german shepherd sable i breed my sable german shepherd with my white female shepherd. what will my puppies look like?
White GSDs have not been accepted by most national kennel clubs so the sable likely does not carry the trait. As a recessive, it is unlikely any will be white. Sable (grey everywhere outside of North America) is the dominant color pattern (BTW, black and red/black and tan, ie, saddles, are also recessive). Most likely all will be grey. However, the pups will carry the recessive white genes.
Sable German Shepherd, legs?
I have a one year old Sable German Shepherd and I was looking at some pictures online, but most of their hips are low, but my dog is looks regular, like other dogs. Why is that?
If you don’t know what I am talking about, here is a picture.
They are trained to stand like this for showing.
For a while they were bred to be long and low but this caused problems in the hips.The breed standard has changed somewhat in recent years to the more old fashioned upright shape.
german shepherd diet WHATS A GOOD DIET??? FOR A DOG THATS OUTDOOR (German Shepherd-Canada)?
has a great dog house, and a large kennel/run/play area
i know i wont be feeding him regular dog food
if you know of any good site, or books
please let me know
thxxs
How much exercise are they going to be given? … I would suggest for lots of exercise Go! Natural…. or Blackwood… You need high protein, high fat food without all the grain fillers….or maybe a raw diet depending on what you local upscale pet supplier (not walmart, petsmart, or Petco) carries… YOu want these because the are higher calorie and require less feeding (also causing less poop) and they are healthier than feeding the local store bought, mcdonalds quality dog food..
What would be a good diet for my 6-7 month old german shepherd?
right now he is eating Aprox. 5 cups of Nutro Large puppy breed food. is that good?
Our pets need quality food. Read the ingredients list and learn what the stuff on there is and what it does (or does not do) to/for our pets. A quick pet food 101. If the pet food contains corn/corn products or by products it is a poor quality food. Corn is a filler that can trigger skin problems. (allergies, skin problems, itching and excessive shedding) By products is anything from an animal not fit for human consumption, including cancerous tissue. Do not pay attention to advertising, they all say there food is great. “Vet approved” means they have a vet on staff to approve their product. In other words, someone paid to approve it. Same with foods most vets recommend. Salesmen “gift” vets then the vet recommends the food. Most vets are not nutritionists! Quality foods have meat as the first ingredient Wellness, Solid Gold, Innova and Merrick are a few of the best brands available. If you want to learn more check out: http://www.sagekeep.com/petfood.htm www.api4animals.org/facts?p=359& more=1 http://animalark.eapps.com/animal/PetFoods.nsf/$$PetFoodsByRating?OpenForm
Feed according to the recommendations on the bags. Monitor your dogs weight. If he gains to much, cut back, If he does not gain enough feed a little more. If you switch to a premium brand it won’t have the corn in it to cause allergies. Also with a premium brand you can feed a little less as it is all food, not fillers. The pup will also produce a smaller, less stinky stool.
german shepherd training words my dog loves naps?? what does this mean? ?
my german shepherd is a rescue dog. we just got her about 2 years ago, and the vet thinks she’s around 3 or 4 years of age. she’s small for her breed and her background is pretty murky. the SPCA said she might have been used as a training dog for pitbulls and other fighting breeds. she was very afraid of people when we first got her, but she’s warmed up a bit. she’s wary of strangers, but she loves our family. she’s definetly my mom’s dog though. everyday my mom will lay down to take a 45 minute nap, if she has time. and our dog gets so excited. she’ll run around and jump on my mom when she hears the word nap, and then run upstairs, always looking over her shoulder to see if she’s being followed. then she jumps up on the bed, circles around a few times, and lays down right next to my mom. we all think it’s the funniest thing, that she gets so excited. do you think there’s a reason for this? or does she just like relazing with her master? thanks for any comments :] ♥
She loves naps and loves your Mom. Normal behavior.
german shepherd sable color German Shepherd coat color and length?
So, the other week I brought home my new GSD. Her name is Kona and she is 10 weeks. She seems to have quite a bit more puppy fluff than my others have had. Her mother is a very dark silver sable with a long coat and the father a black and tan saddleback. I am just wondering what you think her coat length and colors may be when she is older? Or will it just be a surprise? My other two GSDs are short coat, sables and you could have pretty much guessed thats what they would look like as adults from their puppy coats, but it seems harder to tell with the new pup.
Here she is http://i772.photobucket.com/albums/yy2/ozzyleven/Pf1000780.jpg
Also, I forgot to say the father was a short coat.
Why DO pet owners consistently take photos from the LEAST informative angle? We need a SIDE-ON shot showing the pup from nose to tail.
Pattern & colour:
From the little I can see I’d say a sable pattern were she older – but I can’t see ENOUGH, and nor is she older. But regardless of whether she is a sable or a tan-point (which covers all 3 of minimal saddle, extended saddle aka blanket-back, and bi-colour), from the amount of white in her ears, plus that you said the dam is a SILVER sable, I’d guess that she is going to end up with a minimal saddle area and very pale tan markings.
I’d also suspect that she is a blue – the hints are that her eyes tend towards green instead of deep brown, and that her nose looks gray rather than black. But it’s impossible to be sure from just a photo.
Coat length:
Of the original 5 coat types in the gene pool from which GSDs were developed, 3 remain:
• Stockhaar: Short (about 2″/55mm over the shoulders), harsh, flat-lying, with a very dense undercoat when adult.
• Langstockhaar: Medium (about 3½”/90mm), softish, plush-lying, with an adequate undercoat.
• Langhaar: Long (about 6″/150mm, so soft that it parts over the spine; has negligible or even NO undercoat.
The Stockhaar is the correct coat for the typical GSD.
The Langstockhaar becomes a separate variety as of this year in FCI countries (Britain, Canada, the USofA are NOT members – they have each independently invented their own inadequate rebel “standards”).
The Langhaar remains banned. Its lack of a weatherproof coat makes it unsuitable for outdoor activities in rain, sleet, snow, wind – and is a nightmare to clean up after the wearer has enjoyed itself out in the muck. NOT what an S&R person wants to cuddle for half an hour in a Cessna or helicopter! But fine as constantly-groomed indoor pets.
Your pup will be at least a Langstockhaar, probably a Langhaar, but she is too young for me to tell which – especially from just a photo!
