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The AKC Standard says the German Shepherd "has a distinct personality marked by direct and fearless, but not hostile, expression, self-confidence, and a certain aloofness that does not lend itself to immediate and indiscriminate friendships. The dog must be approachable, quietly standing its ground and showing confidence and willingness to meet overtures without itself making them”.

That's a great description of an ideal German Shepherd.

When you're talking German Shepherd Dog maturity there are many factors involved.  Bone freeze occurs around 11 months.  There will be no more "growth" after that, but they will "fill out" until the age of 2 and some, beyond that.  In our experience, when they are 3, German Shepherd Dogs are mature mentally and should be considered an Adult.

Top 10 Paw Care Tips For Dogs From GSDsite.com

Your dog’s feet sure are made for walking, but did you know they are also made for protecting? Pads provide extra cushioning to help protect bones and joints from shock, provide insulation against extreme weather, aid walking on rough ground and help protect tissue deep within the paw. With all that work to do, it’s no wonder your pooch’s paws often take a bit of a beating.

Keep a spring in your pet’s step with our top 10 paw care tips:

Pamper With Pedicures: Your dog's nails should just about touch the ground when she walks. If her nails are clicking or getting snagged on the floor, it's time for a pedicure.Snip and Trim: Trim paw hair regularly to avoid painful matting. Simply comb hair out, especially from between the toes, and trim even with the pads.

Clean In Between: Foreign objects can become lodged in your dog’s pads. Check regularly between toes for foxtails, pebbles, small bits of broken glass and other debris. These pesky items can usually be removed with a pair of tweezers.

Moisturize, Moisturize, Moisturize: A dog’s pads can become cracked and dry. GSDsite has good pad moisturizers and use as directed. Avoid human hand moisturizer, as this can soften the pads and lead to injury.

Deep Paw Massage: Similar to giving a human hand massage, a paw massage will relax your dog and promote better circulation. Start by rubbing between the pads on the bottom of the paw, and then rub between each toe. Your dog will be forever grateful for the extra TLC!

Slow and Steady: If you’re about to begin a new exercise program with your dog, start off slow. Paws may become sensitive, chaffed or cracked, particularly when starting your dog out on hikes and runs.

Apply First Aid: It's not unusual for dogs to suffer cuts or other wounds from accidentally stepping on glass, debris or other objects. Wounds that are smaller than a half inch in diameter can be cleaned with an antibacterial wash and wrapped with a light bandage. For deeper paw cuts, see the vet for treatment.

Summertime Sores: Imagine stepping barefoot onto hot pavement. Ouch! It is important to remember your dog’s paws feel heat extremes, too. To prevent burns and blisters, avoid walking your dog on hot pavement or sand. Signs include blisters, loose flaps of skin and red, ulcerated patches. For minor burns, apply antibacterial wash and cover the paw with a loose bandage. For serious burns, visit your vet immediately.

Wintertime Blues: Winter is hard on everyone’s skin, even your dog’s! Bitter cold can cause chapping and cracking. Rock salt and chemical ice melters can cause sores, infection and blistering. Toxic chemicals can also be ingested by your dog when he licks his paws. After outdoor walks, wash your dog’s paws in warm water to rinse away salt and chemicals. You may wish to apply Vaseline, a great salt barrier, to the foot pads before each walk.

Practice Prevention: To reduce the risk of injury, keep your home and yard clear of pointy bits and pieces. Be conscious to avoid hazards such as broken glass and other debris when walking your dog. And keep this simple tip in mind—if you wouldn’t like to walk on it barefoot, neither will your dog!

Law Enforcement K-9 German Shepherds or K9 is an abbreviation and homophone of Canine. It may refer to a variety of entries, most related to dogs.

The term originated in the military, where designations such as G-2 are common, making K-9 a rare official pun, being similar to "canine".

The term, originally referencing war dogs, has since carried over to police, and sentry and assistance/service dogs as well.

Dogs need medicine just like people. some types of medicine include dog digestive medicine, dog skin medicine, dog heart medicine, dog coat medicine, hip dysplasia, hip dysplasia medicine, dog ear medicine, dog nose medicine, dog pain medicine, dog flea medicine, dog eye medicine, dog tick collar, dog flea collar, dog wound medicine, German Shepherd Dog Flea, Worm,
Parasite and Tick Medicine.and dog soft stool medicine. German Shepherd Lyme Disease.

The purpose of Schutzhund is to demonstrate the dog's intelligence and utility. It also measures the dog's mental stability, endurance, structural efficiencies, ability to scent, willingness to work, courage, and trainability.

This working dog sport offers an opportunity for dog owners to train their dog and compete with each other for recognition of both the handler's ability to train and the dog's ability to perform as required.

It is a sport enjoyed by persons of varied professions, who join together in a camaraderie born of their common interest in working with their dogs. Persons of all ages and conditions of life including those with significant disabilities enjoy Schutzhund as a sport. Often, it is a family sport.

Making the right dog food choices

Although dry dog food is convenient to store, pet nutritionists such as DogAware.com's Mary Straus say that canned food can be better than dry food, mostly because it contains fewer preservatives (because the canning process itself acts as a preservative). Canned dog food generally contains less grain and more moisture, which helps keep a dog hydrated and benefits the urinary tract.

