Advice On How To Raise A German Shepherd

The German Shepherd is one of the most popular breeds, not only as a working dog, but also as a companion. His docile character and sense of obedience have caused many to venture into raising one. Here are some tips to do it best.

Rules and principles to be taken into consideration when raising a German Shepherd

• Don’t look for puppies to raise. Many choose two German Shepherd puppies in order to mate them later. The problem that arises with this procedure is that  certain physical defects are not noticed in the young, which they could then transfer to their descendants. The best thing is to have two pure adult dogs with the pedigree.
• The pedigree,  in fact, is one of the most important factors to take into consideration,  as it will determine if the dog’s personality is that typical of this breed:  good, persevering, courageous, intelligent and loyal.

• Although man’s ambition has led  to mass breeding, this is not a good idea,  especially with the German Shepherd. Because of his personality and qualities, he needs to grow up in a calm and free environment, otherwise he could become grumpy and aggressive.
• Listen to the advice of professionals in the sector. When a person is a beginner, they can make common mistakes, especially because they are not guided by an expert. You can also ask a veterinarian for advice.
• Pure blood  will allow you to breed pure puppies. That is, despite having the pedigree, the previous third or fourth generation may not be 100% pure, or have some defect that can be passed on to future generations.

Furthermore…

• Nutrition  is very important for puppies to develop at their best. Genetics have an impact, but posterior care also plays a key role in the breeding of the German Shepherd.
• An unnatural environment could spoil everything else. Dogs need to run and feel free to make room for their intelligence, courage and other characteristics. Putting them in a cage could cause them illness or make them feel weak and insecure.
• Remember  that the qualities of dogs are not measured solely by their physical appearance. What will determine their value will be their attitudes and qualities,  reinforced by the reputation of their previous generations.

How to raise a German Shepherd?

The German Shepherd stands out for his nobility and obedience,  but this does not mean that these aspects should not be considered when educating him:

Socialization

It is vital that a German Shepherd feels part of a group, or rather of a family. It needs to feel the affection of other people and other animals. If that doesn’t happen, he could become aggressive.

Positive reinforcement

The German Shepherd knows he is a strong dog, so you need to train him. You have to make him understand who is in charge right away, and avoid having dominant attitudes both with people and with other animals.

Adequate nutrition

Although he is a healthy dog, he  has a delicate stomach, which is why you need to pay attention to his diet. A quality food and a control of the calories it consumes are vital for its proper development.

The German Shepherd is one of the best dogs to have as a pet, so follow these simple tips to raise them properly.