The simple explanation of the genetics of coat lengths is that there are 2 alleles:
L^ is a dominant that produces the correct coat.
l^ is a recessive that produces the long coat if present as a homozygous pair.
This means that if both your pup’s parents were heterozygous L^ l^, then about ¼ (random chance affects the actual results in small numbers) of their pups would be homozygous L^ L^ and have short coats, about ¼ of their pups would be l^ l^ and have long coats, about ½ of their pups would be L^ l^ – which OUGHT to mean that they would have short coats but be carriers like their parents.
The snag is that L^ is not 100% dominant – it often allows the l^ to have SOME influence. When it does, we have a langstockhaar aka “English coat” aka “full coat” aka “plush coat”. Many show-is-all breeders (ditto show judges, who never think about the functions of a breed and the way genetics work), and many pet-is-all buyers PREFER the effect of the L^ l^ combination.
Your pup’s dam might be heterozygous L^ l^, but if her coat is truly long she is definitely homozygous l^ l^.
Your pup has DEFINITELY inherited an l^ from her.
So what has she inherited from Dad?
If he has had lots of pups without ever producing a long-coat, he is homozygous L^ L^, making your pup L^ l^ and a langstockhaar.
If he has ever produced a long-coat then he is heterozygous L^ l^. I believe he is, and that your pup has inherited his l^ to add to the one from the dam, and so your pup will be a long-coat. After the adult coat emerges, beginning at about 14 weeks old with a shiny black diamond a third-way down the tail, you’ll know for sure.
• Add http://pets.groups.yahoo.com/group/The_GSD_Source to your browser’s Bookmarks or Favorites so that you can easily look up such as feeding, vaccinations, clubs, weights, teething, neutering, disorders, genetics.
If you join it, you can access its Photos section. There are lots of pics yet to be added, but what’s there will probably give you something to compare with your pup so far (and her parents), and give you some hints as to how her type of puppy fluff matures..
• To ask about GSDs, join some of the 400+ YahooGroups dedicated to various aspects of living with GSDs. Each group’s Home page tells you which aspects they like to discuss, and how active they are. Unlike YA, they are set up so that you can have an ongoing discussion with follow-up questions for clarification. Most allow you to include photos.
Les P, owner of GSD_Friendly: http://pets.groups.yahoo.com/group/GSD_Friendly
“In GSDs” as of 1967
Popular dog breeds
Dogs will always remain men’s best friends regardless of age, sex and nationality. Nowadays there are various dog breeds available and it is quite hard to tell which of them the most popular ones are. People and dogs are simply drawn to each other, these pets being wonderful companions for individuals worldwide. Furthermore, people who have pets are more emotionally stable than those who don’t have any and having a dog will teach you many things about empathy, responsibility, patience, trust and compassion. Dogs are also great for reducing stress, anxiety and hostility in people. There are many dogs that make great pets but here are some of the most popular dog breeds. First of all, we should mention the Labrador retriever is highly popular due to its good nature, intelligence and loyalty, having impressive energy levels, being gentle and tolerant of children and used frequently as service dogs. Labrador retrievers are loving, affectionate, patient, highly intelligent, loyal and active. These pets simply love to play and especially to swim as much as they can. They need to feel that they belong to a family, they are easily trained, well socialized and they are great watch dogs. Next, there are the Yorkshire Terriers which are known for their small size and great nature. They are perfect for children, courageous and great watch dogs. Yorkshires are highly energetic, clever and affectionate, although they can be very aggressive if they are provoked. One of the most beautiful dog breeds is represented by the Golden retrieves, known also as Goldies, which are intelligent, well-mannered, easy to train and eager to please. This breed makes great family dogs being very friendly and having very little guarding instincts. In order to be happy, these animals must always be surrounded by people who enjoy the role of leadership. The German Shepherd is one of the most popular dog breeds, being respected and admired throughout the world. This breed is versatile, intelligent and beloved for the devotion German Shepherd dogs show to their owners. Dogs belonging to this breed are used frequently by police officers and the military, as guide for blind people and as search and rescue dogs. These animals are renown for their self-confidence and nobility, making an excellent companion. German Shepherds don’t need to be aggressive in order to protect their home and their family and they can be trained easily by competent instructors. However, if you buy such a dog, professional training is a must. The colors of this dog breed are versatile: black and tan, black and red, black and silver, black and cream, solid black, sable and even white. The Beagle is a sweet, curious, sociable, calm and loving pet, being excellent companions for children and good with other dogs. Because they have a strong personality, they need firm training and they love exploring places. As you can see, these are just some of the most popular dog breeds and you can understand how difficult it can be to select a dog from a variety of possibilities. In order to be satisfied with your decision, you need to look beyond the dogs’ physical aspect and take into consideration his temperament and personality.
About the Author
The diversity of dogs you can choose for your family is simply overwhelming but getting to know as much as possible about men’s best friends will enable you to make the best choice. These dog breeds are beautiful and it’s up to you to decide who you want to take home.
german shepherd smartest dog Smartest, strongest dog breed in the world????
Is the boxer the strongest dog? Because, my friend has a male, and she said that hes 95 pounds all muscle. And she said that there the strongest dog breed, and also the second smartest, next to the German shepherd. My B-F has an English mastiff and a bull mastiff, and they both look Allot bigger then the boxer. If the boxer isn’t the strongest then what is? If there not the smartest then what is?
Can you please answer the question honestly. I wanna proven answer or something. What is really the smartest dog breed? And what really is the strongest dog breed?
I think it depends on the dog’s training and how well the owner exercises and feeds the dog. I have two German Shepherds. They are both extremely strong. One is incredibly smart, but the other one is a little dopey! : )
Dogs That Will Protect You And Yours
Dog Breeds That Will Act as Protectors
For many years, faithful dogs have acted as the protectors of families and homes. While many dog breeds will be loyal to their masters, certain breeds have been developed to have a natural proclivity towards being guardians and protectors. These protector breeds, such as the Doberman, the Rottweiler, the German Shepherd, and the American Bulldog, are different from watchdogs because they are bred and trained to be more aggressive and have an innate sense of territory. Not only will these dogs alert you to any intruders, but they will also attack anything that threatens the home or the family.
