Content

• To step
• Tips
• Warnings

Do you have a German Shepherd and want to know how to take care of him / her? This article provides a practical and detailed guide on how to properly care for a German Shepherd.

To step

1. Choose your German Shepherd. Make sure the breeder is not mistreating the animals, and make sure you know your dog is free from illness so he can live a long and happy life with you.
2. Make sure your German Shepherd has a cool place to be. German Shepherds, especially long-haired, quickly suffer from warm weather. If you have a long-haired Shepherd and you live in a hot or tropical climate, make sure your dog has plenty of water and shade when he's outside, and don't ask too much of him or her on really hot days.
3. Teach your German Shepherd tricks. Not only will a well-behaved German Shepherd be impressive and easy going; your dog and you bond when you take the time to train the dog properly. As the bond between you strengthens, the German Shepherd will listen more and more to your commands, and will be happier with you as his owner.
4. Be aware that a German Shepherd is large. Give this breed space. German Shepherds are very active and love to have fun. They need a lot of space to run around in. Make sure your garden is tidy, without clutter and dangerous items or machines. If you don't have a large lawn, take your dog to a park near you, or go to other suitable open areas that you can easily reach from your home. German Shepherds also get along well with other dogs.
5. Feed your German Shepherd well. Make sure to feed your Shepherd twice a day and give it the correct amount of food. Don't give him or her too little or too much. Make sure to feed the dog high-quality food with no corn or protein in it. Dogs drink a lot. Fill a drinking bowl with water and place it somewhere where your dog can easily reach it. Check several times a day if there is still enough water in the bowl and if the bowl is clean.
6. Wash your shepherd if you feel it is necessary, but don't do it too often as it can deregulate the natural oils of the skin and coat. You can bathe him or her at home or take them to a dog salon.
7. Take your shepherd to the vet. Here are some reasons why you can go to the vet:
   • A check-up - the vet will then check your dog's general condition and give the periodic injections.
   • Bathing - the vet can give your dog a thorough wash to keep your dog from smelly and check for an ear infection or other health problems right away.
   • Nails - if your dog's nails are getting too long it will be very painful for the dog to walk. Take your dog to the vet regularly so that the nails can be clipped there.
   • Worm / Heartworm Test - All dogs should be wormed approximately every month to avoid getting worms. Your dog should be tested for worms first, and then your vet can prescribe a medication for the dog to take every month. If your dog already has worms, your vet can prescribe a medicine to treat the dog with them.
   • Old age - this particular breed of dog has a lot of problems as the dogs get old - mainly joint problems. If your dog has trouble walking, take him to the vet, where you can get medication or where your German Shepherd can receive therapy or, in extreme cases, surgery.
8. Make sure your dog gets plenty of exercise. Without exercise, the German Shepherd's strong muscles and energy are not used and have no outlet. Get your German Shepherd to exercise vigorously by fetching it every day, taking the dog on long walks and giving it a chance to run a lot, and you can even chase it on your lawn. German Shepherds who do not get enough exercise are more likely to develop diseases such as hip and elbow dysplasia and display destructive behavior. But do not allow a young dog to exercise excessively, as this will prevent the dog's body from developing properly.
9. Love your dog. This breed is a loving dog breed and it wants to receive love too! Cuddle your dog daily. Hit your dog never, and never insult your dog unnecessarily. Only get angry with your dog if you are the dog at the time caught doing something he shouldn't do. Otherwise, the dog will associate getting angry with you, and not what he did wrong.
   • You cannot feign affection, even with a dog. Have words and gestures to show your dog how much you admire him and to make him feel that you love him and that he is worth being loved by his owner. It is important that there is a genuine and loving bond between your German Shepherd and you.

Tips

• If you touch your puppy's head and paws often, the fully grown puppy won't mind having his nails trimmed, or having his teeth or mouth checked.
• If you see that your dog is having trouble walking, take him to the vet right away.
• Consider spaying your German Shepherd unless you are confident that you can provide a nice home to any puppies, at home or elsewhere.
• If you have your dog neutered, the dog will usually also be less aggressive. Never leave your dog outside at night, and feed him twice a day.
• Feed your puppy two to four times a day. Puppies need a different diet than fully grown German Shepherds. Adult dogs only need food once a day. Get them to have that food at a set time every day.
• It is often recommended that you take your dog to the vet on a regular basis so that he can get a general checkup there.
• You can also divide the meal into two smaller meals, so that you can tailor the walks to your food intake.
• Be nice to your dog, love your dog, and your dog will love you!
• When you train your dog, be consistent in the commands you give, and in a short period of time, just as you would with a child. Educate your dog in a positive way so that you don't have to keep feeding dog treats. Reward positive results with lots of compliments, pats, and love.

Warnings

• Don't suddenly change the food you give your dog. Mix the new food with the food he's used to getting, adding more of the new and less of the old.
• To keep your dog out, you need to whole garden fenced with a wall or fence.
• Don't take too long for your dog gradually get used to dog food instead of cooked food. If it takes you longer than a year, the dog will have a weak stomach.
• Be careful with plants. Some (usually large, long, and many leaves) can be very poisonous.
• Do not clean his "territory" with detergent / disinfectant or other chemical cleaners.
• German Shepherds are large dogs, and they get a bloated stomach easily. To avoid this, do not give them vigorous exercise two hours before and after eating.
• Do not take your German Shepherd with you when you go jogging or running if your puppy is less than a year and a half, as the joints and bones are still developing.
• German Shepherds love wood chips, but they can damage their stomachs. For example, German Shepherds like the resin in plywood.
• If a German Shepherd is not properly trained as a puppy, it may have aggressive tendencies later on.