Like canned foods, the best dry dog foods have high-quality proteins (named meat and meat meals), along with high-quality carbohydrates, such as potatoes and whole grains. Lower-quality products instead may contain corn, wheat and soy, along with glutens and byproducts. Experts don't consider such ingredients to be highly desirable, and brands containing them may not be very palatable to dogs. Pound for pound, the well-known brands sold in supermarkets and major pet-food chains are obviously a lot cheaper. However, many pet-nutrition experts say that the initial cost difference doesn't tell the whole story. They note that the higher-quality ingredients in premium food mean your dog will actually eat less compared to inexpensive dog food. An added benefit is that because more of the food is absorbed as nutrients, your dog will pass less solid waste.

Experts also point out that suggested serving sizes are just that -- suggestions. Feeding needs vary greatly depending on your dog's breed and activity level, and serving guidelines are merely a good jumping-off point. A dog that spends all day running around in the yard will obviously need more food than a sedentary dog. Observation will tell you if your dog needs more or less food.

Dog food for life stages

Choosing the proper food has become even more challenging since manufacturers started labeling their foods as being suited for certain life stages, such as puppy, large adult or senior, or breeds. According to the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO), the body that governs and regulates pet-food labeling, there are only two true designations: a formula for puppies and one for adult dogs. Puppy formulas generally have more calories and protein. Products labeled "senior" or "large breed" mean the food meets requirements for regular adult food. There's nothing regulating those additional terms when they're used on dog food packaging.

Change dog foods periodically, and alternate between dry dog food and canned food. Many experts say you should change brands every few months as well, which will ensure that any nutrient deficiencies in a particular food won't have long-term effects. Find three or four foods your dog likes and alternate among them. High-meat-content canned foods are best used as a supplement to a high-quality dry food.

Look for certification by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO). According to the Food and Drug Administration's Center for Veterinary Medicine website, "An AAFCO nutritional adequacy statement is one of the most important aspects of a dog or cat food label. A 'complete and balanced' pet food must be substantiated for nutritional adequacy by one of two means. The first method is for the pet food to contain ingredients formulated to provide levels of nutrients that meet an established profile. The alternative means of substantiating nutritional adequacy is for the product to be tested following the AAFCO Feeding Trial Protocols."

Choose a food that has whole meat or whole meat meal (lamb meal, chicken meal, etc.) as its top ingredients. Grain sources should also be whole grains, as opposed to glutens or other processed products. Rice and barley is better than corn or wheat. Avoid meat byproducts, particularly ones in which the meat is not named, and meat-and-bone meals.

Avoid BHT, BHA and ethoxyquin as preservatives. A better choice would be foods preserved with tocopherols (vitamin E) or vitamin C (ascorbate).

Observe your dog carefully when trying a new food. Some dogs need more protein and some need less, just as some dogs need to eat more than others, depending on activity level. Look for changes in coat and skin, along with stool consistency.

Pet-food safety is a concern. Past recalls of dog foods -- because of wheat and rice glutens contaminated with melamine -- have spotlighted some major issues regarding pet foods and their ingredients. Recent pet-food recalls have included ones for salmonella that have also made pet owners who had come in contact with the food fall ill. Although the majority of foods are deemed safe, this is clearly an ongoing issue.

Adopt A German Shepherd and you will never be disappointed. German Shepherds are extremely social and loyal. German Shepherd Rescue groups are located all over the world.

     You can list German Shepherd Rescue Dogs and Groups on GSDsite at no charge and you can place a free Pay Pal Button for Donations (Non Profit Rescue Groups only).     

Trained German Shepherd dogs have a significantly higher value than puppies. They are a wonderful asset to people who are not able to put in the time necessary to train a dog or raise a puppy.

Hundreds of training hours are needed before a dog can pass the stringent requirements of a training degree. They require obedience training and training should be ongoing and consistent. Trained German Shepherds can be used for protection, service dogs, schutzhund, IPO, and K9 German Shepherds.

Just like any proud and responsible dog owner, you would always work for the best to maintain that your dog is always healthy and well-groomed.Tip Number One: Nutrition plays a big role in maintaining your furry friend's fur. Your Shepherds are strong carnivorous which means that the food they eat must be rich in protein, fat and in vitamins. Foods like Beef, Lamb and Chicken are perfect. And if you ever plan to create your own dog's diet, make sure that your mix would be high in these.Tip Number Two: Avoid Vegetables. Unlike humans, dogs' stomachs are straight and not curved. Thus, this makes digesting vegetables hard for them. Stay clear of the vegetables and stick to the high protein regimen above.Tip Number Three: Brush your dog's hairs regularly. By brushing your dog's hair, you contribute in distributing your dog's natural oils. Aside from that, you help prevent matting of the fur and aid in removing dead skin cells.Tip Number Five: Bathe your Dog. Obviously, bathing your dog contributes to maintaining its hygiene. But did you know that a dog should be bathed once or twice a month? German shepherd's natural oils are there for a reason, that's why your dogs shouldn't be bathed more than twice per month. However, frequency of bathing varies depending on the nature of where your dog hangs out. Surely a dog that stays outside will require more baths than one that stays inside.Tip Number Six: Do you See Dust? If you stroke your dog and see dust that means your dog is already due for its bath.The attractive coat of the German Shepherd can unfortunately be quite attractive to parasites too. Beneath the coat on the skin itself, hot spots can be created by skin infections, which can arise from a poor diet or from an infected cut.