The Doberman is a strong, elegant dog that is intelligent and extremely trainable. While experts are not sure what breeds and bloodlines were used to create the Doberman, it shares many of the same qualities of other protector dogs. Dobermans have a calm temperament and are very loyal to their owners. However, if their masters are threatened, Dobermans are relentless in stopping attackers. Many dog experts recommend that you obtain a Doberman from a trustworthy breeder that has records of the bloodline. If not, some Dobermans can be nervous and overly aggressive when they become afraid.
The Rottweiler, one of the better known dog breeds, is a large, powerful dog that originated in Germany. These dogs have ancient roots, although most dog experts are not exactly sure of the breeds origins. Rottweilers are intelligent, trainable dogs that are actually child-friendly despite popular misconceptions. Although Rottweilers are naturally aggressive, due to their previous history as herd dogs, reputable and reliable breeders will have worked to minimize or temper the dogs more hostile tendencies. These dogs are courageous, loyal, and obedient. However, without professional socialization, these dogs can be tough for new dog owners to handle.
German Shepherds are intelligent, lithe, brawny dogs that have a well-established history of being protectors. Considered one of the smartest breeds, German Shepherds are renowned for their obedience and quick learning. This makes them a valuable breed. While Shepherds are praised for their loyalty, improperly socialized dogs can become overly protective of the family and the home. They are also known for a number of biting incidents. It is important to have an honest broker that can provide you with a suitably bred German Shepherd.
The American Bulldog is a medium sized dog bred for muscular strength and endurance. While there is a great deal of variety among this breed, they are known for their bravery, valor, and even temperament. American Bulldogs have served as protectors for many years and have proven one of the more dependable breeds. American Bulldogs are naturally curious and have the ability to make independent decisions. However, they are very obedient dogs. These dogs also require adequate socialization in order to temper their naturally rowdy and aggressive behavior. They require an owner who is ready for a great deal of responsibility.
While there are many benefits to owning a dog breed that can act as a protector, these dogs require a large amount of socialization and training. The same qualities that make them excellent can also prove dangerous and destructive due to improper breeding and poor socialization. However, if you have the time and temperament to command obedience, respect, and loyalty from these stately animals, these protector breeds will serve you and your family very well.
About the Author
Elise Rogers is a frequent contributor and is affiliated with Pet-Super-Store.com, where you can find the Garmin Astro and other excellent dog collars .
World’s Smartest Dog Kaine Performs Amazing Dog Tricks
german shepherd neutering At what age does a male German Shepherd stop peeing like a puppy, and raise his leg?
I have a 21 month old, 70lb, neutered male German Shepherd, and he still pees like a puppy (on all four paws).
I was just wondering when he’s gonna throw up that little leg of his.
For male German Shepherd owners who had your dog from a young age to adulthood, when do they usually start raising their leg to pee?
I know this is a silly question, but I’m just curious.
The last couple of days he has been barely putting his foot up a little as he goes, like he’s getting the idea to raise his leg. But most of the time he goes like a puppy still.
Sis, you are gonna get bestest dog Mommy of the year, I swear! It actually depends on the dog, some will do it that way forever and some will change it to the one legged squirt when they are good and ready! Love ya! ~Makwa/Jo:)
Sizing Up the Ideal Dog
Alot of times, we get phone calls from those who have no idea what type of dog they are looking for. It is essential to look at every aspect of your life, your living arrangements, your budget and write down the dogs that you feel would make the IDEAL dog for you and your family. After writing down the breeds you and your family have selected, read as much about each breed as possible and then break down the list until you come down to one single dog. (That is unless you plan to purchase more than one type of breed.) America’s love affair with dogs has gone on for eons! There is a growing population of older people who share their home with dogs. About 1 in 10 senior citizens have a pet in the home. Also, baby boomers are aging and are getting a bit grayer which could explain the popularity of small breeds.
Owning a dog has alot of physical and psychological benefits. When trying to determine the dog best for you or your family, there is alot to think about! Can you afford it? Do you have the room? Who is going to take care of the dog? Do you have the time to invest in a dog? Do you want a lightweight or heavyweight dog? Do you want a small breed or a large breed or something in-between? Do you live in a quiet area where alot of barking would not be a GOOD thing? Do you live in the country? Do you have a fenced area to keep the dog in or will this dog stay in the house? Do you want a short hair or long hair dog? Can you afford a dog with alot of grooming requirements? Are you allowed to own a pet if you live in a condo or an apartment? Do you need spousal approval? Do you need anyone’s approval?
Many people play the “What kind of Dogs do you have?” game with a breeder and personally, I find this very aggravating. I am sure other breeders find this aggravating as well. It is very frustrating for a breeder to go into detail with someone over the telephone about what type of dogs they have and then, not only do you have no idea what it is you want but you also have to get someone’s approval before getting back to the breeder. Your mind should be made up regarding the type of dog you are seeking well before calling a breeder. If your dog is a family issue, then this should be discussed before contacting a breeder. You should also ONLY call a breeder who is advertising the type of dog you are searching for. If you have not yet figured out what kind of dog you are looking for, don’t put it on a breeder to figure it out for you.
