Training - Training a German Shepherd is well worth the time and effort

Training a German Shepherd is well worth the time and effort. German Shepherds are large breed dogs and need to learn how to respond to your basic commands.

German Shepherd - Dog Lover

Dog care - Some serious training starting when he was young.

To properly take care of a German shepherd dog means some serious training starting when he was young. This breed is highly intelligent and trainable but has some serious muscles that can be used on the wrong person or object when training is not done. Socializing is just as important because the German shepherd dog is by nature on its guard with strangers. It needs to know that not everyone is bad.

German Shepherd - Dog Lover

Dog care - German shepherd shed heavily

Although German shepherds have very short coat, they shed heavily. It is important for those that are allergic to animal fur to avoid this breed because the shedding is so heavy that your home will be covered in dog hair everyday. Overall, grooming is not very challenging.

German Shepherd - Dog Lover

Dog care - The German shepherd is also a dog that is prone to bloat

The German shepherd is also a dog that is prone to bloat. This can happen to large breeds that are fed only one large meal a day and drink plenty of water afterward. Then they exercise vigorously either by running or playing with family. You must avoid this situation by not letting the dog exercise too much before and after his meal. After each exercise sessions, withheld water for at least 15 minutes.

German Shepherd - Dog Lover

Owner guide - What is the reason that people give up their German Shepherd?

The No. 1 reason people give up their German shepherds is because this breed sheds too much. The No. 2 reason is that the dog got bigger than expected.

German Shepherd - Dog Lover

Owner guide - Brush your German shepherd daily if possible

Brush your German shepherd daily if possible. This breed sheds year-round and heavily twice a year when the undercoat comes out.

German Shepherd - Dog Lover

DOG FAQ - Do German shepherd puppies bark a lot?

German Shepherds don't bark more than any breed of dog would. Though some dogs just have a barking personality!

German Shepherd - Dog Lover

DOG FAQ - Should I get a male or female?

Some people will say that males are more "location" protective while females are more "pack" protective. Males are generally more territorial, so unless training steps are consistent, territory marking could be a problem. Neutering may help alleviate this problem.

Any dog or bitch not intended for a breeding program should be neutered or spayed. Besides eliminating the possibility of unwanted puppies and reducing some undesirable behaviors, it's considerably healthier for your dog since it eliminates or severely reduces the chance of testicular or mammary cancers.

A dog is virtually in season all the time and a bitch will come into season approximately twice a year. Breeding should *never* be taken lightly. The decision on whether you get a male or a female is solely up to you, but your breeder may help you in your decision.

German Shepherd - Dog Lover

DOG FAQ - What traits are inherent in German Shepherd's?

German Shepherds are natural working (herding) dogs. Your German Shepherd will try to round you and your family up. Often they will lead ahead, walking in front of you and looking back to make sure you're going where you should. The breed is naturally loyal, intelligent and protective, has a very good nose and has a very calm and steady temperament when well bred. All of these traits make them excellent for police work, tracking and search work, rescue work and seeing eye dogs. They are also being used as assistance dogs for they disabled. A German Shepherd thrives on , mental stimulation (obedience training), regular exercise (at least one walk per day) and a well-balanced diet.

German Shepherd - Dog Lover