Service animal means any dog or other common domestic animal individually trained to do work or perform tasks for the benefit of an individual with a disability, including, but not limited to, guiding individuals who are blind or have low vision, alerting individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing to the presence of people or sounds, providing minimal protection or rescue work, pulling a wheelchair, fetching items, assisting an individual during a seizure, retrieving medicine or the telephone, providing physical support and assistance with balance and stability to individuals with mobility disabilities, and assisting individuals, including those with cognitive disabilities, with navigation.

The term service animal includes individually trained animals that do work or perform tasks for the benefit of individuals with disabilities, including psychiatric, cognitive, and mental disabilities.

The term service animal does not include wild animals (including nonhuman primates born in captivity), reptiles, rabbits, farm animals (including any breed of horse, miniature horse, pony, pig, or goat), ferrets, amphibians, and rodents.

Animals whose sole function is to provide emotional support, comfort, therapy, companionship, therapeutic benefits, or to promote emotional well-being are not service animals.

Dog AnxietyLike us, dogs have anxieties and fears. A dog’s anxieties may not be the same as a human’s anxieties, but they cause stress and physical reactions just the same.

Some common dog anxiety problems include -Separation anxiety – A dog gets anxious when left alone.

Noise anxiety – A dog becomes fearful and stressed when exposed to loud or unusual noises. Some examples include fireworks, thunderstorms, garbage trucks, and more.

Travel anxiety – The car is like a den but dogs are unaccustomed to moving dens. Therefore, they may become unsure and anxious over something so new and unexpected.

Confinement anxiety – A dog gets stressed when he feels trapped or confined. If a threat should arise, a confined dog may feel that he is unable to escape or flee.Punishment or aversive techniques will do little to stop these anxious dog behaviors because punishment does not address the source of the behavior, which is the dog’s anxiety. Suppression of these displacement behaviors through pain and dominance methods makes the problem worse because pain will only cause the dog to become even more anxious. Do not medicate your dog with over-the-counter human drugs on your own.

Dogs have very different physiology than humans and dosage is very dependent on weight.It is important to consult with your vet before giving your dog any medications including over-the-counter human medication.

Some medications used to suppress a dog’s anxiety response include -Clomipramine(Anafranil) – This drug was originally developed to treat OCD in humans. With dogs, it is sometimes prescribed to treat OCD and separation anxiety issues.

Fluoxetine(Prozac,Sarafem,Fontex) – Fluoxetine is perhaps most well-known by its tradename Prozac. Prozac is used to treat heavy depression, OCD, and serious eating disorders (Bulimia nervosa) in humans. Eli Lily makes a special Prozac just for dogs called Reconcile.

When to muzzle your dog

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By and large, muzzles are used to keep a dog from biting or causing injury. There are two types of muzzles: nylon (also referred to as the "groomer's muzzle") and basket.

Nylon muzzles consist of a wide strip of nylon that surrounds the dog's own muzzle, and two nylon strips that attach behind the ears to hold it in place. The nylon muzzle keeps the mouth in an almost completely closed position. Since their design restricts dogs from panting, nylon muzzles should not be used in hot weather for more than very short periods.

The basket muzzle resembles a basket that fits over the dog's own muzzle, and is normally constructed of wire or heavy plastic. Unlike nylon, the basket muzzle allows a dog to open and close his mouth. However, a dog who is wearing a basket muzzle can still cause harm by jabbing his mouth (called "muzzle punching") at a person or another dog.

So when is muzzling appropriate? Some dogs snap when having nails clipped, being brushed, or being vaccinated. A nylon muzzle is a good idea with a dog who is likely to bite when being handled by a groomer or veterinarian. Muzzles may also be used during training sessions for behavior modification. For example, if a trainer is working with a dog who has handling issues, a muzzle is used in order to ensure the trainer's safety.

The brand I recommend has horizontal slats through which slices of hot dog or other food can be passed. The design is useful for classical conditioning--pairing something delightful (slices of hot dog) with something the dog does not necessarily love (being handled)--to modify behavior.

Regardless of which type of muzzle is used, the dog should be acclimated to it before use. This can easily be accomplished by pairing food with the muzzle. For the nylon muzzle, stick a small treat through the bottom and let the dog place his nose into the muzzle to take the treat. For the basket muzzle, place a treat into the basket and let the dog take it.

Repeat a few times, and as the dog becomes more comfortable, gradually begin to place the muzzle on the dog, using incremental steps. For example, dog takes treat, hold for five seconds, release; as dog becomes comfortable, dog takes treat, move muzzle back over dog's muzzle, release; next step, bring straps up behind ears, release; eventually, as dog becomes comfortable, attach straps, feed through muzzle, release.

Important: Muzzling an aggressive dog can be a good management solution in a particular situation, but a muzzle should not be used as a substitute for behavior modification.