If you are on a budget, don’t be afraid to say so to the breeder IN THE VERY BEGINNING of your call and let them know what you can afford. Don’t just ask how much a dog is. Chances are, you are just “Comparison” shopping and where dogs are concerned, this is completely the wrong thing to do. Just because you have calling breeders advertising the same breed, does not mean you are buying the same quality of breed. If you are looking for a show dog…you are not going to want a dog who has no champion ancestors or lineage and if you are looking for a pet, don’t expect to pay just a few dollars from a breeder who has taken the time to research their dogs’ CHAMPION LINEAGE. If you are on a budget, you should try to obtain a dog that has little grooming requirements, medical needs, upkeep and who has just a pet/average lineage or ancestry…….. perhaps you can even look into adopting a dog from a rescue agency, human society or animal shelter. Breeders have to charge a certain amount for their dogs in order to recoup their expenses and pay for overhead & costs involved with their business, whereas, a shelter or rescue agency are compensated through the state or through public funding and donations. Private breeders and kennels do not get reimbursed from the state or receive public donations. Everything regarding raising, breeding and producing a puppy by a breeder is an out of pocket expense for a breeder and Kennel. Very few people have any idea just how expensive and time consuming it is for a breeder, let alone appreciate the difficult, long hours this kind of job requires . It is very frustrating to hear people make the nasty comment to a breeder that they just “live off of their puppies” or are a “puppy mill” and on and on with the name calling. It amazes me how cheap some people can be when they desire to obtain a puppy or dog from a breeder and then have the audacity to do the name calling if they have some kind of issue down the road….it’s absurd! If you live in a condo or apartment, you may want to look at purchasing a “social” dog or breed. It is important for dogs who live inside apartments to get out and mingle. It is also imperative that you NOT crate your dog for hours on end. A dog needs to get out and romp around……..they need to stretch and build up muscles and use their legs. They can not live their lives for hours on end in a crampy crate. Some of your small breeds who adapt very well to apartments and condos are:
Many of the above breeds are small, nice and easy to get along with. Some small breeds can cause BIG trouble for people….especially the INDEPENDENT THINKERS such as the Jack Russell Terrier and any that tend to be yappy or high strung such as your purebred toy poodle, Pomeranian and Rat Terrier. Breeds that are traditionally bred to hunt do far better with someone who has a house with a nice large fenced in yard. Those breeds can be the Beagle, Pointer, The English Setter, The English Springer Spaniel, The Harrier, the Black and Tan Coonhound, the Bloodhound. There are many hunting breeds and retrieving breeds that do far better outside than inside. Now here we are in 2006 and there are many very nice small hybrid dogs available that would work out just fine in various living situations.
Dogs that have grooming requirements should be passed over if you are NOT able to afford the time, cost and care they require to keep their coat in tip top shape or feel comfortable taking on this task yourself. Such breeds can be the Bichon Frise, The Poodle, The Borzoi, the Maltese, The Yorkshire Terrier, the Shih Tzu, the Lhasa Apso, the Schnauzer, the Havanese, the Goldendoodle, the Pekingese, the Pomeranian, the Lowchen, Tibetan Terrier, the Bearded Collie, the Shetland Sheepdog, The Old English Sheepdog and all long haired Poodle hybrids.
Never purchase a large breed dog if you do NOT have the time to give this breed many walks outdoors or have an enclosed area to allow this breed to use its muscles. Breeds such as the Golden Retriever, the Rottweiler, The Mastiff, the German Shepherd, Great Dane and other large breed dogs need room to romp and stretch! Crating for hours on end can cause many medical problems for the dog. Many people who crate their dogs for endless hours each and every day mistake a dog’s difficulty walking for hip dysplasia! A dog who is not allowed to build up its muscles…….who is not allow the opportunity to have room to grow, stretch, run and be the dog it should be will have all sorts of aches and pains! Of course, there can be joint pain as well due to NOT using the limbs enough. If your dog is crated for endless hours, you are stunting the growth of your dog. There is no way its muscles can fill out and work the way they are suppose to work. Your dog is achy…..in muscular pain and stiff. You’d have to imagine YOURSELF being cramped inside of a crate all day long for hours and hours and never seeing anyone until the end of the day. Even if you have no fence for your yard…..there are kennel pens you can purchase that will allow your dog to be outside and able to jump up…..walk around and breathe fresh outdoor air. Make sure, however, that your dog has plenty of shade and water as he or she can die of heatstroke quite easily during the summer months. Canvas shelter tops can be purchased for as little as $79 for kennel runs and they last for many years. Some hold up quite nice if you do not get alot of snow in the winter. Kennel runs start at approx. $179- $299 and up. The nice thing is they are easy to put up and you can always add panels as your dog grows or as you need them. This is quite cheap compared to the vet bill your going to have should your dog begin showing signs of medical problems from all the hours and months you have kept him or her confined. So, small dogs fit in well for those who have small living areas or who do not have the time to take fido on long jogs or walks. Large dogs need lots of space! Large dogs also have to be walked regardless of the weather. With small dogs, you may be able to get away with paper training.. Good natured dogs give people a physical and psychological boost. People tend to lead a better life when they own a pet. They get more exercise……they get fresh air…..They can socialize more with others while outside taking their pet for a walk…..People benefit from their pet’s unconditional love. But while a dog can bring benefits to your life…..they can also increase your financial responsibilities and hamper certain aspects to your life….especially if you travel frequently and can not take your dog with you. This is why it is very important that you can fit a dog into your budget and life. This is why it is important to know what type of dog you can afford before you contact the breeder. Puppies are demanding like infants and Toddlers. They require alot of training, alot of your time and can be costly. While many purebred dogs are great to own….there are wonderful mixed breeds who make great pets and will shower you with just as much attention. Sometimes the benefit of owning an older dog is that they have had all of their vaccinations…..they can be healthier than a puppy…..they have outgrown the chewing stage….they are use to noises and people…..they can be housebroken already and they can sometimes just fit right in with your home. Of course, there are downsides to purchasing an older dog as well. Some can have behavioral problems…..some can still have problems with digging and chewing….some can be wary, nervous and may have a tendency to bite out of fear…especially if they were abandoned, mistreated and abused. You can’t blame the dog! Some dogs can be scarred for life due to the way they were treated as a puppy from an abusive home. Abuse comes in many forms and is not always just about hitting. Abuse within the family unit home can spill over to the dog. Older dogs may also already have developed illnesses or conditions that require medical care, so what may seem to be “cheap” can actually cost you more in the long run through many vet bills. Quite sadly, many older dogs make fine, instant companions, yet few are willing to adopt an older dog. The downside to owning a puppy is of course the fact that they need vaccinations……they need to have obedience training…..they need to be housebroken……they need to learn NOT to chew on your furniture….. they can cost you alot of money by the time they become an adult. But, this is the territory that comes with owning a pet! There is NO SUCH THING AS A PERFECT PET. Dogs and cats have their flaws just like humans. They all have their quirks….the medical problems as they go through life….their need for attention and detail…..the need for a bath….the need for teeth cleaning and care…..eye problems……need for vet care and of course…the need to eat, sleep and be happy. No amount of medical testing will guarantee you a defective free animal! Puppy’s who have parents that are tested for everything under the sun can still come down with a defect , illness or a disease. That’s life! Don’t believe you can own an animal and never have to prepare yourself for emotional or financial loss. That’s not going to happen. As with all living things….they eventually die from one cause or another. Even dogs who have been tested for everything can still die from a hereditary disease or from age related or medical related problems. It’s a fact of life. I personally believe that you SHOULD NOT purchase a dog based on the testing its parents had from the breeder. You are holding on to a false security blanket if you believe that because a breeder had your puppy’s parents tested for every ailment known to man (and dog) that your puppy will NEVER DIE OF ANY AILMENT, ILLNESS OR Disease or come down with any genetic ailment. Well, chances are your dog could get ran over by a car and NOT die of any ailment, illness or disease……There are no guarantees in life! I am not going to paint you a rosy picture where everyone lives happily ever after……you may live well and your pet can live well, but nothing is forever.
