Video:German Shepherds

Transcript:German Shepherds

Hi, I am Cindy Miller of Millertime Shepherds, and I am going to tell you about the German Shepherd dog.

Temperament of German Shepherds

German Shepherds are a wonderful dog, but they are not for every family. German Shepherds do best when they are made a member of your family, an active member. Not being left in the backyard all alone. Never being left just in a pen. They want to be part of it. Take them with you, socialize them. But the person in the family has to be the master of the shepherd. If the person does not take the master responsibility, the German Shepherd may take over that responsibility. Shepherds need firm limits and structure. They love to have something to do. And then at night they will cuddle with you on the couch. They are a really versatile dog if the owner has the time to teach and train their puppy.

A German Shepherd can be anything you want it to be as long as when they are puppies you introduce them to what they need to know. By keeping a German Shepherd puppy socialized to other people, places, sounds and animals, that is what they are going to remember and they will turn out that way. Also, a spayed or neutered German Shepherd will probably get along with other animals better than an unspayed or unneutered animal.

Training a German Shepherd

Training a German Shepherd is lots of fun. They learn very very quickly. If you do not train a German Shepherd they will learn what they choose to learn. Training is very important, and it is important that it start at ten weeks old, as soon as you get your new puppy. A German Shepherd does require exercise. They need exercise for their body and for their mind. A good walk. Teaching your German Shepherd to play ball. Giving it a purpose is very important to a German Shepherd. A fenced yard, a walk through the neighborhood, and then they will be a perfect dog at home. They will cuddle next to you if they get the proper exercise.

Health Conditions with German Shepherds

As with all breeds, there are many health conditions to consider if you are buying a puppy. Years ago it would be hip and elbow displaysia, but the breeders have worked so hard x-raying, through ofa-certification with hips and elbows that it is not really one of the major issues. Cancer is another major health issue in our breed, as well as intestinal issues and DM, which is known as degenerative mylopathy.

Grooming Your German Shepherd

German shepherds have extensive grooming needs. The good part is the owner can handle all of the grooming requirements themselves. They need to be brushed. They need their ears cleaned and their toenails clipped approximately every two weeks. German shepherds are very good dealing with hot and cold weather. They can handle the weather, but they like to be brought in at night.

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