In German Shepherd Dogs the recessive gene for white coat hair was cast in the breed gene pool by the late 19th and early 20th century breeding program that developed and expanded the German Shepherd Dog breed in Germany.

A white herding dog named Greif was the grandfather of Horand von Grafrath, the dog acknowledged as the foundation of all contemporary German Shepherd Dog bloodlines. Rittmeister Max von Stephanitz December 1864 to April 1936 Information provided in early books on the German Shepherd Dog make mention of Greif and other white German herding dogs, with upright ears and a general body description that resembles modern German Shepherd Dogs, shown in Europe as early as 1882.

The early 20th century German Shepherd breeding program extensively line bred and inbred "color coat" dogs that carried Greif's recessive gene for "white coats" to refine and expand the population of early German Shepherd Dogs.

White coats were made a disqualification in the German Shepherd Dog Club of Germany breed standard in 1933 after the breed club came under the control of the German Nazi party that took over all aspects of German society in February 1933 when Hitler declared a state of emergency.

The German breed standard remained unchanged as German breeders repopulated the breed in the years after the conclusion of WWII.

In 1959 the German Shepherd Dog Club of America (GSDCA) adopted the exclusively colored breed standard of the parent German breed club. White-coated German Shepherd Dogs were officially barred from competition in the American Kennel Club conformation ring in the United States starting in 1968. AKC-registered white German Shepherd Dogs may still compete in performance events.

During the 1970s, white dog fanciers in the United States and Canada formed their own "White German Shepherd" breed clubs, breeding and showing their dogs at small specialty dog shows throughout North America. The White Shepherd Club of Canada (WSCC) has been dedicated to the promotion and preservation of the White Shepherd since 1971.

Dog Beds

Have you ever thought about the benefits of giving your dog his own bed? Many people still have the idea that a dog bed is a luxury and isn’t really a necessity. This could not be further from the truth. People sleep in a bed not because it is a luxury but because it is a requirement. When you start thinking of it this way, you’ll see that your dog really deserves a dog bed. Here are just some of the many benefits you’ll see as a result of getting your dog set up with his own special place to lie down.

1. Protection While you may be trying to keep your home as clean as it possibly can be, it is hard to always get all of the little bits and pieces off of the floor and carpets. If you have children and other animals in your home it can at times seem virtually impossible! Think about all the crumbs and dirt that your dog may be lying on when he rests on the floor. This can be very uncomfortable to say the least. Dog beds, on the other hand, are easy to clean and maintain. Your dog is sure to get a better night’s sleep when he is sleeping on an area that is free of any debris.

2. Comfort level Any dog will feel more comfortable in his own bed as long as you put in the effort to find the right one. Dogs love to snuggle and it is important to find the right size that gives your dog enough room to move around a bit but also gives him the security of being in a closed area. When you are shopping around for dog beds you’ll have to imagine the area your dog covers when he is curled up in a sleeping position and get one that is slightly larger than that. This is the optimum size of bed that will give your dog as much comfort as possible.

3. His own place Many dog owners have reported that their dogs love a bed because it gives them a space of their own that no one else can enter. If there are two dogs in the same home each dog will take command of their own bed, in most cases, and call it their own. A dog can actually feel lost if it does not know its boundaries and understand that there is a place it can go that belongs only to him. Your dog probably does not own much in your home. His own bed will give him his own sense of dog ownership, which is important.

4. A healthy dog A dog bed will also benefit the health of your special friend. His body temperature will be more regulated on a bed, which will contribute to his overall health. As well, the mattresses found on these types of beds offer firm support for your dog’s back and limbs. You can expect to find your dog more relaxed after a better night’s sleep and generally happier. A dog bed should really be considered a necessity for any size of dog and any breed. You wouldn’t want to sleep on the floor every night so why should your dog be any different?

Schutzhund tests dogs of all breeds for the traits necessary for police-type work. Dogs that pass Schutzhund tests should be suitable for a wide variety of tasks: police work, specific odor detection, search and rescue, and many others.

The purpose of Schutzhund is to identify dogs that have or do not have the character traits required for these demanding jobs. Some of those traits are: Strong desire to work - Courage - Intelligence – Trainability - Strong bond to the handler -Perseverance - Protective Instinct. Schutzhund training tests these traits. It also tests physical traits such as strength, endurance, agility, and scenting ability.

The goal of Schutzhund is to illuminate the character of a dog through training. Breeders can use this insight to determine how and whether to use the dog in producing the next generation of working dogs.

8 Dog Mouth Disorders You Need to Be Aware Of

Whenever people think about dog mouth disorders, they most likely think of gingivitis or just a bad case of doggy breath.  However, there are several problems that can occur in your dog’s mouth that you should be aware of. 

1)    Periodontal disease. 

This is a painful infection that occurs between the tooth and the gum.  It can result in tooth loss and if not treated, can spread to the rest of the body.  The most common initial symptoms include loose teeth, bad breath, tooth pain, sneezing and nasal discharge.

2)    Gingivitis. 

This condition is an inflammation of the gums, caused mainly by plaque and tartar build-up.  To prevent it, you should try your hardest to inhibit disease-producing bacteria from invading your dog’s mouth.  Brush his teeth regularly and check them weekly.  Signs include bleeding, red, swollen gums and bad breath.

