Content

• Steps
• Method 1 of 4: How to feed your German Shepherd
• Method 2 of 4: German Shepherd Health
• Method 3 of 4: Physical Activity
• Method 4 of 4: How to Train and Socialize Your Shepherd Dog

German Shepherds are large and active dogs. They are smart and loyal to the owner. German Shepherd Dogs need proper care and constant training so they can live long and feel good. These dogs need to be fed and maintained in a special way, as well as taken to the veterinarian on time. German Shepherds also require regular physical activity. With the right effort, your pet will live a long life and will be a faithful companion for many years.

Steps

Method 1 of 4: How to feed your German Shepherd

1. 1 Provide your dog with proper nutrition. Since German Shepherds are large and active dogs that can have joint problems, it is important to feed your dog properly throughout its life. Buy healthy food that does not contain "empty" ingredients.Give your pet a quality food that contains animal protein, not a protein substitute like corn.
   • You can give your dog wet food or dry food, or a combination of the two.
   • If you decide to feed your dog a regular meal, ask your veterinarian what foods your pet needs. This will allow the dog to get all the nutrients it needs from its food.
   • Don't give your dog table scraps, especially if the dog asks for them. Foods that humans eat can be unhealthy for the dog and may reduce their interest in healthy foods.
2. 2 Feed your sheepdog food that is age appropriate. Nutritional requirements change with age. Give your dog food that is suitable for dogs of its age: puppies - puppy food, adult dogs - for adults, seniors - for seniors.
   • There are special types of food - for example, for large breeds and for overweight dogs.
   • Ask your veterinarian what food is right for your dog. Your veterinarian is familiar with your dog's health and will be able to recommend the best food.
   • If you want to change food (for example, changing the dog from puppy food to adult food), do not do it abruptly. Start mixing the two types of food, gradually increasing the amount of new food and reducing the amount of old food. The transition should take several weeks.
3. 3 Give your dog the right amount of food for his weight and age. Read the serving size recommendations on the package. The portion depends on the weight and age of the animal. You should also ask your veterinarian how much food should be given to your dog.
4. 4 Distribute all meals over several feedings over the course of. It is best to feed your dog twice a day, or more often in small portions. Keeping the portions small will prevent your dog from bloating (a problem that can be life threatening).
   • If you feed your dog several times a day, it will need to be taken outside after every meal.
   • Don't make your dog move a lot after eating. This will increase your risk of bloating.
5. 5 Give your dog healthy treats. Dog health depends not only on the quality of the food, but also on the treats. Choose hearty, low-calorie treats such as crispy vegetables or regular food in a feeding toy that prevents your dog from swallowing everything at once.
   • Treats should only account for 5-10% of your daily calories. Keep track of how many treats you give your pet.
6. 6 Leave water for the dog. Dogs can drink a lot during the day and need water - a lack of it can lead to dehydration. Fill your dog's bowl with clean water every day and leave it in a place that's convenient for the dog. Check for water remaining in the bowl throughout the day.
   • German Shepherds should drink small amounts of water throughout the day rather than drinking a lot at a time. A steady flow of water will help prevent bloating.
   • Dehydration can be life threatening. Signs of dehydration include heavy breathing, loss of appetite, and dry nose and gums. If your dog has these symptoms, give him water as soon as possible.

Method 2 of 4: German Shepherd Health

1. 1 Take your dog to see a doctor once a year. It is important to prevent the development of diseases. If you show your dog to a doctor every year, you can avoid the development of various diseases or quickly cure them. During the examination, the veterinarian may do the following:
   • Assess the general health of the dog. The doctor will examine your dog for the most common medical conditions, including ear infections.
   • Trim the claws. If the claws are too long, it can be painful for the dog to move. The doctor will be able to shorten the long claws.
   • Carry out treatment for helminths. Dogs should be given worm medications once a month. The doctor can test for helminths and prescribe medications. If the dog has worms, the doctor will prescribe medication.
   • Get vaccinated. Ask your doctor what vaccinations your dog will need and what diseases they will protect him from.
2. 2 Sterilize or neuter your dog. This will avoid the appearance of unwanted offspring. If you are not planning to breed sheepdogs, ask your veterinarian when is the best time to neuter or neuter your dog. As a rule, the operation is performed at the age of 6 months to one and a half years. Some doctors advise to undergo surgery no earlier than a year so that the dog will form stronger joints.
   • The operation will reduce the level of aggression of the dog in the future.
3. 3 Treat your dog as soon as possible. If you notice that your dog is limping or eating poorly, take him to the doctor. German Shepherd Dogs can develop joint problems with age, so it is important to monitor the condition of the dog and start treatment on time.
   • Pay attention to how the dog walks and moves its paws. An unusual gait can be a sign of joint problems, such as hip dysplasia (this condition requires immediate treatment).
4. 4 Wash and brush the dog. Taking care of the coat of a German Shepherd is quite easy. Brush the coat once or twice a week. Bathe your dog as often as necessary, but no more than several times a month, as shampoo can dry out the skin and coat.
   • You can wash the dog yourself or take it to the groomer.
   • If your dog moves a lot, wash it more often. This will protect your dog's skin from rashes and diaper rash, especially in summer.

