2007-10-06 13:38:58 · 5 answers · asked by shydaddy 2 in Pets ➔ Dogs
If you have a German Shepherd Puppy and need general puppy care advice (training, feeding, health etc. etc.) this website has tons of free advice, tips and info. http://www.the-puppy-dog-place.com
I don't know specific GSD websites myself, but owned a German Shepherd for 12 years. They're wonderful dogs, extremely intelligent and loyal. They need a lot of exercise, and really enjoy having a 'job' to do - they do extremely well at obedience, tracking, shutzhund even agility or flyball. Very responsive and quick to learn.
Depending on your dogs' personality and temperament, you may have a few power struggles during the adolescent period, especially with males. Ongoing training and lots of socialization really helps with this. Don't play tug-of-war games or rough-house with a GSD, you don't want him to think he's stronger than you are! They are natural guardians and the tendency to guard and protect their home and family will appear and grow naturally, as he matures... don't feel the need to encourage him to bark or guard, it can lead to problems later on.
They can be prone to hip problems, and like other large breeds can suffer from bloat which can be fatal. Never exercise your dog soon after feeding, as this can be a factor.
Enjoy your dog and have fun.
2007-10-06 16:41:10 · answer #1 · answered by suzy49 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
There are several excellent books that have to do with German Shepherds. They are published by the Monks of New Skete. The names of the books are - The Art of Raising a Puppy, How to be Your Dog's Best Friend (1978) and How to be Your Dog's Best Friend (2002) . The Monks of New Skete raise nothing but German Shepherds and have some very good advise on everything that you will need to know about your German Shepherd.
An older book about German Shepherds is called This is the German Shepherd by Captain William Goldbecker and Ernest H. Hart.
Several other older books are - The German Shepherd Today by Winifred Gibson Stickland, and James A. Moses andas well as Expert Obedience Training for Dogs by Winifred G. Strickland. All of these books have very good advise that deals strictly with the German Shepherd.
I have had German Shepherds for 20 years and have found them to be very loving, loyal, protective, smart and just an all around wonderful dog. They are a strong breed in that I would not recommend them to a first time dog owner. They need someone to look up to ( to be the pack leader), they need to know that there are rules to follow, and very definatly need socialization with all sorts of animals as well as all sorts of people. Talk to breeders as well as read everything that you can get your hands on to know exactly what you are getting into with this breed. The last thing you want is a dog that is mistreated, abused, timid, unsocialized, or has no rules that need to be followed.
Good luck and I hope you find the dog that you are looking for.
2007-10-06 17:34:08 · answer #2 · answered by Su-Nami 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well I don't think it matter whether it's a German Shepherd or any other breed. The number one don't I tell people is: Don't rough house with them. It teach them to be defensive and react to certain situations that are animal instinctive. You don't want to encourage him to be aggressive and rough housing will. Besides if he is going to be aggressive, there's nothing you can do about it.
Next, read alot of books. There's a lot of good ones in the library and some pet store have them free. Read and learn.
Then sit back and relax, love him as much as you would anything. You will get it back many times over.
2007-10-06 15:08:52 · answer #3 · answered by Old Cop Dog 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
How old of a shepherd are you talking about? I have two, one young one old and both have different do's and don'ts. My younger one (11 months old), needs lots and lots of exercise. He is also very bull headed and needs a firm but gentle hand in training. He is very smart and training is easy with treats and lots of praise. My older dog needs lots of meds for her arthritis. She is very slow in getting up and down, and has her good days and bad days. She is very gentle and loves to play with the younger dog. Both dogs are great and I love this breed. Google german shephards and you'll find everything you could possibly want to know about them. Good luck.
2007-10-06 14:11:32 · answer #4 · answered by Bonzie12 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I do not really know of a good website with that type of information.
You are welcome to email me if you have any questions though.
I train/breed working german shepherds!
2007-10-06 13:48:34 · answer #5 · answered by HeatherAuger 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