German Shepherd is a kind of breed that caused different oppinion among different peple. While some see it fierce and threatening, some others, especially who had a German Shepherd look at it much more tenderedly.

The German Shepherd is often aloof – they don’t often walk right up to a stranger but size them up, as if silently figuring whether you are worth their time. Some dogs take longer than others to warm up and create a bond, but once that bond is made is a dog that will face any threat imaginable to protect their family.

It is this loyalty and sense of duty that has made the German Shepherd a dog that willingly guided the blind, works as law enforcement, herds livestock, competes not only in shows but in dog sports, is a friend to the military and performs countless duties in homes throughout the world.

In the late 1800s cavaly officer Capt. Max Von Stephanitz sought to perfect a dog for farm work. As with many animals bred for function, what was needed locally was different than the dogs available. The breed today takes the look of a defined breed but not all are the same. A dog developed as a show dog might look very different from one developed for police work, which may have a different body type from one working on the farm.

American soldiers brought the breed to the US after being introduced to the breed in the military. The breed is still today used to assist soldiers throughout the world.

By the standard, the male should be 24-26 inches at the shoulder with females 22-24. They should be longer than they are tall, with an image of power and grace. Disqualifications from show include: cropped or dropped ears, nose not mostly black, undershot jaw, docked tail and all white dogs. There are many many dogs that are larger than the standard, or all white dogs, as well as all black dogs, that are still fully German Shepherd. For those interested in details of show conformation requirements they can be found at http://www.akc.org/breeds/german_shepherd_dog/

In early development it was felt the GSD should be above everything utility and intelligence. The breed is still today a working machine…functional in the ability to cover ground easily whether after a loose cow or an escaped criminal. They are distinctive in appearance and although known by different names are the same breed throughout the world.

The GSD is one of the breeds some pet food companies have developed special formulas for. They are also many people who feed a raw meat and bones diet. An important factor in feeding German Shepherds is food selection. Do not feed for fast growth – it does not necessarily mean a bigger adult but can mean a weaker adult. High energy food that boosts fast growth should be avoided especially in the rapid growth time of 3-8 months of age. This reduces the chances of displasia later. While selection of breeding dogs and testing hips and elbows before breeding is certainly a factor, equally is diet.

Many things vary within this breed. One GSD charges fearlessly into a conflict that includes gunfire while another trembles in a thunderstorm. Some have been guilty of biting while others would never except under extreme threat threaten a human. Some are bold in any circumstance, some are borderline fearful. Handling and breeding can make an immense difference in this breed. Additionally the breeding and genetic markers for disease can affect an otherwise suitable working dog. Genetic issues affecting the eyes, skin, heart, neurological system, digestive and skeletal systems are all possible within the breed – and most are found by testing before breeding.

It is this testing and the maintaining of healthy, tested clean lines that makes a good GSD an investment. A few health issues to watch for besides the hip and elbow displasia include thyroid disorders, skin allergies, Addisons, vonWillebrand’s disease, heart murmurs, cardiomyopathy, epilepsy, wobbler syndrome and spinal bifida can all affect the breed. Many problems show up at under 2 years old. A condition called EPI, Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency, is another issue that can be overlooked.

A more complete list of the health issues that can affect the breed is at http://www.awsaclub.com/healthgenetics/caninegen.htm – and remember that although it can look like they are prone to every disease known to canines, many of these can be eliminated by genetics.

Although not genetic, owners of GSD should be familiar with the danger of bloat. Like many deep chested dogs, GSD is susceptible to this critical emergency that needs immediate medical attention. This condition is fast-striking and fatal.

Do not be deterred by the list of health issues in the breed – instead, use that to choose your dog wisely. Understand that without testing you have the risk of losing a dog you’ve become attached to – and it may well be worth $ 700-800 for a dog that has a healthy genetic family rather than getting one of unknown background for $ 150 then spending thousands treating problems that are lurking unseen. For a tested, working and show type dog bred for temperament, trainability and soundness do not be shocked by prices $ 1,500 or $ 2,000 and up. Many of these come with health and soundness guarantees.