The Basics in dog care…….
When you finally decide to select your canine….you hopefully will have also given some consideration as to where your new pet is going to sleep and what areas your pet will have free reign. For crate training tips, CLICK HERE. Since puppies are well known for chewing on anything they can get their mouths on (just like a baby teething), it is important that you have plenty of toys, knotted ropes, large balls and other great items for your puppy to play with. Never entice your dog to play with your shoes, slippers, socks or other personal items. A dog can not differentiate between your new stuff and old stuff. Parenting a dog is much like parenting a child. They have to learn between right and wrong. It is important to “puppy proof” your home. This means that before you bring your new puppy home….make sure you do not have any extension cords laying about. Pick up any item that is small enough for your puppy to place inside its mouth and possibly swallow. A puppy wants to taste everything! They can choke to death if they get a small item lodged in their throat…such as a marble or other small toy that may belong to your child. Make sure you don’t have any glass near the floor or at “puppy level”. It is a very good idea to have a crate….a nice large one….ready for your new puppy. Bedding can be placed inside and a stuffed toy to keep him or her company. But don’t mistake this crate as a substitute baby sitter. As stated before, never crate your dog for hours on end every single day. Your puppy wants to explore its new living areas….the same thing with an older dog. This includes the trash can, so make sure your dog or puppy can not get into the trash. Serious illness can occur from eating the wrong thing. Food is another important factor regarding your new pet. The food you select during the first year of your pup’s life is critical to its adult development, health and growth. There are many products on the market and selecting the one that is right for you and your dog is important. Complete nutrition is crucial, so make sure you read the back label on the product you select. Corn meal is something you should stay away from. For feeding tips, CLICK HERE. You will be faced with many choices……so, it is important to keep in mind that you don’t want a high protein food for your puppy because a high protein food can cause your dog to grow too rapidly. Rapid growth can then cause joint and bone problems. You should keep in mind the activity level of your dog. Is he a runner? working dog? couch potato? Science Diet, Pedigree, Eukanuba and Iams are very good products on the market. Pedigree cost less than Science diet. Science Diet costs less than Eukanuba and Iams costs less than Eukanuba. While some stores will tell you that feeding with Iams or Eukanuba is cheaper in the long run, don’t believe it! Some dogs absolutely LOVE the taste and will eat just as much as they would the Pedigree. Some owners like to feed with Alpo. I personally have never liked the consistency of Alpo. We have found very good results from Pedigree, however, we have also discovered that sometimes our puppies will develop an “allergy” to pedigree and get dry or itchy skin or not do well over a long period of time with this food. We don’t know why, but it is usually just one or two pups in a litter every so often. A dog can become sensitive to their food no matter how long they have been eating it. Many people don’t realize that when their dog has intense itching over a period of time and no fleas or parasites can be found, that it is their food causing the problem. Dogs can have sensitivities just like people. When hair loss, weight loss, itching or scratching develops and everything seems to check out fine, take the food your dog is eating into consideration. Sometimes changing the diet can make a world of difference. So, while we start all of our puppies out on Pedigree……not every puppy will do well with it as they continue to age. Foods with antioxidants provides a healthy defense system. Free radicals attacks the cells, causing damage which can result in a weakened immune system and possibly serious diseases. The antioxidants such as vitamins E & C, Beta Carotene and Selenium have shown to reduce the damage caused by free radicals. They also help maintain your pet’s immune system and help reduce it against the risk of diseases.
VITAMIN E: One of the most versatile antioxidants. Vitamin E helps support the body’s healing process. It has also shown to help prevent heart and neurological diseases. Vitamin E reduces the effects of aging.
VITAMIN C: Works to boost the power of vitamin E in the body to fight the damage caused by toxins and pollution. For this reason, vitamin C is used to help protect against cancer and other diseases.
BETA CAROTENE: Research suggests that carotenoids, like beta carotene, helps build a strong immune system and are considered a powerful tool in the fight against many diseases. Current studies support their use to fight cancer and other serious illnesses.
SELENIUM: An essential trace mineral that works with vitamin E and helps to create important enzymes. These enzyme systems help protect against cell damage. Selenium also works with other antioxidants in fighting cancer.
Your puppy needs alot of nutrition to get him or her through their first year. This will also keep your puppy and dog healthy and happy. Fat, protein and minerals like calcium and phosphorus help build strong bones and muscles and they also provide plenty of energy to grow and play. Too much of a good thing? Most certainly, too much of these nutrients can actually stunt the growth of your puppy and can also contribute to problems like obesity, bone disorders, heart and kidney disease and other serious ailments. Dogs come in many different sizes and shapes…so their nutritional requirements will vary. Feeding your dog cheap and poorly put-together food is also a very bad thing to do. This is why it is important that you can fit a dog into your budget. Think of how your system would react if you could not afford proper nutrition for yourself.
PRODUCT BENEFITS:
Controlled level of calcium: for healthy joints and bone development. L-Carnitine: Helps develop strong muscles and healthy bones. Converts fat into energy. High quality protein: Includes all 10 essential amino acids needed for proper growth. Energy: Controlled levels of fat and calories to help large breed puppies grow at the proper rate. Essential fatty acids: Help promote healthy nervous and immune systems. 23 vitamins and minerals: An ideal balance for growing, large breed puppies. High Digestibility: Reduces stool volume, which makes for easier housetraining and clean up. Omega 3 & Omega 6 fatty acids: Support healthy function of nervous and immune systems; promote healthy skin and shiny coat. Digestible Carbohydrates: Supply abundant energy for lively pups. Calcium: For strong teeth and bones. Vitamin D: To properly absorb calcium. B vitamins: For an appropriate metabolism and appetite.
