The Complete Guide to German Shepherds

THE COMPLETE GUIDE TO

GERMAN SHEPHERDS

By Max Hofmann

~~~

Smashwords Edition

Copyright © 2011 For Dogs Sake! ®

Smashwords Edition, License Notes

This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please return to Smashwords.com and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

Copyright 2011

Publisher Kevin Winslet For Dogs Sake!®

Author Max Hoffman

Table of Contents

1 GERMAN SHEPHERD DECISIONS

The Right And Wrong Reasons For Purchasing A German Shepherd

-- The Right Reasons

-- The Wrong Reasons

German Shepherds And Social Responsibility

Where To Purchase Your German Shepherd

-- Private Sellers

-- Breeders

-- Shelters And Rescues

-- Puppy Farms

-- Pet Shops

General Equipment You Will Need

-- German Shepherds As Guard Dogs

-- Family And Child Friendly German Shepherds

-- Hunting With German Shepherds

-- Working German Shepherds

-- Herding German Shepherds

A Breed Guideline

-- Barking And The German Shepherd

-- Children And The German Shepherd

-- The German Shepherd On Its Own

-- Active Lifestyles And The German Shepherd

-- Exercise And The German Shepherd

Mixed Or Pure Breed German Shepherds?

In Conclusion

2 YOUR CHOSEN BREED: THE GERMAN SHEPHERD

The German Shepherd Breed Standard

Personality And Temperament Of The German Shepherd Breed

The Reality- Life With An German Shepherd

-- The German Shepherd And Children

-- German Shepherds And Families

-- German Shepherds And Lifestyle

-- The German Shepherd And Other Animals

3 ALL ABOUT PUPPIES

Choosing The Right German Shepherd Puppy

-- What To Look For In An German Shepherd Owner Or Breeder

-- When Is The German Shepherd Puppy Old Enough To Leave The Mother?

How To Choose The Right German Shepherd Puppy

What To Watch For

Paperwork

Questions To Ask

Bringing The German Shepherd Puppy Home

-- Preparation At Home

-- Arrival

-- Introducing The Family

Keeping A Healthy German Shepherd Puppy

-- Good Nutrition

-- Vaccinations And Vet Visits

Common German Shepherd Puppy Health Problems

-- Diarrhea

-- Bloat

-- Allergies

-- Fleas And Ticks

-- Vomiting

Exercise

Conclusion

4 THE RESCUE GERMAN SHEPHERD OWNER’S MANUAL

The Truth Behind Rescued German Shepherds

Why Adopt From A Rescue Home?

-- Misconception: Anyone Can Get An German Shepherd From A Breed Rescue

-- Misconception: As Soon As You Put In Your Name And Are Approved You Will Get An German Shepherd

-- Misconception: It Is Easy To Get A Puppy At An German Shepherd Rescue

-- Misconception: Rescues Will Take In Vicious German Shepherds

-- Misconception: Rescued German Shepherds All Have Personality Or Temperament Problems

Older German Shepherds Versus Younger German Shepherds

-- How Does This German Shepherd Behave Around Children?

-- How Does This German Shepherd Respond To Strangers?

-- What Routines For Feeding And Exercise Is This German Shepherd Currently On?

-- What Food Or Diet Is This German Shepherd On And What Treats Are Being Provided?

-- What Unique Behaviors Or Personality Traits Does This German Shepherd Have?

-- What Commands Does This German Shepherd Respond To?

