The German Shepherd Handbook Will Teach You
Everything You've Ever Wanted To Know About
German Shepherds - From How To Choose The
Right German Shepherd And Housebreak It,
To The History Of The Breed And How To
Train Your Dog To Obey Your Every Command

Imagine being able to get your German Shepherd to listen to you anywhere you go. Wouldn't that be nice? What about knowing that your dog is perfectly happy and healthy because you know exactly how to exercise and feed your dog?

Wouldn't it be great if you could teach your German Shepherd to stop biting and chewing everything in sight? Can you imagine how great you'll feel when you know that your dog loves you as much as you love him (or her)? And what if you could train your dog to get rid of bad behaviours and obey your every command?

In fact, all of this will come true for you once you know the secrets.

German Shepherd Info

Did you get the "owners manual" the day you chose your German Shepherd?

No? I've been in contact with many dog owners (and owners-to-be) over the years and I've realized that most German Shepherd owners actually need one!

As I'm sure you know , each dog breed is unique, and the German Shepherd is not an exception. The German Shepherd is among the most popular of all breeds, most likely for its loyalty and courage. But most owners don't realize how much attention, training, love and firm guidance is needed to get their dog to develop these characteristics.

That's why I've spent months and months of research, interviewing German Shepherd trainers, vets, importers, dog owners and well-known breeders to compile the complete "German Shepherd Handbook"!

German Shepherd Info

Increase the lifespan of your dog by up to 134%

What is the most recognizable breed in the world?

No! It is not Lassie the Collie. It is the German Shepherd Dog. There has not been another breed that is so internationally recognized as the German Shepherd.

Back in the 1890's a German cavalry officer, Captain Max von Stephanitz was dreaming of creating a working dog that was not only beautiful to look at, but had intelligence, loyalty and perseverance.

While visiting a dog show in 1899, he happened to see a beautiful dog and immediately bought him.

This dog was named Horand von Grafrath. Horand became very famous in Germany because of his beauty and intelligence.

In 1899 von Stephanitz and some other interested parties formed a society known as the Society for German Shepherd Dogs and Horand von Grafrath became the sire for building the breed of German Shepherds. This society still exists and is the largest and most influential breed club in the world. The Society was responsible for creating the list of strict breeding standards and guidelines, along with creating a register for German Shepherd Dogs

It established the first German Shepherd Dog Show in 1899 and today it draws people and dogs from all over the world. In 1908 the AKC registered the first German Shepherd and at that time an American German Shepherd Dog Club was also formed,

However, World War I came upon the world and anything German was quickly frowned upon.

In America the name was changed to Shepherd Dog and the British decided to call the breed the Alsatian Wolfdog.

The war ended and in 1931 the word German was again added to the name.

As the American soldiers returned home from Europe and peace was restored. They brought tales of heroic deeds that these dogs were capable of and slowly but surely, the breed once again regained great popularity.

German Shepherds starred in movies and Rin Tin Tin became a household word. Roy Rogers even had a German Shepherd in his TV series.

German Shepherds were bred originally as sheep herding dogs and even today the herding instinct still comes to light on occasion.

When we think of German Shepherds, our minds click to police dogs, guard dogs and guide dogs as they are great working dogs.

However, they are super great family dogs. Their protective instinct makes them great dogs to have around children.

A German Shepherd has a stable and steady temperament, their loyalty can never be questioned, their intelligence makes them quick learners and they even have common sense.

Granted they are not known to have the "greeting" exuberance that some dogs have; as they do appear at times, aloof and imposing

German Shepherds were bred to herd and protect sheep and the shepherd.

This quality remains and they are protective of their humans, which makes them cautious when a stranger approaches what they consider their "charges."

Owning a German Shepherd requires a person (family) that has time to devote to training, outdoor activity and has lots of love to give.

Though these are considered working dogs, they are also "people" dogs and need love and attention.

An ignored German Shepherd that has not been given any training or care ultimately becomes a nuisance and ends up in a shelter with little hope of finding a home.

German Shepherds because of their popularity have been bred by many indiscriminate breeders and as a result the puppies are of poor quality and temperament.

If you are thinking of getting a puppy, do your research investigate your breeder, check bloodlines, look at where the dog is kept, see the parents if possible, be certain the puppies are being handled and loved before they are put up for sale.

One of the most important things to remember is that these puppies need to be socialized (all dogs do,) but for a German Shepherd it is extremely important that they be people oriented.

Also, breeders will tell you the American bloodlines are the best.

If you want to show your dog, that is more than likely the truth as the AKC has been known to reject many of the German bred dogs due to conformation.

American bred German Shepherds have a less intense temperament and a more streamlined body. German bloodlines tend to build a stockier dog that is more suited to be a "working dog" as its temperament is rather intense and they are very high-energy.

That is not to say they would not make great family dogs, it just means that they will require more from you in the line of training, outdoor activity and patience.

On the negative side there are a few things to consider, many cities consider German Shepherds, along with some other breeds as intimidating and aggressive and have put into force very strict rules regarding the housing of such dogs at your home.

Likewise, many insurance companies have declined to insure homes because of what they consider too great a liability if you have a dog that is considered aggressive.

Health wise there are several things to take into consideration; hip and elbow dysplasia are common problems, bloat is another, young puppies (8 to 12 months) can suffer from panosteitis (excessive bone production in the large leg bones. The puppies generally will grow out of it, but it does cause a great deal of pain and some lameness.

Pannus is an eye condition that responds to medication, but can in some cases cause blindness.

A spinal disorder called degenerative myelopathy is fairly common, along with epilepsy and a middle ear disease called peripheral vestibular disease.