DEFINITE DON’TS:
*Don’t ever feed your dog chocolate! This can kill him or her. *Don’t feed your dog cookies. High in fat…low in nutrition. *Use caution on dairy products. Many dogs are lactose intolerant which can cause diarrhea. *Bones: NEVER FEED YOUR DOG CHICKEN BONES! These bones are brittle and have sharp edges. Chicken bones can cause damage to your dog’s intestines and throat. They can also stick in your dog’s throat causing choking which can lead to death. Bones of any kind can also crack your dog’s teeth.
Good grooming and veterinarian care is of great benefit to both you and your dog! Regular check-ups and grooming habits can play an important role in keeping your dog healthy, but it is also a great way to bond and spend quality time together. Keeping your dog’s teeth clean is also important to good health. Senior dogs may require soft food if they have lost teeth or have bad teeth.
*Dental kits are available at most pet stores and from your vet’s office. Doggie toothpaste is usually included as well as instructions on how to keep your pet’s teeth clean. *Professional teeth cleaning is available through your veterinarian. *Selecting a professional groomer is just as important as it is making your selection on vet care. While grooming is healthy for your pet, selecting the wrong groomer can be deadly to your dog! We discovered that some groomers actually place your dog under anesthesia. WHAT YOU DON’T KNOW CAN KILL YOUR PUPPY OR DOG! Using unnecessary anesthesia can be detrimental to your dog. It is dangerous and certainly NOT A PROPER WAY TO GROOM A DOG! While this can make a lazy groomer’s job easier, anesthesia should never be used for convenience sake! We highly recommend that you use a groomer that you know, trust or check out carefully. Word of mouth is always a good way to find a good groomer too! The best groomer for a pet is yourself! If you are not placing your dog in a show event, you really should groom your dog yourself. There are many wonderful videos, books and other materials over the Internet to help you learn how to take care of your dog’s coat. Grooming your dog is a great way to bond and your dog has come to trust you. Getting your puppy use to having its coat brushed, ears cleaned and nails trimmed will also make your dog familiar with this routine. Each session will get easier and easier as time goes by.
SPAYING AND NEUTERING:
Every year in the United States, between four and six million companion animals end up in animal shelters. Many of these animals are euthanized. Animal activists and those who are holier than thou want to blame breeders for this problem. It is NOT always because of a breeder. The last place a good breeder wants its dogs is in a shelter. Animals make their way to shelters via their irresponsible as well as uneducated owners. Or sometimes they go to shelters due to an owner’s death or severe illness. Provisions for your pet’s care after your death is essential. Always include your pet in your will. Many people never give it a second thought. Dogs can make their way to shelters by being allowed to roam the streets and they can make their way to shelters due to irresponsible breeders NOT taking care of their dogs. The best age to sterilize your pet is before he or she turns six months of age. This is the age that male dogs are capable of siring a litter. A female will usually go into her first heat at the age of six months. Having your dog spayed or neutered before the hormones kick in reduce many unwanted behaviors and also prevents unwanted or unplanned pregnancies. My personal beef with those who advocate spaying and neutering such as veterinarians and some kennel clubs is that they do NOT make it easy for dog owners to spay or neuter. Many owners WANT to have this procedure done, but prices on sterilization have gotten out of control and many Kennel clubs, such as AKC, who hold show events pretend to ADVOCATE the spaying or neutering of dogs, yet they REFUSE TO ALLOW AN ALTERED DOG IN THE SHOW RING….which is complete nonsense and shows a double standard! As a matter of fact, it is BECAUSE of kennel clubs who don’t advocate this procedure that there are many unplanned and unwanted pregnancies. A male dog or a female dog can be just as beautiful whether they are intact or altered. Many vets charge outrageous prices and there are many people who can not afford their out of control fees. A clear example: To have a cat neutered or spayed costs over $180! As of the year 2006, we have watched the cost of spaying and neutering reach over $400! This is the entire cost for having the procedure, hospitalization and other shots, etc; I personally believe that if vets would set their spaying/neutering fees on a sliding scale based on the owner’s income, we would have fewer puppies and kittens making their way to shelters where they will most certainly have only been born to die an early age. Homeless and unwanted. Dog owners would then be able to afford this procedure which could possibly help the population explosion of unwanted and unplanned pregnancies in their dogs. Many shelters or humane societies are now spaying and neutering dogs prior to them leaving their shelters which is great….but you have to remember that they are getting state funding or donations from the general public to make this possible. It is important that you can afford this procedure when thinking about purchasing a new pet. Depending upon your area, spaying & neutering will vary in price. DO NOT assume that a breeder will sell a puppy or dog to you with the cost of spaying & neutering included. There are times when canine will be advertised in a local paper or online who have been altered and the owner is not seeking any money or is only asking for a small, reasonable fee to allow you to adopt the dog. Most of the time such owners are having to suddenly move or their lives have changed that can not include their pet. We are not above spaying & neutering our own dogs. As time goes by, our dogs do age or we no longer want to continue breeding a specific breed or specific dog. Many of our dogs are spayed and neutered “senior” dogs. Every year, as our dogs age and we remove dogs from our breeding program, they are spayed or neutered. Although we advertise these dogs to approved, adoptive homes…..the fact remains that those who call us only want puppies or they want dogs who have not been altered so they can “breed” them. Sadly, senior or dogs ranging from 4-6 years of age, have difficulty being placed into adoptive homes because of the lack of quality homes being available to them. We have learned, over the years, that when someone calls and claims they are interested in our older dogs….they are only seeking a “FREE” breeding dog. When we tell them they have to complete an application and that the dogs are altered and if they have not yet been altered, they must be altered before being allowed into their homes…we get the usual “okay, thanks anyway” response. This shows us that the home, number one was NOT a quality pet home we wanted our aging dog to go to and it also shows the lack of homes available to older dogs who could still contribute love and companionship to someone seeking it.
DID YOU KNOW?