Process For Adopting A Rescue German Shepherd

1. The First Step Is Research

2. Contact The Rescue In Your Area

3. Be Patient

4. Renew Your Application When Necessary

5. Follow Through

6. Consider Volunteering

Common Issues With Rescued German Shepherds And How To Deal With Them

-- Fear

-- Biting

-- German Shepherd Anxiety

-- Housetraining a dog

Particular Problems With A German Shepherd Rescue Dog

A Last Word

5 GERMAN SHEPHERD HEALTH

General Considerations For Keeping Your German Shepherd Healthy

-- Spaying And Neutering

-- Regular Vet Checks

-- The Importance Of Exercise

Exercise Requirements Of The German Shepherd Breed

Grooming And Living Conditions

Typical German Shepherd Health Issues

-- Fleas

-- Ticks

-- Worms

-- Weight Loss / Weight Gain

-- Dog Diarrhea

-- Dog Vomiting

-- Coughing

-- Trouble Breathing

-- Bad Breath

-- Hip Dysplasia

-- Walking Dandruff

-- Canine Arthritis

-- Ear Infections

-- Eye Infections

-- Constipation

-- Heat Stroke

Allergies

Specific Dog Health Issues For The German Shepherd Breed

-- Progressive Retinal Atrophy

-- Cataracts

-- Hypothyroidism

-- Entropion

-- Gastric Torsion

-- Cardiomyopathy

-- Osteochondritis Dessicans

-- Cryptorchidism

-- Hypoadenocorticism (Addison’s Disease)

-- Panosteitis

Non-Medical Emergencies

-- Missing German Shepherds

-- German Shepherd Safety In Cars

-- Ventilation And Overheating

-- Cold

-- German Shepherd Bites And Liability

In Ending

6 BATHING AND GROOMING YOUR GERMAN SHEPHERD

Tools

Bathing

Ear Care

Nail Clipping

Anal Glands

7 THE GOOD GERMAN SHEPHERD FOOD GUIDE

The Importance Of The Right Diet

Changing Types Of Food

Keeping A Routine

How Much And What To Feed

Making Your Own German Shepherd Food

Foods To Avoid

Specific Feeding Advice For The German Shepherd

Weight, Dieting And German Shepherds

-- Feeding Obese German Shepherds

-- Diabetic German Shepherds

-- BARF

Health Foods For German Shepherds

Homemade Treats

To Conclude

8 WORKING AND SHOWING YOUR GERMAN SHEPHERD

Options For Working Your German Shepherd

The History Of Working German Shepherds

Using German Shepherds To Hunt

The German Shepherd As A Guard Dog

Training Your Own Guide German Shepherd

German Shepherds For Therapy

German Shepherds As Guard Dogs

-- Obedience

-- Working Trials

-- Control

Rescue German Shepherds

The Problems Of Working German Shepherds

Showing Your German Shepherd

-- Choosing The Perfect German Shepherd For Show

-- Ringcraft

-- Grooming The Show German Shepherd

-- Transporting And Caging Your German Shepherd

In Summary

9 TRAINING YOUR GERMAN SHEPHERD

Training Your German Shepherd Puppy

Basic Commands

Common Puppy Problems

-- Housetraining

-- Barking

-- Biting Or Nipping

-- Jumping Up

-- Leash Problems

Choosing A Trainer Or A Class

Training Your Adult German Shepherd

Particular Training Challenges With An German Shepherd

Common Adult German Shepherd Problems And Solutions

-- Biting And Nipping

-- Dog Barking

-- Chasing Other Animals

-- Aggression Towards Other Animals

-- Chewing

-- Digging

-- Anxiety

-- Running Away

-- Pulling On The Leash

-- Coprophagy

-- Constantly Distracted

Summary

10 BREEDING YOUR GERMAN SHEPHERD

Basic Breeding Information

Breeding Checklist

Finding The Perfect Partner For Your German Shepherd

Pregnancy And Beyond

Whelping

Special Notes On Breeding A German Shepherd

Puppy Care

Registering The Puppies

Choosing Good Homes For Your German Shepherd Puppies

The Transition

A Closing Word

11 THE OAD CARE GUIDE:  OLD AGED GERMAN SHEPHERDS AND CANINE BEREAVEMENT

Older German Shepherds And Their Needs

-- Diet

-- Exercise

The Aging German Shepherd

Environmental Modifications

Health Problems And Older German Shepherds

Dealing With Grief

German Shepherds And Grieving

German Shepherds That Lose Their Owners

Preparing For The Worst

-- Euthanasia

-- Planning For Burial

-- Dealing With The Loss

A Final Word

1

GERMAN SHEPHERD DECISIONS

THE RIGHT AND WRONG REASONS FOR PURCHASING A GERMAN SHEPHERD

Planning to purchase a German Shepherd is a big decision and one that should not be entered into lightly. Owning a German Shepherd is a huge responsibility. Often potential owners see a tiny puppy and forget that this small, little bundle of energy will one day be a full grown animal that needs constant exercise, attention and love; as well as training, food, and healthcare. Owning a German Shepherd is a wonderful, rewarding experience but people need to realize that there are right and wrong reasons for owning such a unique breed of dog. There are right and wrong decisions to make about German Shepherds largely based on your living situation, as well.

