Preventing You From Leaving
A common reason German Shepherds howl is to prevent you from leaving the house.; Dogs quickly learn our routine, so if they know you always put them in the crate or a certain room before leaving the house, you may find they howl once placed in that location.
This is to let you know they dont want you to leave.; If the howling is too incessant, it could be a sign of separation anxiety as discussed above.
Can German Shepherds Live Outside In Summer
German Shepherds shouldnt live outside if it is above 85ºF.; Since German Shepherds have a double coat, they do better in cooler temperatures than warmer temperatures.;
Heat is dangerous at certain levels for German Shepherds or any dog for that matter because dogs only have sweat glands in the ears and paws to help regulate their temperature.; Accordingly, they are more easily susceptible to overheating.
How Cold Is Too Cold For Your German Shepherd
This is a tricky question to answer. No two dogs are alike, even if they are both German Shepherds.
Where you live has a lot to do with it.
If your GSD has been raised in a very cold climate from puppyhood, it is most likely able to tolerate colder temperatures than other dogs who might have been raised in an area that is not so cold.
If your average winter temperatures hover just around freezing and the temp suddenly dips into the teens, your dog might suffer during the cold snaps.
But if your average temperature is in the low 20s they might be ok. They might suffer when the temps get really frigid, like in the single digits.
The best indicator of what is too cold you can get by observing your dog. Watch your dog for any sign of discomfort such as shivering, lifting up his paws uncomfortably or whining.
And remember, young puppies and elderly dogs do not have as much capacity to generate body heat in the cold. They are particularly susceptible to suffering in even mildly cold temperatures.
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Is It Cruel To Keep A Dog Indoors All Day
It makes them happier. Our dogs enrich our lives and improve our health, so its natural to want to protect them. But keeping them inside doesnt do that. Most indoor dogs dont get enough exercise, and they dont have the balance of internal microbes required to develop a healthy intestinal structure.
Make Your Dog Sit Under A Shaded Area
As the ground temperature can rise drastically in hot weather and direct sunlight will also take a toll on your furry friend.
It would help if you found a shaded area under a tree or somewhere with cool shade and a cold ground where your dog can sit and rest.
If no shaded area is available. You need to invest in a an umbrella for your back or front yard. They are affordable and can be used for many occasions.
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How Much Do German Shepherds Shed
When looking at getting a German Shepherd, remember this: on a scale of one to ten, German Shepherd’s shedding rates about a nine. They shed their coat year-round, which is unlike many dog breeds who mainly shed a summer and winter coat.
While they do shed all year, when the days get shorter, their body will react to the amount of sunlight they are exposed to. While they grow the thicker winter coat in, the finer summer hairs will fall out. In the fall, there will be a period when your German Shepherd seems to shed quite a bit more than usual.
In the spring, German Shepherds have a period called “blowing out,” which is what happens when they lose that thick winter coat. It will be worse than the summer hair coming out because the winter coat is twice as thick.
If you notice that your dog is shedding more than usual when their seasonal coats are not being shed, do be aware that there can be medical reasons for this. Just follow up with your vet if you notice that along with excessive shedding, your dog is itching or getting bald spots.
Whats Better For Training Outside Or Inside Living
As one of the most intelligent dog breeds we know of, it goes without saying that most owners want to train their GSD to a high level of obedience. And whether or not your GSD lives outdoors or indoors does have an impact.
While there are arguments for and against, the majority of professional dog trainers agree that dogs allowed to sleep inside the home with the family are easier to train, are more obedient, and produce fewer behavioral issues down the line.
Why is this? Dogs are social animals and relationships are extremely important. The stronger the bond between you and him, the more receptive and responsive he will be to you. Pack hierarchy and authority are paramount in the ability to train any dog, and by having a closer relationship you are better able to establish yourself as the leader, equating to more effective training sessions.This isnt to say that German Shepherds that live and sleep outside cant be trained, Its just that if you want a streamlined process, indoors will be a better option.
