|
Choosing the dog that is right for
you.
Before making the purchase of your new family friend and companion, it is
important to carefully consider the traits and attributes of the breed to make
sure it is the right fit for you and your family. Below are a few suggestions from the German Shepherd Dog Club of America.
It is always best to listen to your own instincts and
ask lots of questions before making a final decision.
-
I want a dog that will be easy to train
A German Shepherd
Dog is one of the most intelligent, versatile and
trainable of all breeds. Their high trainability and extreme loyalty and
commitment make them an excellent choice for police dog, agility dog,
conformation and obedience.
-
I want a dog that I can take on hikes, that will jog with me,
or that I can teach to play frisbee
The German Shepherd
Dog is an active, athletic breed that will greatly enjoy
any sport you share with it.
-
I want a dog that will be a good companion for children and
at the same time a steady protector of its family
A well-bred German Shepherd Dog has a steady, even temperament, and many
learn to look upon children as their special charges. However, keep in mind that
the German Shepherd is a large breed, and an adolescent dog could easily knock
down a very small child without intending to cause it harm. As with all dogs,
care should be taken to supervise them around children, and at the same time,
children should always be taught to be considerate of dogs.
Feeding schedule and veterinary visits
Expect your German Shepherd to consume approximately 3-4 cups of dry food per
day while growing up. This is usually split into 2 meals – morning and evening.
We do not recommend feeding table scraps.
After all puppy vaccines
are complete, most healthy dogs see the
vet for heartworm testing, booster shots, and a general checkup once a year. You
should establish a close relationship with your vet early on so that you and
your dog can feel confident in his/her ability to treat your pet for anything
else that may arise.
Grooming schedule
Trim nails once a week while your puppy is young, and at least once a month as an
adult.
Clean inside the ears with clean cotton balls or a clean, damp washcloth as
needed, again at least once a month. Bathe as needed if your dog gets dirty. Some
people bathe too often, which can cause dry skin. Regular brushing often will
keep the coat quite clean so that the dog only needs a bath four times a year,
or less. |