For the record, most people who desire to own a dog, desire to own their dog as a companion/pet. There are large numbers of people who do participate in the show ring and on the field in competitions with the dogs that they purchase, but the majority of people only desire to own a pet. People in other nations such as China, Thailand, Vietnam and other Asian countries take pride in their dogs because they consume them as a meal. The manner in which they are slaughtered is completely outrageous! The beliefs are that if the dog is beaten, boiled alive, burned alive or hanged, they will release their adrenaline which supposedly makes their meat tender and the myth goes that the meat boosts a man’s virility. Of course there is no scientific evidence of such and this abuse is outrageous! South Koreans consume over 1 million dogs a year. Horrific? This is of no concern to those who believe there is no wrong doing in consuming a dog for a meal. To those of us who love them & worship them as pets, it is mortifying! South Koreans believe that there are health benefits such as easy digestion if they consume dog meat. Fortunately since many groups have tried to change this practice, this tradition is dying out. JUST NOT QUICK ENOUGH!!! The practice of eating dog meat seems to be exclusively with the older generation living outside of South Koreans’ major cities. About 3 million (fewer than 10%) of the country’s 46 million people, eat dog meat and consider it a delicacy. This means that millions of dogs are killed each year for this country’s purpose. Many of the younger generation find this cruelty to animals (and indeed it is) and hope this practice will fade into history. Thank God, this is not a practice within the United States, but there is still a large amount of animals who suffer at the hands of their owners & breeders. There is still a problem in the United States with dog fighting rings and those who beat them, train them for fighting purposes. We urge ANYONE who knows of this type of behavior going on to notify their local police. There are many breeders who breed their puppies and ship them to Asian countries and know full well that they are selling their pups to be consumed as meals or kept for breeding purposes to have puppies for consumed meal purposes. There are breeders who do not care where their puppies end up and sell them to pet stores or for commercial purposes. This type of breeder is a worthless human who should not even own a single dog. We have never sold a single puppy or dog to a pet store or for commercial purposes and we definitely will NEVER ship a puppy or dog to an Asian country.
To Micro-chip or NOT to Micro-chip….that’s the question:
We believe in micro-chipping all pets! This reality hit home for my eldest son who moved into a new home/area in California and his beloved Golden Retriever (which came from us many years ago) ran away with her pal, a Labrador, when a storm blew through and caused their gate to swing open. During the terrible storm, their dogs became scared and hit the road. For days, my son searched high and low for his dogs. Some weeks later, he happened upon a shelters’ website where he saw one of his dogs’ picture showing the dog up for adoption! Needless to say, he immediately drove down there and regained his dog. The Lab has never been located or found. Had his dogs been micro-chipped, as we urge everyone to do, Their dogs would have been scanned immediately and found their way home. He is very fortunate to have been able to retrieve at least one of his beloved pets …..however, on a sad note, their Labrador who was their Golden Retrievers’ best pal, never made it back home. The two became separated during the storm. We urge everyone to join PETTRAC, the national recovery system backed nationally by state Veterinarian Medical Associations. Nearly every dog and cat that makes its way to a shelter is scanned upon entry. Unless you and your pet belong to this recovery system, there is no way to identify your pet or to know where it came from. Many animals lose their collars or are removed by those who steal them. Should your pet become stolen, this system also notifies agencies and vet clinics to be on the look out for your pet. Micro-chipping is NOT a luxury….its a necessity. Its a very simple procedure that can be done at the same time your pet receives his or her vaccinations and the cost is minimum. All of our canine are micro-chipped and we highly recommend it!
SO, YOU WANT TO PURHASE A PET FROM A PET STORE?
If you have stumbled upon a very cute dog at your local pet store….here’s what you need to know about the puppies who make their way to these pet facilities. Breeders who sell their puppies to pet stores are irresponsible breeders who have difficulty selling their pups to the general public or They can also be private uneducated breeders who don’t want to “deal” with their litter of pups that they just HAD to let little Susie watch being born. More than likely, they sold a few and then had pups they just didn’t want to “deal with”. People always assume that puppies in pet stores come from “Puppy Mills” or “Commercial Breeders”. NOT ALWAYS SO! More uneducated, private breeders sell their pups to pet stores than any one else. Unfortunately, we are even seeing Goldendoodles being sold to pet stores from the kinds of breeders mentioned above. Pet stores scour the nation through newspaper and Internet ads for breeders who are either giving their puppies away or who have very low prices because they know that by marking them up by at least 300%, they’ll make their money back and then some. Pet store owners purchase many of their puppies under false pretenses and present themselves to the breeders as a family seeking to replace a dog that has died or seeking a puppy for their “children”, knowing full well that the puppy they just bought will go to their store to sit in glass cages for the general public to view. Many become sick and unhealthy from being shuffled from one pet store to the other, if the store is a chain. Believe it or not, the majority of puppies inside of pet stores are registered with the AMERICAN KENNEL CLUB…the supposed GOD of all Kennel Clubs who has “nothing but responsible” breeders registered with them!!! Hmm! Yeah, right! Another sad fact is those who sold their puppies to the pet stores don’t even care who buys them or whether or not they will be taken care of properly. No responsible breeder would ever dare sell their puppies to a pet store or any kind of facility like this. One of the ways a responsible breeder can deter pet stores from contacting them is to NOT bargain with a person who wants the breeder to “lower the price” or “give them a break” in the price. When a potential customer claims they’d “give the puppy a good home, but can’t afford much to pay”. This is a red flag. If a customer can not afford the price a breeder is asking, most likely they can not afford the dogs’ unexpected vet bills either. Most pet stores will ONLY purchase puppies from the above mentioned breeders that are registered with the AMERICAN KENNEL CLUB. This is because they can get TOP DOLLAR for the puppies from people who believe that dogs registered with this kennel club are QUALITY dogs. What amazes me even more is how many people assume that all breeders who register their puppies and their breeding dogs with AKC, are RESPONSIBLE BREEDERS with quality dogs! Where do these AKC registered puppies inside of pet stores and pet shops come from??? If your first answer was “a puppy mill”…you just got an “F” for failure to respond correctly! These so called responsible breeders who sold their puppies to the pet stores and pet shops are private breeders and commercial breeders who register their litters with the AMERICAN KENNEL CLUB, CONTINENTAL KENNEL CLUB and other canine registrant services, who breed to make a quick buck! Yes…many quick bucks can be made when all you do is produce a litter of puppies and six weeks after they are born, sell the entire litter to the pet store. It’s very simple! Pet stores across the country buy entire litters and then spread them out across their chain of other stores. It is very sickening. The breeder never has to spend a dime in taking care of the puppies…never has to spend any time or effort either! Any breeder…commercial or private can make many quick bucks in doing this. WE KNOW! WE GET CALLS FROM PET SHOPS AND PET STORES ALL ACROSS THE COUNTRY WANTING OUR PUPPIES and since I began in 1996….I can proudly claim and scream I HAVE NEVER SOLD A SINGLE PUPPY THAT I HAVE CREATED TO A PET SHOP OR A PET STORE! Private breeders who sell their puppies and litters to pet stores and pet shops across the country are the real “puppy mills” and this is exactly what I personally believe a puppy mill to be. The puppy mill is NOT the breeder who spends an arm and a leg on their litters….who has enormous outgoing expenses and who has put in an enormous amount of time with their pups and dogs. I don’t care how many dogs a breeder owns….that is NOT WHAT MAKES A BREEDER A PUPPY MILL. Private breeders who dump their litters off at pet stores don’t give a rats ass who buys their puppies…..what kind of home their puppies are going to…how long they have to sit being gawked at by passers by through a window…don’t care whether or not a pet store or pet shop will take good care of their created pups…all they care about is that they have dumped a litter of 5-12 puppies off and picked up their “pay” check from the pet store. That’s fact whether people select to believe it or not! I personally know breeders who do this…don’t condone it…don’t do it….but know it to be a fact that this practice happens all over the United States on a daily basis. What you don’t know too is that a PET STORE AND PET SHOP don’t want anything to do with an older puppy. They also pay very little to the breeder for each puppy….but to the breeder who does this…they’d rather rake in $200 per puppy than pay out more than they know they will take in, by keeping the pups until someone calls them to buy one. They also have less hassle and don’t have to pay out any advertising costs. Breeders who dump their pups off at these stores do not have to speak to anyone about the puppies they have created, except the pet store and pet shop they sell to. Hence, you never know about them until you buy one of their puppies from the store and see their name listed on the pup’s registration documents as the breeder.