3)    Halitosis. 

Halitosis is also known as bad dog breath.  It is often the first sign of mouth issues and is caused by bacteria growing from food particles caught between the teeth or by gum infection.  If not treated, it can lead to more serious dental problems.  You can reverse halitosis by brushing your dog’s teeth regularly and getting them cleaned by the veterinarian.

4)    Swollen gums. 

These develop when tartar builds up and food gets stuck between the teeth.  They are also an initial sign of dental problems and can lead to more serious diseases if not treated.  You can also prevent swollen gums through teeth cleaning and regular visits to the vet for check-ups.

5)    Proliferating gum disease. 

This occurs when the gum grows over the teeth.  It must be treated to avoid further infection.  It can be treated with antibiotics and is common in certain dog breeds, such as boxers and bull terriers.  Usually, it is hereditary and you cannot do much to prevent it except for keep an eye on your dog’s mouth.

6)    Mouth tumors. 

These appear as lumps in the gums.  They must be tested by a veterinarian to determine if they are benign or malignant.  Surgically removing the tumors is the only way to treat this problem.

7)    Salivary cysts. 

Salivary cysts are large, unpleasant, fluid-filled blisters under the tongue or near the corners of the jaw.  To treat them, a veterinarian must drain them and remove the damaged saliva gland.

8)    Canine distemper teeth. 

This occurs most often in dogs that had distemper as a puppy.  The teeth are likely to decay and should be removed by a veterinarian if this happens.  Canine distemper cannot be treated and damage is irreversible.

Being aware of these eight dog mouth problems will assist you in providing your dog with optimal dental health.  It will be easier for you to tell when there is a problem so you can get veterinary help right away.

Owner devastated, Please help locate our missing German Shepherd Dog. We have posted a description of our faithful family member.

Basic Listing Postings on GSDsite for missing/lost German Shepherd Dogs are free for 60 days.

Dog weight gain is a common concern for pet owners challenged with emaciated dogs or pets that are underweight. Often, dogs don't gain weight even though the diet suits the pet's age and level of activity. Weight gain should be monitored in order to prevent obesity and heart disease. As a general rule if the dog's ribs can be counted by feeling the pet's torso area, the dog is considered healthy. However, it's best to seek veterinary advice about the pet's ideal weight according to its breed and age. Dogs whose ribs are easily noticed by the eye are considered underweight.

Treatment for Weight Gain

The most common cause for lack of weight gain in dogs is parasite infection or disease. The pet will regain normal or healthy weight once the primary cause is treated. Pets that aren't suffering from disease should be treated with dietary modification. The dog's diet should be altered to suit the pet's level of activity. It's best to weigh the dog at intervals to determine change in weight. Although underweight pets require high quality protein sources, it's advisable to refrain from including high fat foods to the diet in order to promote weight gain. The amount of food, fed to the dog may be increased if the pet roams outdoors and indulges in exercise or play. Along with dietary modification, there are several commercially available supplements that promote weight gain.

Weight Gain Supplements

The active ingredients present in each supplement vary. Several supplements are enriched with other vitamins and minerals essential to the dog's body. Most products work effectively to stimulate appetite and encourage the pet to consume food especially after illness or disease. Pet owners should read and follow package instructions before administering any supplements to the dog. In addition, it's best to discuss with the vet, nutritional supplements that suit the pet. Along with weight gain supplements, it's necessary to exercise pet's to keep their joints supple. Since diet and exercise are the fundamentals of good health, pet owners should ensure a healthy diet and choose only high quality food products.

Pet owners should read food labels and avoid dog food that contains by products or additives. Food that's flavored with chicken or beef may not necessarily contain chicken or beef. If the pet doesn't gain weight despite dietary modification and weight gain supplementation, other diagnostic testing will be necessary.
 

German Shepherds grow to be big, strong dogs who can be fairly stubborn and will display dominance if allowed to get away with it. They require a firm, consistent and always fair leader to guide them and set them up for success.

German Shepherd training provides the ideal constructive outlet for all of your GSD's energy and focus. German Shepherd Dog training establishes the boundaries which will help your dog to be a reliable and well respected member of society.

Deutscher Schäferhunde

Many people say at 2 years is considered to be Adult GSD and fully mature at 3+ years old. Some people say the fear period as puppy GSD ends at 18 Months of age, meaning he is qualify to be as self-confident GSD like an adult dog.

When you're talking maturity there are many factors involved. Bone freeze occurs around 11 months. There will be no more "growth" after that, but they will "fill out" until the age of 2 and some, beyond that. In my experience, when they are 3, they are mature mentally.

Dogs will consider puppies as just that until about the age of 6 months, then all bets are off. This is when you may start to see aggression from an older dog toward the youngster. Sometimes, it will be just to put them in their place, but it can lead to injury and even death.

Physically, 2...mentally 3...to another dog, 6 months

The perfect Boarding Kennels should be clean and sanitized, facilities that includes spacious 10 feet by 15 feet heated and air conditioned interior each with ceiling fans which connect to a large 15 feet by 30 feet exterior runs so the dogs can come indoors or go outdoors as they please.

