German Shepherd

German Shepherds have a reputation for loyalty and hard work. They are often enlisted by law enforcement, but they can also make wonderful pets. As confident as they are gentle, a German Shepherd Dog can serve as your household’s unrelenting guard dog but also be ready to play when you are, two very good reasons why the breed is one of America’s most popular. Is a GSD the dog for your family?

German Shepherds have a double coat of short or long hair. They are large and highly intelligent. While they are fiercely loyal to their families, a German Shepherd Dog may take time to warm up to strangers, and not every new dog will be their instant best friend.

The right food for your pet will depend on their specific needs, but there are some basic nutrition guidelines for these smart dogs. German Shepherds grow so large that they tend to have a slower metabolism than small dogs. You may want to be mindful of their fat intake. Their high-energy lifestyle means they can often benefit from a high-protein diet instead.

German Shepherds can eat dry or wet dog food or both. Look for recipes that are formulated for large breed dogs and have a high percentage of animal proteins (think beef, poultry and fish) and omega-3 and -6 fatty acids. The fatty acids help your German Shepherd keep a shiny coat and healthy skin. German Shepherds can also benefit from digestible carbohydrates, including rice, oats, and vegetables.

Check out these resources to help your German Shepherd remain happy, active and thriving.

• Dog collars and harnesses guides Help keep your German Shepherd safe on their walks and during travel with a collar, ID tag and harness.
• Dog crates and kennels Keep your German Shepherd safe outdoors and calm at night in his own crate or kennel. Both indoor and outdoor models are available.

German Shepherds are at risk of becoming too protective, even reaching the point of aggression, if they are not properly trained by a qualified professional. If you adopt your German Shepherd as a puppy, start socialization early and sign them up for puppy training classes. Continuing obedience courses are recommended at least until they’re fully grown. While the breed is known for retaining their training, we believe in lifetime learning. Plan to practice and reinforce the lessons learned in class when you and your dog are at home and out in the wider world. And of course it’s fun to learn something new. Your well-trained dog could have a blast in an advanced class.

Make sure you remain consistent in your cues. Positive reinforcement using treats can help keep your German Shepherd on track. The breed is particularly apt at herding, agility, nose work, hunt games and heeling, but you can train German Shepherds to do almost anything any other dog can do.

While German Shepherd health issues are not significant most of the time; just like any dog, they can have chronic health issues. Here are some of the most common health issues for the GSD.

Regular grooming is important for German Shepherds. This breed is a heavy shedder and requires regular brushing. They shed year-round but lose, or blow, their coats twice a year, in spring and fall. Their hair consists of an outer layer of dense, rough hair with a softer undercoat.

Other German Shepherd care requirements include bathing and nail trimming. Your German Shepherd may only need a bath every eight to twelve weeks, though possibly monthly during shedding season or if they have a particularly active lifestyle that gets them dirty. Their nails should be clipped every two to four weeks depending on their activity level.

While German Shepherds are known to be very friendly and protective of their family, they may take some time to warm up to new people. If you want to adopt this breed, taking them in at a young age gives you maximum bonding time. Keep that in mind if you adopt an adult dog, and be patient as they acclimate to their new home. Your dog should be the one to make the first interaction when meeting new people, and ask visitors to react calmly and quietly when they are approached—no hugging or overenthusiastic greetings. Treats for successful interactions can go a long way in affirming good behavior.

You should be prepared to remain active with your German Shepherd. They have seemingly boundless energy at times and they will need a lot of mental stimulation. If your German Shepherd gets bored or antsy, as like other breeds, they may turn to destructive behavior.