THE RIGHT REASONS

There are many right reasons for purchasing an German Shepherd, depending on your living space, lifestyle, and financial status; both now and in the future. A German Shepherd requires love, attention, space, and exercise, as well as veterinary care and good quality food. If you are able to provide these factors for the animal, then purchasing a German Shepherd is probably a good decision. Remember, however, that a German Shepherd will usually live at least 12 years. Know that this purchase is a lifetime commitment and ensure that you are financially and emotionally able to take on this commitment.

Some of the right reasons for purchasing a German Shepherd include:

<> You want to participate in daily exercise with a pet that will always be ready to go for a walk, romp or run, no matter what the weather.

<> You want to be responsible for caring for another living thing that will provide you with years of unconditional love and attention.

<> You can make the time commitment to train and work with your German Shepherd both now and in the future.

<> You have the ability to provide food and healthcare as required to your German Shepherd. The average cost of raising an German Shepherd is approximately $250.00/£125 per year in vet fees plus an additional $40.00/£25.2 per month in dog food. For those that have German Shepherds that require special food types, the cost of feeding can be closer to $150.00/£75 to $200.00/£100 per month. Flea and tick medications and heartworm medicine usually costs $30.00/£15 to $50.00/£25 per month. These costs are per dog, so families with more than one German Shepherd will pay significantly more per year.

<> You want to have a companion to spend time with that will just be happy to be with you.

<> You have spent time researching breeds and have determined the German Shepherd will best suit your lifestyle, both now and in the future.

<> You have researched breeds, rescues, or private owners and have determined the best purchase to make.

<> You have the space, both inside and outside, and have the room to exercise and house a German Shepherd in a quality home environment.

<> You have completely thought through the purchase, consulted with other family members, and are in agreement that getting an German Shepherd is a good decision.

Ensuring that other family members agree with your decision is an important part of the right reasons to get a German Shepherd.

THE WRONG REASONS

Sometimes people end up owning pets for the wrong reasons. Unfortunately, these wrong reasons often lead to loving pets being left at rescues or shelters or simply being given away to another owner. Try to avoid purchasing or taking a German Shepherd from someone else for one of the wrong reasons listed below:

<> Purchasing a German Shepherd based on emotion rather than planning and thought.

All puppies are cute and adorable, but they do grow. Rescues for German Shepherds are full of dogs that simply grew much bigger than the owner had anticipated. A little research on the breed would have avoided this problem.

<> Purchasing a trendy breed.

Different movies, videos, or even various celebrities posing with an German Shepherd can influence individuals in purchasing a particular breed. Buying a German Shepherd without knowing what the breed is like in personality or training demands is not a good idea. Avoid purchasing the breed that is currently in fashion.

<> Purchasing a German Shepherd to send a message about yourself.

Many breeds have become popular simply due to their reputations. The truth is that this breed needs an experienced and mature owner who wants more than a status symbol.

<> Feeling guilty about a German Shepherd and taking it home.

Sometimes people are pressured into buying or accepting a German Shepherd even when they know they cannot properly care for it.

<> Taking home an German Shepherd at the wrong time in your life.

Don’t get a German Shepherd when your financial situation or lifestyle will not accommodate for the responsibility of caring for the pet.

<> Purchasing an German Shepherd for a small child or family member.

They likely will not be able to care for it on their own if you are not able to provide assistance and support for the pet’s training and care.

Research and an honest evaluation of why you want a German Shepherd will help avoid these potential pitfalls.

GERMAN SHEPHERDS AND SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY

There are several considerations that a German Shepherd owner must keep in mind when owning an animal, regardless of its breed or size. Often there are more responsibilities than ever imagined. It is the owner’s job to keep the pet safe, as well as visitors to the property and individuals within the community.

