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Informative Articles

Basic Dog Trainingw
"How does your dog sit when you tell him to and mine doesn't?", "How can your dog heel to you like that?", "Wow! He comes when you tell him to" - Sounds familiar? If it does, you need to invest some time into a little bit of basic dog...

Biting & Nipping Behavior Can Kill Your Dog!
Dog bite injuries are alarmingly the most common condition that we human suffer from as a result of contact with dogs. In the United States alone, there are between 1-2 million people bitten by dogs each year. Most bites landed on children with boys...

Choosing your Boxer Dog
Choosing your Boxer Dog An easier and more pleasant journey with your chosen Boxer starts with checking out the parent dogs for unbecoming traits like aggression, hyperactive and extreme shyness. This is easier to do when you get your Boxer from...

Does Your Pet Dog Suffer From Heartworms?
Dog heartworm is a common disease among canines in the United States. Discovered in 1856, the worms mainly live in your dog's heart and major blood vessels. The worms, especially on worst cases, seriously impair the heart's operations. Worse,...

Preparing Your Home For a New Puppy
While excitement and anticipation will be at the top of the list when bringing home a new puppy for the first time, preparing for his arrival should rank highly on the list. Just as you would have to prepare a home when you have a toddler, pet...

Shih Tzu - Obedience Training For Your Shih Tzu
Obedience training is one of the most important and most effective things any owner can do for his or her shih tzu. A properly obedience trained shih tzu is a happy, productive and safe member of the family, while a untrained shih tzu can...

Tips For Traveling With Rover
Tips for Traveling with Rover By Ron Swerdfiger www.web-rover.com Wether it be on a vacation to your favorite resort, or just visiting the in-laws for the weekend, many people are choosing to take their dogs with them when traveling. Land or...

Top 5 Dog Health Problems
Dog Owner’s commonly ask me the same questions repeatedly. This article aims to help dog owners prevent and find information about the most common dog health problems. Understanding the basics of these problems will go a long ways to helping...

Understanding the Language & Behavior of a Pet Bird
Birds, just like other pets, have their own ways of Communicating, or Bird Language. Birds communicate to other birds and also communicate to their owners, in a variety of ways. While all species have their own unique methods of bird language,...

Why Pet Odor & Pet Stain Removal Products Works Only Sometimes
Why Some Pet Odor & Pet Stain Removal Products Don’t Work How often do you get a product that claims to work and you are disappointed with the outcome? As a carpet cleaning expert I see this all the time. It’s not that the companies selling...

 
 
 
Could a German Shepherd be the right dog for you?

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.