I have listed these negatives not to discourage you from getting this wonderful dog, but to alert you to some of the possible problems. Investigating the bloodlines of your puppy and the health of its parents and grandparents is a good place to start.

The German Shepherd Dog is one of the nature's most unique and wonderful canine gifts. This dog will love you until "death you do part."

You on the other hand have to be intelligent enough to know what a treasure you have and be willing to devote the time to training, exercising and loving this dog.

If you do not have the time or the ability, do yourself and the dog a favor and get a fish.

If this article has been of benefit, please visit my web site and blog at http://www.cats-and-dogs-on-the-web.com

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There are fewer things in life more irresistible than a German Shepherd puppy. But you should never bring one home on impulse. This needs to be a careful decision. Bringing a German Shepherd puppy home is the same as bringing a human child home (except German Shepherds mature faster and are more loyal). Although German Shepherd puppies are a big responsibility, they are priceless in their friendship.

German Shepherds, on average, will cost about three thousand dollars a year in food, grooming supplies and vet care. This is far less than your car, but still something to keep in mind. Because of how fast they grow, German Shepherd puppies need their diets to be closely regulated to avoid many potential health problems. They will also need positive reinforcement from day one. Never train a German Shepherd puppy by force. Most dog bites are from dogs that are scared, not dogs that are attacking.

Never buy a German Shepherd puppy from a pet store or from an Internet sight that will ship a pup to you without asking you any questions beyond, "Check or charge?" These puppies will be from puppy mills. They will not only be sickly, but they will have missed a major learning period for basic training and will be harder to train and more uncontrollable. The best German Shepherd puppies are from breeders, from animal shelters or from German Shepherd rescues. One of the times German Shepherds are most abandoned is when they are six months old and past the cute stage.

Encourage the German Shepherd puppy to lie down and sleep to lessen the shock of a car ride. Go to the vet within 24 hours of bringing the puppy home, even if the puppy has passed a vet's inspection at a shelter. When you get the German Shepherd puppy home, take it where you want it to relieve itself. Praise the puppy highly when they go in the right place. Keep using that place for toilet training and use verbal commands.

Small puppies have small bladders. They will need to go outside to try and toilet every two hours until they are about six months old, when they can start holding their bladders for seven hours. When a German Shepherd puppy has an accident, it is not trying to be bad. They often can't hold it. German Shepherd puppies usually walk in circles sniffing when they need to go. However, once they learn, it's learned.

This might sound like a lot, and it is, but it can be done if you are committed to raising a German Shepherd puppy. You will find training easier by giving your puppy a German Shepherd name that easily attracts the puppy's attention. Don't have it sound to similar to commands they hear all the time like "Stay" or "Heel". German Shepherd puppies are smart enough to respond to name changes. Don't use their registered name - it's too long and won't grab their attention..

Jan Ryan has written hundreds of articles on all things canine, including dozens about German Shepherd Dogs. The German Shepherd has a great personality, which is better than most humans. New dog owners should know basic German Shepherd information before bringing home a German Shepherd rescue dog.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jan_Ryan

After getting your German Shepherd puppy, you soon might want to think about doing some German Shepherd puppy training. The relationship with your dog will only blossom and grow when he knows what you want and you come to understand how he will respond. Keep reading to find out a few hints on how to train your new puppy.

This breed happens to be one of the most popular widely known working dogs available. The German Shepherd breed was developed in the 1800's by a guy named Max Von Stephanitz also widely known as the father of the German Shepherd breed. While they find itself in many working capacities, it has distinguished itself among others as being the first dog to serve as guidance for the blind. Currently, they reign as one of the most popular dogs in the world.

While being a puppy, the German Shepherd will need to be immediately socialized and trained for obedience intregally. Just the same as other dogs, this breed does not respond very well to harsh or detrimental methods of training. They have been developed to be he learned and very obedient in nature. You'll need a firm hand during training along with fairness, respect, consistency and praise. This breed has been known to have very good intelligence that helps in various activities like obedience, tracking, ring sport, sniff searching, agility and other competitive tasks. Being a popular working dog, the German Shepherd breed will often find itself involved in search and rescue, police tasks, guidance for the blind and military service work.

Like almost any puppy, they will not be doing many things except for eating, sleeping, and playing around while being of age anywhere up to 21 days. Also at this age, they really don't care where they go to the bathroom. However, immediately following this age they will look for a place to go to the bathroom that is farther from their regular living quarters. At this time, the German Shepherd puppy will be ready for learning other things like using a crate.

These other things might include a little pre-training including getting your puppy to come when called. There are two things that you want to do in order to get your dog to come. In unison, say in a high-pitched voice "come" along with clapping happily in order to get your puppy's attention and for him to come to you. Once he arrives, give him plenty of praise. This exercise is basically a precursor for normal training sessions.

You will be prudent to adhere basic tenements of thought for training your puppy. These are some guidelines that will help your whole household consistent with your puppy in order for him to learn quickly. While using these guidelines, continually remember that your puppy will always be learning not just in formal training. Almost every minute of the day your puppy will be using its brain to learn more about you and his surroundings.

You'll definitely find that training your newly acquired German Shepherd puppy will hold a great deal of enjoyable pleasure for your puppy and you. At all times you should be having an enjoyable time during training. Otherwise, you are either doing something wrong or you need to postpone until the next teaching session.

The pleasure you get from owning and interacting with your German Shepherd during his or her lifetime will be great. Just remember that for it to remain that way, you still need to hold the position of pack leader. Otherwise your dog will soon take on that role which will mean possible problems for your household.

Go here for further information on German Shepherd puppy training. It will also help to learn about preventing dog digging or training your dog in a public area.

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