Of course this would be the perfect kennel/boarding but at least you have an idea of what would be ideal.

Do be careful - Do NOT give your dog Tylenol (Acetaminophen) or Motrin (Ibuprofen).

Any dog, just like a human, is a candidate for arthritis. But the larger breeds, big dogs like Labs, German Shepherds, Rottweilers, Dobermans, Great Danes and Golden Retrievers, are the most commonly effected by arthritis and joint pain as well as often being genetically predisposed to shoulder, elbow and hip dysplasia. These joint destroyers can incapacitate our best friends unless we take care to take good care of them. While every dog is different and the type and progression of every dog's joint pain is different, there are easy and inexpensive things you can do to help.

Glucosamine truly IS the miracle joint lubricant they say it is! There is no way of telling if your pet will respond to glucosamine, but there is absolutely no harm in trying. Glucosamine, often combined with Chondroitin which you can purchase at GSDsite.com, helps to lubricate the joints, so they move more freely, and without the rubbing, sticking and scraping that leads to scar tissue, spurs and arthritic deterioration. You can get Glucosamine in various formulations from GSDsite.com.

Protect your dog's joints from unnecessary trauma. Great as it feels to see our big, strong friends gleefully jumping in an out of the back of our vehicle, etc., such motions put major stress on their joints and can cause muscle and ligament tears or even hairline fractures. While they may not like it either, it is far better for your furry friend for you to provide a ramp or stairway for them or help lift them in and out gently. This is especially important as they get older ... as well as when they are young and their bones and joints are still developing! Do your best to prevent your energetic puppy from jumping too much or too high and pounding on his newly forming joints and you will go a long way to preventing or delaying joint problems down the road.

Keep your dog at a healthy weight. Of course, walking him will get you headed in the right direction. But also be conscious of overfeeding and, especially, feeding him human foods. Proper quantities of the foods prepared for dogs are really all they need and are truly best for their long term health and well-being. Human foods add unnecessary calories to their diet and some, such as sweets and dairy, may directly exacerbate arthritis.

Give Omega-3 fatty acids which are known to help with the inflammation of arthritis, a good Omega-3 supplement can benefit dogs with arthritis and related conditions.

A German Shepherd club is an organization composed of people who voluntarily meet on a regular basis for a mutual purpose. A club is any kind of group that has members who meet for a social, literary, training such as German Sherpherd Dogs, German Shepherd Shows, German Shepherd Schutzhund and associations.

German Shepherd Dog Agility Training

Agility training and dog obstacle courses were shaped after a Steeplechase in England. The first debut was in the UK at Crufts in 1978, and has become the fasted growing dog sport among both spectators and competitors because it is fast and entertaining. Dogs, too, love the sport; it lets them run, jump, and climb, exercising many of the behavior they enjoy. The sport also allows the dogs to have close contact with a handler, giving them all the attention they want. Agility is a great way to help build confidence in shy dogs, but only if you are supportive and enthusiastic.

If you've never tried German Shepherd agility work, or as we like to call it "play", you're missing a lot of fun. Don't get me wrong, though, it is also a lot of hard work, but well worth it. Much like a combination Doggie Obstacle Course, agility training is comprised of multiple types of various obstacles that the dog must complete.

The dog sport of agility was originally developed by combining the sport of stadium jumping (with horses) with many of the different challenges that are unique to dogs.

The most important factor in this type of "work" is enthusiasm and positive reinforcement. Why should the dog cross the high walk or go through that collapsed tunnel? It is your job to convince your German Shepherd during agility training that it is okay to follow commands and that nothing will harm it by completing the agility obstacles.

"Private room with a view. Ideal for traveling dogs or for those who just want a secure, quiet place to hang out at home."

That's how your dog might describe his crate. It's his own personal den where he can find comfort and solitude while you know he's safe and secure—and not shredding your house while you're out running errands.

Crating philosophy:

Crate training uses a dog's natural instincts as a den animal. A wild dog's den is his home, a place to sleep, hide from danger, and raise a family. The crate becomes your dog's den, an ideal spot to snooze or take refuge during a thunderstorm.

The primary use for a crate is housetraining. Dogs don't like to soil their dens. The crate can limit access to the rest of the house while he learns other rules, like not to chew on furniture.

Crates are a safe way to transport your dog in the car.

Crating caution!

A crate isn't a magical solution. If not used correctly, a dog can feel trapped and frustrated. Never use the crate as a punishment. Your dog will come to fear it and refuse to enter it. Don't leave your dog in the crate too long. A dog that’s crated day and night doesn't get enough exercise or human interaction and can become depressed or anxious. You may have to change your schedule, hire a pet sitter, or take your dog to a doggie daycare facility to reduce the amount of time he must spend in his crate every day.

Puppies under six months of age shouldn't stay in a crate for more than three or four hours at a time. They can't control their bladders and bowels for that long. The same goes for adult dogs that are being housetrained. Physically, they can hold it, but they don’t know they’re supposed to. Crate your dog only until you can trust him not to destroy the house. After that, it should be a place he goes voluntarily.