Dogs of 12-15 years are not uncommon. With a reported average litter size of eight, it’s important to choose mates wisely.

The trainability of the German Shepherd is well documented. The movie “K-9” and it’s sequels revolved around a German Shepherd, as did the infamous Rin Tin Tin. The first seeing-eye dog in 1928 was a German Shepherd. The GSD is one of the most intelligent dogs in the canine world, in one test just behind the border collie and poodle. John Kennedy, Roy Rogers and Franklin D. Roosevelt kept GSD.

Schutzhund, a competition not for the faint of heart, is but one thing the GSD excells at. This competition tests the dog’s intelligence, soundness, tracking abilities, willingness to work, courage and trainability. While photos from these competitions show dogs scaling obstacles and making spectacular leaps to latch bites onto the arm of a “suspect” it’s important to remember these dogs are highly trained. They are not vicious…they are trained to get to a suspect, restrain them and ideally get them on the ground for the safety of their handlers.

No dog, German Shepherd or otherwise, should be teased or mistreated to induce aggression. The difference between an aggressive dog and a trained K-9 is extreme. A K-9’s training is based on play – an aggressive dog is based on survival, and this difference is critical to understand. It drives an aggressive dog to unspeakable acts and reflects poorly on the many great dogs of the breed that are highly trainable.

A good dog with obedience training doesn’t need special training for protection. These operate from a position of defense of the home – and the bark of a GSD is often enough to change the minds of someone who thinks they want to do harm. The natural protection instincts of a good GSD is normally sufficient to deal with a threat.

It is no surprise that there are many heroes in this breed. Ceasar, a K-9 handled by Corporal Mark Sarna of the Shaker Heights Ohio Police Department, had a resume that included drug detection, tracking suspects as well as being a certified therapy dog and friendly with children. Griff, a K-9 with the Summit County Sheriff’s Department, and his handler Deputy Kathy Wilmot is another awarded dog and a great illustration as to the unknown these dogs and their handlers can face. Called to a domestic disturbance where the suspect was threatening to burn down the house of a girlfriend with her and her kids in it, Griff tracked the suspect through freezing rain. While he wanted to continue, the humans insisted on returning to the command unit and before long a second call came in. The suspect returned to the home and was becoming violent. A very dangerous situation evolved with the suspect assaulting the dog and handlers, attempting to kill the dog hands on despite being tazered. Griff not only never gave up but never shifted position – he put himself between the suspect and his handler, willing to lay down his life if need be. After the incident was over it was learned the suspect had commited an armed robbery just hours before, was out on bond and had a previous stint of 13 years in prison.

In the dangerous work of police and military work many German Shepherds have paid the ultimate price for their instincts and training. They serve faithfully and have confronted the worst of humanity, not only on a daily basis but also in events such as the World Trade Center and Oklahoma City bombing.

Because these are bold, intelligent and trainable dogs they must have a home that will TRAIN them. Select a good, healthy dog and put the time into training them. This doesn’t take 6-8 hours per day…it’s teaching things in small ways on a day to day basis. Left to their own devices they will be unhappy and find their own means to entertain themselves, and you probably won’t like it. A bored, untrained dog can destroy vehicles, homes and lives. Once trained then you can sit back and enjoy your beautiful, functional, intelligent and well mannered dog.

For the right home the German Shepherd is a wonderful companion and security that doesn’t fail with power outages. If yours is the right home, do your homework and find the best dog for you. They’re a wonderful breed with a big heart.

Clicker training for dogs is one of the most scientific ways to bring out the best behavior in dogs. Clicker training for dogs is one of the most scientific and efficient dog behavior training as it eliminates all the problems that exist with the dog. Clicker puppy training and the behavior conditioning is really important if you want to see your dog excelling in all aspects. This method surely gives you the edge over other trainers training their dogs using different methods. The clicker training for dogs will not only enable your dog to understand all signals but will also help you to understand all the practical conditions under which certain animal reactions arises.