About the Author
Dee Gerrish has been a private, professional breeder since 1996. She founded Goldendoodle World in 1999 and has written about Goldendoodles extensively. Her Goldendoodle World website is very educational, extensive and shows a comprehensive look at the Goldendoodle hybrid. Dee Gerrish is the first breeder to register the Goldendoodle hybrid with a kennel club in the United States. Dee is also one of the original founders for the Goldendoodle dog in the southern region of the United States.
Baby French Lop Rabbits & German Shepherd Cute Family
german shepherd command words Question about german shepherd puppy or any puppy?
I’m gonna be getting a german shepherd puppy soon. I have talk to several breeders, and each one gives me a different answer. I asked one breeder, will the puppy understand to “sit” if i tell him in german language. The english word “SIT” is pronounced as “seat” in german. I’m not sure how to spell it but it’s pronounced as “seat”. One breeder siad when you tell the german shepherd to “seat”, he will understand. Some other breeder said that’s not true because they won’t understand it, even if it’s in german. They said you have to teach the dog the commands. At this point, I trust neither one of them. I’m going to gear my trust more toward you guys on yahoo answers……
second question: When my german shepherd puppy licks my face is that like him givng me a kiss and demonstrating that he loves me?? Can I give my dog a kiss on the side of his face or something to show that i love him too?
lol he will still learn english if you teach him in english it will make no difference what language u do.
Your Obedient Dog: The Most Important Commands
The Commands That Every Dog Owner Should Know And How This Will Lead To A Happy, Clean And Obedient Dog That Will Not Cause Problems
There are of course many reasons for owners to want a calm, obedient and faithful dog. For one thing, obedient and trained dogs are happier dogs, less likely to get into tussles with people or with other dogs. Another reason is that many communities require that the dogs living in their neighborhoods be well trained. This is especially true for many breeds thought to have aggression and behavior problems – dog breeds like pit bulls and rottweilers for instance.
And of course, training your dog well will also make he or she a much better family companion, especially in households where there are young children. Many studies have shown that proper dog training makes a big impact when it comes to cutting down the number of dog bits and other behavior problems encountered by dog owning households.
When considering training your own dog, or having someone else help you train it, there are certain basic commands that must be mastered in order for a dog to be considered truly trained. These basic commands include:
• Heel – it is important that any dog learn to walk beside its owner on a loose lead, neither pulling ahead nor lagging behind
• Respond to the word No – the word no is one word that all dogs must learn. Training your dog to respond to this important word can save you a ton of trouble.
• Sit – Training your dog to sit on command is a vital part of any dog training program.
• Stay – A well trained dog should remain where his or her owner commands, so stay is a very important command in dog training.
• Down – Lying down on command is more than just a cute trick; it is a key component of any successful dog training program.
• Off – Forms the basis for later training, especially when training the dog not to chase people, cars, bikes, cats, etc.
Dog training does much more than just create an obedient, willing companion. Training your dog properly actually strengthens the bond that already exists between dog and handler. Dogs are pack animals, and they look to their pack leader to tell them what to do. The key to successful dog training is to set yourself up as that pack leader.
Establishing yourself as pack leader is a very important concept for any potential dog trainer to understand. There is only one leader in every pack of dogs, and the owner must establish him or herself as the dominant animal. Failure to do so leads to all manner of behavior problems.
A properly trained dog will respond properly to all the owner’s commands, and will not display anxiety, displeasure or confusion. A good dog training program will focus on allowing the dog to learn just what is expected of it, and will use positive reinforcement to reward desired behaviors.
In addition to making the dog a good member of the community, obedience training is a great way to fulfill some of the dog’s own needs, including the need for exercise, the security that comes with knowing what is expected of it, a feeling of accomplishment and a good working relationship with its handler. Dog training gives the dog an important job to do, and an important goal to reach.
Giving the dog a job is more important than you may think. Dogs were originally bred by humans to do important work, such as herding sheep, guarding property and protecting people. Many dogs today have no important job to do, and this can often lead to boredom and neurotic behavior.
Basic obedience training, and ongoing training sessions, provide the dog with an important job to do. This is especially important for high energy breeds like German shepherds and border collies. Training sessions are a great way for these high energy dogs to use up their extra energy and simply to enjoy themselves.
Incorporating playtime into your dog training sessions is a great way to prevent both yourself and your dog from becoming bored. Playing with your dog helps to strengthen the all important bond between you – the pack leader – and your dog.
It actually depends on the dog, some will do it that way forever and some will change it to the one legged squirt when they are good and ready! Love ya! ~Makwa/Jo:)
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