Selecting a crate Several types of crates are available:

Plastic (often called "flight kennels") Fabric on a collapsible, rigid frame Collapsible, metal pens Crates come in different sizes and can be purchased at most pet supply stores or pet supply catalogs. Your dog's crate should be just large enough for him to stand up and turn around in. If your dog is still growing, choose a crate size that will accommodate his adult size.

Dog Tip: First Aid Kits and Emergency Treatments - Prepare Now!

Those who have faced emergencies can tell you it is essential to get your first aid kit together and get familiar with first aid measures BEFORE you are confronted with an accident, emergency or sudden illness. Many situations require fast and correct action to prevent further injury, infection or death. So assemble a first aid kit now, so that you'll be ready when your pet (or a human) needs immediate help.

Be sure to read through the First Aid Kit list that follows. It will give you an idea of the situations that can and do come up. Being prepared can keep a manageable incident from becoming health-threatening. It will reduce the chance of infection and further complications...reduce stress for everyone...cut recovery time...and empower you to effectively help. Being prepared can even make the difference between life and death.

FIRST AID KIT

Keep a first aid safety kit on hand at home and in your car. Take the one from your car with you when you travel with your pet.

Each kit should include the items listed. It might sound like a lot of stuff, but when an accident occurs, these items can help you save the health or life of an animal...or a human.

Waterproof Kit Container:
Write on the container, in indelible ink, the phone numbers for your vet, the closest emergency animal hospital, and poison control hotlines. Also list your own name, address and phone numbers.

First Aid Guides:
Animal first aid book, such as Dog Owner's Home Veterinary Handbook.

CPR for Dogs

Essential Vet and Contact Info:
Prepare and make copies of a list including:
Phone number for your vet, the closest emergency animal hospital, and poison control hotlines (such as the 2 listed in this tipsheet).
Your own name, address and phone numbers.
Your emergency contact person's numbers, in case you are incapacitated.
The name, age, breed, sex, identification (such as microchipping information), and any health problems (especially useful information if your petsitter or emergency contact needs to call an emergency medical service about your pet).

A copy of your pet vaccination records.
Photo of each pet in case it is needed for ID or other purposes.

Kit Supplies:

Scissors
Tweezers (flat slant tip instead of the rounded variety)
Sterile needle (to remove splinters and tick heads)
Turkey baster or bulb syringe (for flushing wounds, force feeding)
10cc syringe with no needle (for administering medications)
Eyedropper
Tongue depressor to examine mouth

Rubber gloves
Nail clippers
Comb
Rectal thermometer (normal body temperature of dogs and cats is 100.5 to 102.5 F; take your pet's temperature under normal conditions to get a baseline for comparison in case he gets sick or injured)
Disposable safety razor (for shaving fur from around a wound)

Towel (at least 2)
Paper towels
Blanket (the compact thermal blanket works well; uses include keeping an injured animal from going into shock)
Bandanna and/or nylon stocking (many uses, including muzzling or securing a torn earflap)
Strips of cloth
Dog booties or little socks (to cover wounded paws or to protect so you won't need to treat)
Flashlight
Matches

3x3 sterile gauze pads
Rolled gauze (for bandaging, stabilizing joints, making a muzzle)
Adhesive first aid tape (in narrow and wide widths)
Cotton rolled
Cotton balls
Bandages (including self-clinging or vet wrap and waterproof types)
Vet wrap, which sticks to itself but not fur.

Anti-bacterial wipes or pads
Q-tips
Hot/cold pack
Ice pack

Hydrogen peroxide 3% USP (to induce vomiting and to use on infected wounds; check the expiration date from time to time and keep only fresh solution in your kit)
Activated charcoal tablets (effective in absorbing many toxics)

Betadine solution (a type of antiseptic iodine medicine for wounds to deter infection)
Antibiotic ointment (such a Neosporin)
Rubbing alcohol (apply on skin as body cooling agent to aid heat stroke or fever; helps break down oils; acts as a drying agent between toes and skin folds; but do not use on wounds as it can damage skin and is not an appropriate antiseptic)

Bag Balm (especially useful for treating paw pads)
Petroleum jelly (helpful aid for taking temperature)
Sterile saline eye solution (to flush out eye contaminants and wounds)
Artificial tear gel to lubricate eyes after flushing
Eye ointment with no cortisone
Epsom salt (mix 1 teaspoon in 2 cups of warm water for drawing out infection and bathing itchy paws and skin)
Baking soda (good for soothing skin conditions)
Styptic powder (to stop bleeding of torn toenails, etc.)

Milk of magnesia (for stomach upset and certain types of poison ingestion)
Pepto Bismol (for stomach upset and some types of poison ingestion; do not give to cats)
Benadryl (for bug bites and stings and other allergic reactions. Use plain Benadryl, not the other formulas.
Gentle pet sedative such as Rescue Remedy (available at GSDsite.com. Rescue Remedy is a Bach flower essence available in most health food stores. This gentle, natural stress reducing liquid can often help both people and animals recover from injury, fright, illness, travel fatigue and irritation. Put a drop in your water bottle and in their water. To help prevent travel sickness, a common dosage is four drops in the mouth about ten hours before the trip, repeating every four hours as needed. For stressed or injured animals, rub a drop on their ear or put a drop on the towel in their crate or carrier. Flower essences can be used along with conventional medicine.