With the positive reinforcements and behavior motivation that arises from the clicker training your dog will be trained in a positive way. To understand the clicker training for dogs you first need to understand what a clicker is. It is a plastic toy which makes a distinctive clicking noise with the in-built metal strip. You will be able to learn about the different psychological problems that will be faced by the dog during its training and the measures required coping with them.

The basic advantages of the clicker training for dog are as follows:

An automatic development of bonding and mutual respect between the dog and the handler.

It is a sort of motivational training that is not only scientific and it does not involve any violent punishments, which for the record never helps.

Clicker puppy training is the best and it trains the dog from a very young age and firmly imprints the lessons in its mind.

The clicker training for dogs makes it stress free and happy and hence it has a healthy effect on the overall growth of the animal.

The clicker training for dogs actually encompasses a set of steps that will help your dog to understand all that is required from it. The first is that of the conditioning. Now conditioning can be distinguished into the operant conditioning and the classical conditioning. This actually includes the understanding for the dog that if it is successful in performing what was desired, it will be repaid in the way it expects. Like if you want your dog to greet you every time you return from the workplace you should understand that your dog will want to be repaid for the affection it is showing. It is not only about belly rubs or a friendly as you need to make the dog understand that you are its true companion and you will never harm it.

Positive reinforcement is another something that should be employed while training your dog. Like in the clicker training with the sound of the clicker it knows that it is being appreciated. So that is the motivational and the driving force for it to perform the work it will be doing.

The clicker training for dogs is an efficient tool so use it wisely and make yourself the proud owner of a trained dog.

Social and sporting events for dogs are on the rise. Just like their human counterparts, the more dogs interact, the more at risk they are for contracting illnesses in public places. To help dog owners and event organizers better understand and prevent transmission of infectious diseases in dogs, the AKC Canine Health Foundation (CHF), in collaboration with the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA), announces a newly funded study that will provide practical guidelines to reduce the risk of disease spread in the canine population. Rather than generate new data, researchers will do a retrospective analysis of existing information to provide recommendations for managing infectious disease at the level of both the dog and the environment.

Dr. Jason Stull, VMD, MPVM, PhD, DACVPM (Public Health, Epidemiology) of The Ohio State University is the principal researcher on the project. His OSU team includes: Armando Hoet, DVM, PhD, DACVPM (Public Health, Epidemiology); Jeanette OQuin, DVM, MPH (Public Health, Epidemiology); and Mary Jo Burkhard, DVM, PhD, DACVP (Immunology/Infectious Disease, Clinical Pathology). We are excited to have this stellar team of veterinary infectious disease experts work with CHF and OFA to produce up-to-date recommendations that will have real world implications, said Dr. Shila Nordone, CHF Chief Scientific Officer.

Fully funded by OFA, the grant aims to equip the dog loving community with information and an understanding of how to keep their dogs healthy in locations where disease spread is more likely. According to Eddie Dziuk, Chief Operating Officer of OFA, Whether participating in various dog sports, attending training classes, or simply visiting the local dog park, mitigating the risk of infectious disease transmission should be of concern to all responsible dog owners whose dogs are regularly in contact with other dogs. Dziuk goes on to state, The Ohio State University has assembled an outstanding team to review the existing literature, engage stakeholder groups in the process, and develop consensus recommendations from key opinion leaders. The end result will be safer, healthier environments for our dogs through education, prevention, and guidelines of best practices to prevent the outbreak of infectious disease.

The outcome of the study will be a peer-reviewed publication defining up-to-date risk assessment and management recommendations, and most importantly, a white paper that can be used by dog owners and organizers of canine events and facilities. CHF anticipates that the recommendations will be released to the public by early 2016. Researchers also hope to create an open-access, interactive website that can be used by all involved with dogs to help reduce the risk and spread of infectious disease where dogs meet and compete.