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What Should You Do If Your Shepherd Gets Too Cold
If you suspect your GSD has hypothermia, call a veterinarian, but you will need to start treatment immediately. Bring your dog into a warm environment and check her temperature.
The most common cause of hypothermia is prolonged exposure to the elements and wet fur. Dry your German Shepherd thoroughly, using a hairdryer if necessary. Wrap her in a warm dry blanket, even utilizing hot water bottles.
Only use heating pads if your pet is dry and under supervision. Having an accurate thermometer is crucial.
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Can Dogs Be Left Outside Without Toys Or Other Dogs
No. Dogs are social animals and it is not right to leave them outside without livestock to watch, other dogs to play with, toys to chew on, or humans to interact with.
Leaving a dog locked up alone in a garage, no matter what the weather conditions, is a horrible thing to do and will lead to excessive barking, chewing, and other abnormalities.
If you want to leave your dog locked up outside just so that you do not have to interact with her, you should not have a dog.
Determining is a mixed breed dog can be outside takes some common sense.
cc-by www.flickr.com dmushrush 71021696
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Train Your Gsd To Obey Anti
Even with the best of training, your German Shepherd Dog will try his luck with chewing things he shouldnt once in a while, such as the leg of your wooden kitchen table!
Using anti-chew commands is important in deterring your dog from destructive chewing when you notice his attention to a non-chew object such as wooden furniture in your home.
If the obedience command you use when you want to stop a behavior in your German Shepherd is leave it! use that to deter your dogs temptation to chew what he should not.;
Alternatively, you can generalize the leave it! command by presenting your dog with the valuable object he tries to chew and repeating the command when he puts it in his mouth.
Reward your dog with a treat, his favorite chew toy, or a good dog praise every time he heeds the command to ensure he understands that not chewing the shoe is what is expected of him.
A German Shepherd Should Go To School
One of the best things about this breed is that they are wicked smart. That makes them easy to train. But you need to be involved in this and make time for it.
Sending your dog to a training camp or a professional dog trainer is the worse idea. There are training schools or trainers that teach you how to train your dog. It is all about the connection you build with your pup. The dog needs to obey your commands not some random strangers. You are the head of the pack.
If you take him to a school as a puppy, it helps him a lot to socialize with people and other dogs. It also makes him comfortable with riding in the car.
I have to confess though. I didnt do well in training my dog because I was weak to his overwhelming cuteness. To my defense, see below what I mean. Dont lose it and be firm. Kind, but firm. 🙂
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Brush Your German Shepherd Regularly
Brushing your dog the right way may seem time-consuming, but you will be glad you took the time to do it. Not only will your German Shepherd have a healthy and glossy coat, but systematically grooming your dog will significantly reduce shedding as well. You will have a cleaner home with less pet hair to vacuum.
You should also use this opportunity to check your dog over for any bumps, bites, or pests like fleas or mites. Excessive shedding can be caused by skin diseases and be prevented by checking the condition of the skin regularly.
Brushing the hair of your German Shepherd not only feels great when done properly, but it also helps get that coat looking its best. Blood and skin oils are brought to the coat, helping it grow and giving it a great shine. Go here for help on choosing the right brushes for your German Shepherd.
Lack Of Proper Training/untamed Instinct
As indicated earlier, chewing is an instinctual and normal exploratory behavior in dogs and should not worry you if your dog is chewing within normal limits. But a German Shepherd who chews everything in their way is not exhibiting normal chewing behavior.
To keep chewing within normal levels in your German Shepherds adult life, tame his instinct to chew by training him not to chew things hes not supposed to. He should readily heed a no when he attempts to chew your slippers or the cushions on the couch while hes still a puppy.
