been written regarding the art of choosing a puppy (i.e. performing puppy tests, looking for parental OFA certifications, and so on...), but few, if any, discuss the contractual end of purchasing a puppy. I can tell you through personal experience that purchasing a quality show puppy from a famous breeder can be quite a stressful experience because no breeder would give up the pick of the litter to a competitor (for obvious reasons) or to a novice without co-ownership of the puppy. Co-ownership of a puppy entitles the breeder to many rights to the detriment of the buyer. To begin with, the breeder might also be an experienced handler and might contractually require the purchaser to use the breeder as the puppies' trainer and handler. Agreeing to this could be a monumental mistake because the purchaser might be required to pay (even though they might be...
Buying a New Puppy? How To Avoid the Pitfalls
Puppy training > Buying a New Puppy? How To Avoid the Pitfalls
Puppy Vaccines Assure Wagging Tails and Wet Noses
Puppy Vaccines Assure Wagging Tails and Wet Noses
by: Charles Burke
When you get a new puppy it is imperative that he receive all his proper puppy vaccines.
These protect him from getting diseases if he becomes exposed to them.
When the pet doctor injects a vaccine into your puppy, it "teaches" the pup?s immune system what a disease organism looks like. But the vaccine contains only weak or dead versions of the organism, so the puppy's immune system learns to recognize it, but without the danger of serious infection.
Later in life, if the organism ever attacks, the puppy?s immune system is already prepared to fight it off because of the vaccine.
When a puppy receives a puppy vaccine, his body forms antibodies that can fight that particular disease.
With the antibody already in the puppy?s system, it will have a better chance of fighting off the infection.
Puppies should receive their puppy vaccines...
Puppy Vaccines Assure Wagging Tails and Wet Noses
Puppy training > Puppy Vaccines Assure Wagging Tails and Wet Noses