CHF is a non-profit organization dedicated to funding research to prevent, treat and cure canine disease. Visit CHF online at http://www.akcchf.org for more information about the Foundation. Like CHF on Facebook, follow CHF on Twitter @CanineHealthFnd, or connect with CHF on LinkedIn.

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About CHF The AKC Canine Health Foundation (CHF) is a non-profit organization dedicated to helping dogs live longer, healthier lives by funding research that helps prevent, treat, and cure canine disease. Established in 1995, CHFs mission is to advance the health of all dogs and their owners by funding sound, scientific research and supporting the dissemination of canine health information. Through the generous support of the American Kennel Club, Nestl Purina PetCare, Zoetis (formerly Pfizer Animal Health), dog clubs, and dog owners worldwide, CHF has dedicated more than $ 40 million to canine health research projects and education programs. Visit CHF online at http://www.akcchf.org for more information.

Tips On Dog Training

Pointer On Cat Training

Several dog proprietors and also tips on dog training instructions will certainly inform you that training your canine can take weeks as well as months. Some owners believe that after a couple of training sessions that there pet will certainly understand and also instantaneously obey all commands. This is not the instance, as well as it could be a great deal more difficult than anticipated. Nevertheless, pet training can frequently be made a lot more challenging due to common errors made by proprietors. These blunders create training to take longer, and also be more difficult compared to need be.

Idea on Dog Training– It Should Be Positive:

Dog training need to be a positive encounter for you and also your dog. Do not focus on the little mistakes that he does as well as penalize him, however rather focus on the proper or good things he does and reward him for these.

These incentives can be a ‘excellent tips on dog training‘ vocal commands, a stroke or fuss constructed from him, an edible treat, or a have fun with his favored toy. If you positively award him he will wish to kindly you even more, however if you continuously nag as well as punish him he will weary, shed self-confidence and also will certainly not intend to do anything. So, good support is a lot more reliable.

Tips On Dog Training— Why Does not He Comprehend:

Folks commonly fail to remember that dogs do not comprehend every word you are stating, they are not brought into the world totally tuned to our English language! They do not have a memory that features like ours. As an tips on dog training example if you have been out and also left your dog alone, you then get back to find he has actually messed on the flooring, you will certainly do definitely no great at all by shouting at your dog or punishing him, he will not recognize, they could not attach between what you are yelling around now and their messy actions of 10 minutes past.

In order that your pet dog comprehends a rebuke it has to be done as the undesirable action is happening in order for the canine to understand. It might be discouraging that your pet could do the undesirable actions a couple of times before you capture him in the act to take care of it, you should have patience as well as persevere, do not give up and punish after the occasion since it is pointless and will be inadequate, as well as in actual fact might make issues considerably worse.

You must clearly ask on your own why your pet is doing the unfavorable habits also, as an example he might need a good walk prior to you leave him so he has been to the toilet and is a little bit sleepy and may then rest whilst you are out.

Suggestion On Pet dog Training– Do not Get Angry:

If your pet misbehaves or is not acting as you would certainly like, do not get angry with him. dogs are not dumb animals; they do not misbehave intentionally to make you furious. If you are getting aggravated with training, then it’s time to pause, and also return to that session at an additional time, it will do no good for you or your pet if you snap. He will certainly sense this as well as you will certainly not acquire the results you desire, a canine will work much better with a calm owner as opposed to an aggravated one.

However there could be specific factors that you merely can not obtain your canine to do. So, if these factors are sensible and well within your pets capacities, and also if your training techniques are appropriate but you are still not obtaining the results, you may wish to think about the assistance of an expert instructor. They will certainly manage to aid you get over training issues, as well as may encourage you on points that you could not even have actually thought about. A great instructor is a wonderful aid to somebody having training problems with their dog, as well as could be worth every cent of help as well as recommendations they supply.

These tips on dog training suggestions on dog training are points to think about when training your pet, and also remember, a well skilled cat is a pleased cat, and also is a happiness to have.

Tips On Dog Training