We have learned a lot over the last 20+ years of having German Shepherds. Here are a few things we'd like to share.
- You have to be a leader. If you're not, your dog will become the leader.
- Basic obedience should never be taken for granted. It opens the lines of communication between you and your dog. It gets them out, spending time with you and gets them around other dogs and people.
- German Shepherds love their people. They love to be included in your activities and spend time with you.
- Never tie your German Shepherd up for any length of time, you are better off having a fenced yard or dog run.
- Taking your Shepherd with you in your activities builds confidence.
- The more you can do with your puppy early on, the better they will be socialized and able to handle stressful situations.
- Studies are showing that the hip and elbow dysplasia that German Shepherds are known for is hugely impacted by environmental conditions. You need to manage your puppy's exercise and type of exercise until 2 years of age. Excessive exercise and jumping will break down your dog. Genetic dysplasia will show up on x-rays by the age of 1.
-Spaying or neutering before the age of 2 can also lead to development and hormonal problems.
- We don't agree with yearly vaccinations. Do your research on vaccinosis and come to your own conclusion that you can live with. We believe that initial vaccinations are a must but believe in doing titre tests after that. A titre test will test the level of antibodies your dog has and then you can vaccinate appropriately for what the dog actually needs.
- We feed a raw diet as most commercial dog foods are full of fillers.
- We let our dogs have bones, just not cooked ones. Bones are great for the dogs teeth, full of calcium and satisfy the dog's love to chew.
- German Shepherds have a scissor bite. Some mistake it as an overbite but it is there to protect the teeth from chipping when biting.
- You have to be a leader. If you're not, your dog will become the leader.
- Basic obedience should never be taken for granted. It opens the lines of communication between you and your dog. It gets them out, spending time with you and gets them around other dogs and people.
- German Shepherds love their people. They love to be included in your activities and spend time with you.
- Never tie your German Shepherd up for any length of time, you are better off having a fenced yard or dog run.
- Taking your Shepherd with you in your activities builds confidence.
- The more you can do with your puppy early on, the better they will be socialized and able to handle stressful situations.
- Studies are showing that the hip and elbow dysplasia that German Shepherds are known for is hugely impacted by environmental conditions. You need to manage your puppy's exercise and type of exercise until 2 years of age. Excessive exercise and jumping will break down your dog. Genetic dysplasia will show up on x-rays by the age of 1.
-Spaying or neutering before the age of 2 can also lead to development and hormonal problems.
- We don't agree with yearly vaccinations. Do your research on vaccinosis and come to your own conclusion that you can live with. We believe that initial vaccinations are a must but believe in doing titre tests after that. A titre test will test the level of antibodies your dog has and then you can vaccinate appropriately for what the dog actually needs.
- We feed a raw diet as most commercial dog foods are full of fillers.
- We let our dogs have bones, just not cooked ones. Bones are great for the dogs teeth, full of calcium and satisfy the dog's love to chew.
- German Shepherds have a scissor bite. Some mistake it as an overbite but it is there to protect the teeth from chipping when biting.