Aspirin Buffered (for dogs only, 1 tablet per 60 pounds; do not use acetaminophen or ibuprofen; do not give aspirin to cats; since aspirin and other pain relievers can be toxic to any pet, consult your vet and first aid books)

Can of soft pet food (can help reduce the effect of a poisoning)
Mild grease-cutting dishwashing liquid such as Dawn (to clean contaminated skin or sticky substances)
Plastic baggies

Muzzle (an injured or scared animal may try to bite)

Choke Collar: Choke collars are meant to provide a temporary correction. Tightening the chain around the neck gets your dog's attention. Releasing it implies that your dog is doing what you intended. When used correctly, it is not supposed to cut off her breath. The choke collar fits around the strongest part of your dog's neck. This in of itself can present an issue. The problem with a choke collar is that your dog can literally choke herself to death. Never leave a choke collar on your dog while unattended.

Electronic Collar: Also known as the shock collar, an e-collar needs to be used correctly, or it can cause more harm than good. An electronic collar, when handled properly, provides an immediate correction. Since dogs live in the moment, it is imperative that the shock is administered directly - in the split second - the time the undesired behavior occurs. The duration of the pulse should only be one-fortieth of a second and will feel like a mild electric shock.

Important: Always read your e-collar instructions for proper use! Otherwise, your dog may not understand why she is being shocked. And it may damage the trust between you and your dog.

Halter: Also called the halti, or head collar. A halter is designed to lead an animal by its head. This is the same way humans have managed larger animals much stronger than us, such as horses. A halter is also called a Gentle Leader collar. The halter works best on long-nosed dogs, such as German Shepherds. But, without proper use and fitting, it can be ineffective and uncomfortable. The downside to a halter is that your dog may not like the unusual sensation of a loop around her mouth. It is extremely important to have a halter properly fit so that it does not chafe your dog's nose. With proper fit and effective use, it can become a great training tool.

Harness: Harnesses were designed for pulling or tracking. Not for controlling. Huskies were harnessed to pull sleds over the snow. German Shepherds sported a harness to carry loads. And Saint Bernards wore harnesses to rescue people lost in the snow. A harness allows your dog to leverage its entire weight to perform a task. Remember this the next time your dog pulls you down the street while wearing a harness. While tracking, the harness allows your dog to have full contact with the ground, unlike a traditional dog training collar.

No-Pull Harness: Dogs that do not pull may be fine with a harness, but it may trigger a pulling reflex in other dogs. There are harnesses that are designed to be no-pull or anti-pull. These harnesses place a gentle pressure on your dog's chest when she pulls. The sensation is designed to be uncomfortable to discourage pulling. While they do offer more control than a typical harness, it is not the best idea for a dog that you already have difficulty in handling.

If your dog's stool is shaped like thin strips, her large intestine or rectum may be narrowed for some reason. On the other hand, very large stools may indicate a problem in the small intestine. Either way, a visit to the vet is in order.

The GSD's high intelligence, strong athletic physique and silky smooth movement have seen the breed excel at all kinds of duties.

German Shepherds are trained and considered invaluable in such jobs as seeing eye dogs, police work, search and rescue, herding, protection, bomb and drug detection and as guard dogs. They also relish activities which stimulate their acute senses such as tracking, agility, fly ball, endurance work, schutzhund and German Shepherd obedience training.

Dogs have their own set of behavioral problems. Lack of proper training methods may badly affect your dog's behavior and turn your beloved pet into a disobedient, aggressive or unruly dog. As a dog owner you should be aware of these problems and train your dog accordingly.

If your dog bites or tears up your furniture, this is not the dog’s fault. These are types of behavior problems that most dogs show signs of having and it’s up to you, the owner, to train your dog to know what is acceptable and what is not.

Aggression related dog behavior problems include biting, jumping, barking uncontrollably and not obeying commands.

Once a dog ages from a puppy to an adult, it will become much harder to train. Training should start from an early stage, so that these tendencies do not become dog behavior problems.

German Shepherd Dog Digestive Tract Care

German Shepherds are notorious for digestive problems, especially chronic diarrhea caused by food intolerances, colitis (inflammatory bowel disease), hemorrhagic gastroenteritis, or pancreatic insufficiency. This breed should be eating real food for sure, not an artificial diet of kibble or canned food.

As with all deep-chested breeds, German Shepherds are at higher-than-normal risk for the emergency gastrointestinal syndrome bloat.

Pet owners who feed their companion pets correctly can save a lot of money. Many dogs are taken to the vet, suffering from nutritionally related problems, and the vet bills can be huge. i.e. dry/itchy/flaky skin, hot spots, yeast infections in the ear, thyroid - liver - kidney problems, just to name a few, cost the average dog owner hundreds of dollars every year.

The food should contain: (#1) nutrient sources that are similar to those found in the native environment of the breed's ancestors (sources which are not foreign to the digestive and glandular systems of today's German Shepherd Dog and which are easy for them to assimilate) and (#2) the proper balance of protein, carbohydrates, fatty acids, vitamins and minerals that match the breed specific nutritional requirements - those which have been passed on by their ancestors.