The following responsibilities should be considered with regards to owning an German Shepherd:

<> Travel

Will you bring the German Shepherd with you? Who will provide care for your German Shepherd while you are away? Some hotels and motels allow dogs, and most dogs can be transported in planes, provided they are properly caged and behaved. Training your German Shepherd to be comfortable in a cage when traveling is a great idea. For those German Shepherds that are being left behind, either boarding them or having someone dog sit, is an important consideration.

<> Vaccinations

Not only should your German Shepherd be vaccinated to prevent them from developing diseases, but to prevent the spread of disease through other dogs. Even German Shepherds that have no contact with other pets may get outside, become lost, or have contact with other dogs in social areas. Vaccinating your German Shepherd on a regular basis eliminates any worry.

<> Kenneling

Finding a professional kennel owner that knows your pet and will care for them while you are away is an important responsibility. Be sure to visit the kennel and talk to the people that work there prior to leaving your German Shepherd.

<> Car Safety

Teaching your German Shepherd to ride in the car, in a crate or using a leash seat belt, is important. These devices keep your German Shepherd safe and prevent them from being injured or thrown through the window in the case of an accident or sudden stop.

<> Biting and Other Legal Issues

Keeping your German Shepherd in a yard or on a leash is the best way to prevent biting or other legal issues. If you are buying a German Shepherd, check with local authorities to determine what you need to do to prevent any difficulties with specific breeds. Some breeds may not be allowed in some communities.

<> Insurance and Micro chipping

Many insurance companies offer coverage for medical issues or even death for dogs. There are several different options and it is best to read through all policies before deciding which one is the best for you and your pet. Micro chipping is a great way to permanently identify your German Shepherd. A small microchip is inserted just under the skin and allows identification of your dog at any vet’s office, shelter or rescue center. Your vet can complete this process at any time.

WHERE TO PURCHASE YOUR GERMAN SHEPHERD

After you have made the decision and completed the research on the breed of dog that you would like to purchase the next step is to decide where to buy your German Shepherd. There are several different options for purchase or adoption, all which have pros and cons. The following section will describe the various methods for purchasing an German Shepherd and indicate the advantages and disadvantages of each option.

PRIVATE SELLERS

Sometimes known as backyard breeders, private sellers are individuals who have either purebred or mixed breed German Shepherds that have litters of puppies.

<> Advantages

Usually the parent German Shepherds, at least the female, are family pets and are well cared for and socialized. Often the owners have the litters in the house so the puppies are used to being handled and may also be started in basic training and socialization with people. Most private sellers love their German Shepherds and do their best to care for them. German Shepherds from a private seller may be registered or unregistered depending on the breeder.

<> Disadvantages

The owners are usually not showing the German Shepherds so, although they may be purebred, they may not be eligible for show depending on their characteristics or faults. The price of puppies from some private sellers may be just as expensive as from a breeder with a proven kennel, without the extras provided by the breeder. The owner may not have checked the male or female for hereditary conditions and usually will not offer a health guarantee. This is considered a buyers beware market and researching the breed is very important before making a purchase from a private seller.

BREEDERS

Breeders are those individuals that actively show and raise German Shepherd puppies. Their goal is to enhance the development of the breed and is not a for profit emphasis on the sale of German Shepherd puppies.

<> Advantages

Breeders are registered with a Kennel Club and must uphold the ethical standards of the club. They are required to health check the male and female parents for genetic conditions, as well as avoid breeding any lines that have known health problems. A reputable breeder will offer a health guarantee for the puppy, as well as provide a return option should the puppy not adjust to your home. Many breeders will also have the new owner sign a contract that prevents the re-sale of the dog; rather it is to be returned to the breeder. Most puppies, unless otherwise indicated, will be eligible for show and competition and free from disqualifying faults.

<> Disadvantages

Since breeders are very selective in the breeding of their German Shepherds there may be a long waiting list until a puppy becomes available. Breeders also require most owners to complete a questionnaire about their home and lifestyle and breeders may refuse to sell to a particular family or individual for a variety of reasons. Many breeders require that owners agree to spay or neuter their German Shepherd instead of allowing them to breed. Breeders may charge more per puppy than some