Three Best Dogs » German Shepherds http://www.threebestdogs.com What is the Best Dog for You? Sat, 10 Apr 2010 05:20:16 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.0.1 Things To Know Before Adopting A German Shepard Puppy http://www.threebestdogs.com/147/things-to-know-before-adopting-a-german-shepard-puppy/ http://www.threebestdogs.com/147/things-to-know-before-adopting-a-german-shepard-puppy/#comments Tue, 09 Jun 2009 15:02:19 +0000 Dusty Sprague http://www.threebestdogs.com/?p=147 Continue reading →]]> If you are thinking of adopting a German Shepherd puppy, it is important to know all that you can about the breed before making the decision. A German Shepherd is a medium sized animal that is quite strong and is not for dog owners that tend to be apathetic, are sedentary, or are novice dog owners. The breed possesses superior intelligence and will take over as leader of the pack if given the chance. When choosing a German Shepherd puppy for your home, you must be ready to accept the responsibility that comes with the task.

Grooming

A German Shepherd puppy is a classic breed that comes in a variety of coat colors. Purebred German Shepherds can have coats of black and tan, black and silver, black and cream, solid black, and sable. These coats shed year round with the heaviest period of shedding occurring seasonally. Starting when the dog is a puppy and continuing throughout adulthood, the dog should be groomed on a regular basis to prevent the shedding hair from accumulating throughout the home. Daily brushing is recommended and bathing should occur only when necessary to keep the coat in excellent condition.

Training

A German Shepard puppy requires extensive training early in life to be suitable for a domestic lifestyle. When trained as a puppy, German shepherds are quick to learn and very obedient. If the owner waits too long to train their animal, they will find that the dog can be obstinate and may even refuse to listen to the trainer. The training must be conducted with respect, fairness, and consistency, as a German Shepherd puppy will not respond to harsh or heavy handed training methods. The use of rewards for compliance with commands is recommended, as German Shepherds tend to respond well to this method.

Personality

A German Shepherd puppy is inquisitive and very curious about their environment. They possess a large amount of energy and are very agile, which can cause problems if the pet owner is looking for a more docile companion. A German Shepherd puppy thrives on interaction with their human companions and does not like to be left alone for long periods of time. Before training is complete, a German Shepherd that is left alone for long periods of time will do things to amuse themselves, such as destroying pillows or damaging furniture. Members of this breed are herders by nature and will instinctively try to herd anything that they come into contact with that moves. A German Shepherd puppy can have many peculiarities that any potential owner should be aware of before deciding to adopt one of these wonderful animals.

]]> http://www.threebestdogs.com/147/things-to-know-before-adopting-a-german-shepard-puppy/feed/ 0 What is the Best Dog Training? http://www.threebestdogs.com/82/what-is-the-best-dog-training/ http://www.threebestdogs.com/82/what-is-the-best-dog-training/#comments Sat, 07 Feb 2009 03:03:31 +0000 Dusty Sprague http://www.threebestdogs.com/?p=82 Continue reading →]]> The best dog training technique is a combination of praise and treats. When your dog responds as desired to a command or displays the desired behavior simply reward him or her with a little praise and a treat. I will warn you, however, that anything you want to teach your dog won’t come just with a once-a-week class, even if you have the best dog training school in the world. You have to practice with them, just a little bit, every day.

Occasionally certain dogs may become a tad domineering with children which may manifest in the form of the German Shepherd trying to herd them about; in keeping with its breeding pedigree. German Shepherd dogs have excellent watchdog ability and are typically wary of both strangers and other dogs. Schutzhund, the German translates into -protection dog- but that was not the intention of the creation of the sport. Schutzhund was created as a temperament test for German Shepherds by the man responsible for creating the breed, Max von Stephenhaus. I’ve read every German Shepherd Dog book and magazine on the planet and I can tell you that nothing can teach you how to train your dog better than a trained professional.

A good training treat for puppies or full grown dogs is one that is soft and can be eaten very quickly typically in one gulp. In fact the smaller it is the better. With young puppies the old theory was to keep them in the house until they were 6 months old. Read about some new puppy socialization ideas that are safe for your young new puppy. A group of puppies will jump, run, tug, and have a great time together. Playing with your dog is a great way to exercise and bond with your dog.

Puppies will usually go to any lengths not to soil their immediate quarters. When crate training a puppy it is best to begin when you are at home and can be near him, this way he will fell more secure when you are away – before crating the pup make sure you have given him the opportunity to go to the bathroom (especially if you have just fed and watered him). A puppy class is excellent for socialization since all shot records will be checked before the puppies will meet. These are safe ways to get your puppy out while minimizing his exposure to harmful viruses and germs. Our all-natural methods are effective with any dog, any age – including puppies.

If owners allow their pups sufficient opportunities to play with other puppies and dogs, most potential dog-dog problems take care of themselves. The pups virtually train themselves to be friendly and outgoing. It is a time when young puppies learn what is safe (and what is not). Early socialization is the key to your puppy’s well being. Find puppies or dogs available for adoption from one of the many Dog Rescue Organizations around the country. Features mixed breed and purebreed rescue groups.

Why do some of us love the size, looks and temperament of a Great Dane and others would never own anything but a Toy Poodle? Every breed has their pros. That’s what trainers primarily do, help create consistent associations between a desired action and a command, or signal. It’s a great way to bring the family together or give a child a great sense of accomplishment.

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