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Are German Shepherds Good With Kids
German shepherdsgoodchildrenchildrenSigns that can indicate your dog is too cold
Beat The Heat!Summer Tips to Keep Your German Shepherd Cool and Safe
Can A Dog Be Left Outside All Day
Never leave your dog unattended for long periods of time, this includes overnight. If something happens to your dog such as heatstroke or hypothermia, the longer it goes unattended the worse it will be for him. Always check on him to make sure he has enough water and is not exhibiting any signs of health issues.21 Sept 2015
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Consider Safe Dog Anti
If your German Shepherd is chewing valuables, consider using safe anti-chew dog deterrents. These use an aversive association mechanism by causing your dog to associate the object with the deterrent that has an awful smell or taste, therefore, labeling it not good for chewing.;
Follow these steps to create the aversive association:
Note that coupling the deterrent with another form of training that redirects your German Shepherd to chew permitted objects such as toys will be more effective in making your dog cease chewing your valuables.
Some of the anti-chew deterrent tastes/odors you could consider include those with a bitter apple/lemon flavor, apple cider vinegar, or cayenne pepper. However, be careful with the latter as although the pepper is not harmful to your dog if swallowed, it may irritate his eyes if he gets it on his paws and then rubs his face.
How To Introduce A New Adult Cat To My Adult German Shepherd
Introducing an adult cat to adult dogs who have lived in the same territory for years might be problematic.
Naturally, it depends on how you have trained your dog over time and how your pets reactions are when an intruder accesses their territory.
You can observe these traits at the park or home.;
Try to find out as much as possible about the cats personality before committing.
You can do so by speaking to their previous owner or kennel.
However, if you cannot get any information, it might not be a good idea.
You ideally want to know that the cat is calm and will play well with other animals before committing to bringing them home.;
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Can A German Shepherd Be Left Alone Our Ultimate Guide
Are you thinking about getting a German Shepherd but worried whether it is a sensible move because you work? The issue of leaving a dog alone is both complex and critical. By asking this question, you are showing that you would be a responsible dog owner.
It is certainly possible to leave a German Shepherd if you have to go out to work. However, it will require some understanding of potential problems, and what solutions can be employed.
In this article, I want to lead you through this topic and provide helpful answers.
German Shepherd Temperature Tolerance
German Shepherds have a high tolerance against cold. They can also survive in hot weather, but they need additional care.
They love to play and be engaged in outdoor activities constantly, and so it comes as no surprise that these furry friends like to stay outside.
While German Shepherds are good with hot temperatures, they are still much accustomed to cold weather. So, it is not ideal to leave your dog outside in the heat.
Some people tend to keep their dogs outside of their home, which is not a good idea in the hot season.
German shepherds would be fine outdoors if they have appropriate care.
German Shepherds can become exhausted and suffer from dehydration, a significant cause of concern for any dog lover.
Although the German Shepherds double coat helps him stay cool and trap fresh air, it is not ideal to depend on it and give no attention to your dog.
German shepherds are known to be winter animals, and they do not tend to do well in summer.
There are cases where German shepherds have shown signs of being overheated from hot weather. They also have a high heatstroke rate so that heat can be fatal for the German shepherds.
It is better to keep your dog in a moderate, not too hot or cold temperature. Some cases also suggest that German shepherds left in a car have even died due to heat.
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Signs Your German Shepherd Is Not Adapting Well To Their New Feline Sibling
Before a meeting between a German Shepherd and a cat, its normal to be worried about the cats health.
However, often, the German Shepherd might be in as much distress.
Generally, this distress or fear becomes more visible as a form of aggression.
And, its possible to notice nervousness, a change in behavior, and sex drive in your dog.;
If youve noticed that your dogs attitude around the house is different or they have changed their feeding and bathroom routine, its possible that theyre not adapting well to the new living situation.;
You can help this through training and socialization.
Training your dog to be obedient to you can help you put a stop to most dangerous situations.
Training is also a great way to play with and tire your dog out.;
When it comes to socialization, you should be seeking out everything from other dogs and people to loud sounds and busy roads.
The idea is to get your dog used to such stimulation so they can remain calm when faced with something new and unexpected.;
Are German Shepherd Doberman Mixes Aggressive
These large and territorial breeds make great guard dogs. They can tend to be aggressive, but the key is using training to channel this aggression into a helpful guard dog and not an anti-social dog.
Their natural aggression is useful for managed and trained correctly. They can easily integrate into a family home and be a loving pet and safe around children.
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