June 25, 2009
German Shepherds - Some Tips When Looking For A New Dog
German Shepherds have been an immensely popular breed for over a century. This large breed was first introduced outside of Germany during the first World War and has steadily gained a loyal following. German Shepherds are intelligent, loyal dogs and make great family pets. They are also well suited to work in such occupations as seeing eye dogs, watchdogs, police work and more. These canines are well rounded and make great additions to any family.
Choose a reputable breeder. German Shepherds, just like any other breed, have their share of health problems. You can avoid picking a puppy that's prone to such problems by choosing a good breeder. A good breeder will be concerned about the health and quality of all their German Shepherds. If you aren't sure where to look, contact your local breed council for recommendations.
Diet is important. Just like with humans what you feed, your German Shepherd ultimately is one of the deciding factors in its health, growth and development. Talk to your veterinarian about what types of things should be in the diet of a large breed like the German Shepherd.
German Shepherds, like many large breeds, commonly suffer from hip dysplasia. This is a disease that affects the shoulder and elbow joints much like arthritis. One way to reduce the chances of this German Shepherd health problem occurring is to keep exercise to a reasonable level for the first six months. This is a crucial time in your puppy's development and overdoing it can cause problems down the line.
Other German Shepherd health concerns include Hemophilia A. This blood clotting disorder affects the males and can be hereditary. Although not subject themselves, the females can be carriers. Pancreatic Insufficiency causes food to not be digested properly. Treatment is a life long process. Bloat or Gastric Torsion is also common. Feeding two smaller meals a day instead of one large one can help prevent this painful condition.
Many of the health conditions that German Shepherds suffer from are hereditary. This is one of the reasons why a reputable breeder should be picked. They will know their German Shepherds and their histories and can inform you of anything you need to watch out for. To keep your German shepherd healthy and happy, be sure to exercise your dog regularly. It is also a good idea to get yearly check ups. German Shepherds are also very social creatures. So taking them to a dog park or allowing them to interact with other dogs and people is also a good idea. German Shepherds are also very trainable, so have some fun and teach your dog some interesting and fun tricks. These are all sure ways to keep your German Shepherd healthy.
David P Lee
http://www.articlesbase.com/pets-articles/german-shepherds-some-tips-when-looking-for-a-new-dog-123083.html
Filed under German Shepherd Breeders by George
Comments on German Shepherds - Some Tips When Looking For A New Dog »
What do you know about German Shepherds?
I have been looking into adopting a German Shepherd of about one year or less, and I would just like some tips from previous/current GS owners. I have a chocolate lab of about two years, but he is a natural with other dogs. Scout gets along with all dogs and is also neutered, so he is not a problem.
Just let me know what you think about GSs I guess! Thanks =)
I thing German Shepherds are not for a person that is not experienced with them esp if they are not puppies. They are stong headed and need good leadership and training. THey can be aggressive toward other dogs esp if they have never been around them. But onthe other had. German shephards are great alert dogs, they can be good with kids and other dogs and a good family dog. It just depends on the person that owns them. The person that owns them have to be very dedicated to theri training and daily disaplin they can not have the run of the house!
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Has seen it both ways. Sister is a State Trooper K9 officer who own German Shepherds
Since you already have a dog no matter how good natured it is you need to take him along and introduce him to the shepherd you're interested in BEFORE you bring it home.The shepherd may have issues with other dogs you're not aware of.See that they play well together and take along treats for both as the new pup may have issues with food that'll come out when offering both dogs treats.
German shepherds are naturally mistrustful dogs.So if it's suffered any form of abuse it may be skittish.They are very loyal and loving dogs most often they will latch onto one person in a family and claim that family member as theirs.You don't own a German Shepherd it owns you.They're also very protective of what's theirs.And they don't bark much so don't be worried by his silence.He'll be very vocal but the bark is reserved for when absolutely needed.
They are very intelligent animals and are easily trained but you have to stay on them as if you give an inch they'll take a mile.
They like making their own choices.Have lots of toys which you should now buy in 2's so there's no jealousy or protective issues with certain things.
They need a good 5 mile run EVERYDAY to keep them content.
They have a double coat and the shedding can be overwhelming so stay on top of it with daily brushing with an undercoat rake as well as a shedding blade.
They're the most common breed for being prone to having hip dysplasia so you're going to want to get it's hips x-rayed when it's 2 to check for that and get him on some supplements asap whether it's neutered or not.
Good luck and have fun.
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