March 7, 2012
Posted in Pet Training

German shepherds can get a bad rap – some people associated this breed with aggression. Although this dog was bred to protect their owners, they also have many other friendly and sought-after qualities that can make them a perfect addition to the right families.

This breed is known for being intelligent, responsive to training and above all, loyal to its owners -  adult masters and the youngsters in its "pack." This being said, potential owners will need to be able to spend a lot of time with their German shepherds, training them and providing them with plenty of exercise in order to help the dogs' minds and bodies thrive. Intelligent breeds can start to show behavioral problems, such as chewing furniture or digging, when they are not constantly being stimulated. People who spend little time at home should rethink getting a shepherd. Owners can also keep these smart breeds entertained during work hours by purchasing pet products like the Buster Food Cube. This toy keeps dogs focused by having them move the cube around in order for it to get out bits of its pet food. 

Shepherds are also working breeds, meaning they enjoy having tasks to do. Even if you don't have a farm, you can still ensure the dog is fulfilled by playing fetch each day using a Wing-A-Ball or even training it to use agility courses. These breeds are easy to train because of their desire to learn and please their owners, and are also excellent at tracking, guarding and being obedient.

Aside from their intelligence and demeanor, German shepherds are also quite easy on the eyes. These large dogs typically weigh between 75 and 95 pounds and grow to be between 22 and 26 inches tall. They have medium-length coarse coats in shades of black, tan and gold, while some can also be fully white. Their coat type requires weekly grooming and pet products such as the FURminator deShedding Tool for Dogs, will work to remove hair on the surface and from a dog's undercoat.

Certain medical conditions such as hip dysplasia and arthritis tend to plague working dogs. Though there is no way to stop these degenerative joint problems, there are ways you can curb their progression and ease the pain associated with them. Starting your shepherd on daily joint enhancing supplements that contain glucosamine for dogs like Dasuquin will help to increase joint flexibility.  

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