Method 3 of 4: Physical Activity

1. 1 Give your dog enough space. Remember the German Shepherd is a large breed. These dogs need a lot of space in the house or yard. German Shepherds are more suited to a house than a small apartment.
   • Sheepdogs love to run. If you live in a home, clear the yard and make it safe for the dog.
2. 2 Let the dog move. Without physical activity, the dog's energy will not find a way out, and the muscles will not work. You should play with your dog for 1–2 hours a day, go for long walks or runs, or even chase your dog around the yard. Dogs that do not exercise much are more likely to develop joint diseases (hip and elbow dysplasia), as well as depression and destructive behavior.
   • But don't force your dog to move a lot at a young age. Do not take your dog for a run until it is a year or a half years old. Until this age, the joints and bones of the dog are still developing.
   • If you plan to let your dog out into the yard, make sure there are no holes in the fence.
   • If you don't have a large yard, take your dog to the park. Walk your dog in any open spaces.
3. 3 Don't make your dog move a lot after eating. Because shepherd dogs can have bloating, they need rest after eating so they can digest their food. Do not ask your dog to run before meals and for several hours after meals.
   • Running after eating is not worth it, but it will be useful to take a walk.
4. 4 Do not overheat. German Shepherds, especially long-haired dogs, do not tolerate hot weather well. If you have a shepherd dog and live in hot climates, give your dog more water and shade. Don't let your dog move a lot on hot days.
   • Signs of overheating include heavy breathing, intense thirst, poor coordination of movements, and severe redness of the gums.
   • German Shepherds do better in cooler climates because their coat protects them well from the cold.

Method 4 of 4: How to Train and Socialize Your Shepherd Dog

1. 1 Socialize your puppy. German Shepherds should be introduced to many different people, places and dogs at a young age. This will train your dog to interact calmly with all people and animals. If the dog is not socialized in childhood, it can become aggressive in adulthood.
   • If you are planning to make a guard dog out of your shepherd, you will still need to socialize it. Socialization is the foundation of a dog's upbringing, and you will start training later.
   • In order for your dog to get used to people and animals, you need to pick him up more often while he is still a puppy.Touching and picking up your puppy regularly as the dog grows up will allow you to trim the claws or examine the mouth.
2. 2 Get busy training. Sheepdogs are very intelligent and loyal, which means that they are good at remembering commands and amenable to training. However, it is important to train the dog using positive motivation: praise the dog, petting, reward for following commands. This will help you build a trusting and strong relationship with your dog.
   • While the dog is still small, practice with it for a short time, as with a child. As she grows older and begins to better perceive commands, classes can be made longer.
3. 3 Keep teaching your dog new teams. Training will not only make handling your dog easier, but it will also help you strengthen your relationship. When the dog becomes attached to you, he will listen to your commands more attentively and will strive to please the owner.
   • German Shepherds can be guide dogs, guard dogs, rescuers and police service dogs. If your dog is very intelligent and needs constant physical and mental stress, try making him a service dog.
4. 4 Give your dog a lot of attention. To strengthen your relationship with your dog, it is important to show concern for the dog - for example, stroking and cuddling every day. Be nice to your dog and he will respond in kind.
   • The dog cannot be deceived: if you do not love it, it will feel it. Express your love with gestures and words. Your affection for your dog must be genuine.
   • Do not hit or yell at the dog. Do not scold your dog unless you find him doing something undesirable, otherwise the dog will associate you with aggression and stop trusting you.