German Shepherds Advice

If you own a German Shepherd, or are thinking of adopting or buying one, you’re one of many German Shepherd lovers, and for good reason. German Shepherds are among the most intelligent dogs, and also among the best-looking dogs, with their smooth coats, strong bodies. German Shepherds also have lively personalities and make great companion dogs.

You may already know that German Shepherds face some health challenges. The primary problems you have to watch for in German Shepherds are elbow and hip dysplasia. In this painful disorder, the joints simply do not fit together well, and the dog experiences very severe pain when moving. You should have your dog’s hips x-rayed as advised by your doctor, and watch for symptoms of hip dysplasia. It’s not very treatable, but you can ease your pet’s discomfort.

The best way to help your German Shepherd avoid problems like bloating (a common problem in Shepherds) and arthritis is to make sure your dog eats well and does not overeat and put on extra weight, which is hard on the joints. Plenty of exercise is also recommended, at least half an hour to an hour a day.

A well-fed, well-exercised German Shepherd with no other health complaints generally lives to be 10 to 13 years old, so your pup will be with you for many years to enjoy your life and share your fun and laughter.

You should not need to groom your German Shepherd, but a good brushing daily is recommended, because Shepherds shed a lot, all the time. Regular baths are a good idea, too, as are tooth brushing and nail trimming on a regular basis.

German Shepherds are easy to train, because they’re very smart and very obedient. They also get bored easily, and need something to do, a task to feel important. Teaching your German Shepherd some basic tasks or tricks like bringing his bowl for feeding time will help him stay interested and active. Play time is also very important, because Shepherds are so smart and have such vibrant personalities.

Your German Shepherd will be very attached to you, and very loyal and protective. He’ll also probably want to spend a lot of time right with you, and that means you’ll have dog hair all over your favorite rug, so be prepared to clean up a lot of hair.

German Shepherds are incredibly loving and committed dogs, and between their sharp minds and their strong bodies, they’re very easy to fall in love with. They’re generally mild-mannered dogs, which is why they’re so often chosen for guide and assistance dogs, canine police officers and military dogs. While they look very fierce and forbidding, they’re actually quite gentle and easy-going, unless they’re trained as attack dogs.

If you’re a current or future German Shepherd owner, you’ve made a very good decision. You will not find a more loyal, loving dog, or one more able to learn and do what you train him to do. German Shepherds are very smart, but remember they’re working dogs and get bored unless they’re trained to do something. Keep all of that in mind and you’ll find that your German Shepherd is the best dog you ever had.