Dogs - All you need to know

Blue dog food

Posted on April 18, 2012 by dogfanBrian

These days, we are becoming increasingly aware of the quality of the food we give our dogs. There are hundreds of low-quality foods available, stuffed with artificial ingredients, additives and products which have been proven to cause allergic reactions in many dogs.

However, there are also a number of dog foods on the market which are made from natural, high-quality ingredients, along with antioxidants, vitamins and minerals which are necessary for maintaining the good health of our dogs.

Blue Dog Food – from Blue Buffalo

Blue dog food, made by the Blue Buffalo Company, is one such food we can give our dogs with complete confidence that it has been created with nothing artificial – only great natural ingredients.

I should point out that Blue dog food is not the cheapest on the market. However, it’s a small price to pay for the peace of mind you’ll have from knowing that your dog is getting a balanced, healthy meal, which contains no artificial preservatives, poultry or chicken by-product meal, or ingredients such as corn, soy and wheat which are amongst common allergens for many dogs.

What you will find in Blue dog food is boneless lamb, poultry or fish as the primary ingredient, complemented by whole-grains, fresh vegetables and fruit which is high in antioxidants.

From puppy to adult to the senior stage of their life, there’s bound to be a Blue dog food which will suit your dog perfectly, and the Blue range features a varied selection of dry or canned foods to ensure that your dog’s preference is well catered for.

In addition to the delicious ingredients which have already been mentioned, all dry Blue dog food contains their exclusive LifeSource Bits.

These are small, dark colored nuggets which are combined with the rest of the food. They contain a balanced mix of essential minerals, vitamins and antioxidants which have been specifically chosen by animal nutritionists and holistic vets to ensure that your dog derives the maximum benefit from the food.

The “cold-form” process by which the LifeSource bits are created helps ensure that these little nuggets of goodness retain as much nutritional value as possible, multi-benefiting your dog in the following ways;

1. By helping to maintain a healthy oxidative balance, and redressing some of the negative impact caused by certain environmental issues.

2. By helping to maintain a healthy immune system, and

3. By ensuring that whatever stage of life your dog is at, his requirements will be met. For example, puppies will benefit from ingredients which help to promote growth and development, adult dogs will benefit from ingredients which help them to maintain their good all-round health, and older dogs will benefit from ingredients which help to keep aging joints and limbs strong and supple.

Of course, however old your dog is, Blue dog food will help to ensure that his skin, coat, eyes, heart, bones, joints, teeth and muscles stay as healthy as possible. However, it’s good to know that for specific age groups, there’s a blend which will help to address the common health issues associated with his age.

If you’re on the lookout for a natural alternative to your regular dog food, you might like to take a look at the Blue dog food range.

Posted in Dog Food | Tagged dog food | Leave a comment

Dog Muzzles

Posted on April 17, 2012 by dogfanBrian

For most dog owners it will be totally unnecessary to buy or use a muzzle for their dog.

Dog muzzles tend to be used for dog training, or by owners who are concerned that their dog may bite.

A muzzle, which is normally either a wire basket or leather strap, is placed over the dogs nose which restricts the amount your dog can open its mouth. So, if your dog has a tendency to nip, then a muzzle will stop this.

Many people believe that muzzles should only be used on dogs that have a tendency to bite, have bitten in the past, or for dogs who have a reputation as being ‘agressive’. However, they are used extensively by trainers when they are socializing dogs with other dogs, or humans, to ensure the well-being and safety of everyone.

Not all dogs of course will benefit from a muzzle but there are certain breeds that are bred for protection that will such as a Doberman, the American pit bull and several others.

Dog muzzles can be an extremely effective and versatile tool if used correctly when training a dog.

Certain dogs, for example, spaniels and pit bulls, can suffer from “rage disorder” which means one minute they are calm, and the next, aggressive and confrontational.

If your dog suffers from this condition, speak to your vet with a view to establishing the best way to address and resolve the problem. Of course, you will need to take appropriate action to ensure your dog does not harm another dog, or human, and in this situation, a muzzle could be a good short term fix for you and your dog.

In some countries, certain breeds have to be muzzled by law when they are in public.

My view is that all dog owners are responsible for their dogs. If you know your dog has a problem and may snap at people or other animals in certain situations then your dog should be muzzled at those times.

If your dog is sensitive around young children, then keep him away from them or muzzle him when children are close by.

If you have people visiting your home that your dog is not familiar with, then either put him out in the yard for the duration of their visit, or muzzle him if that’s more appropriate. Don’t take a chance and assume that your dog won’t need his muzzle if there’s a likelihood that he will.

It’s really only common sense, but you’d be amazed at how irresponsible some owners can be, and of course it will be the dog that will suffer the consequences.

If you have the opportunity to train your dog from puppy to adult stage, then the need for a muzzle probably will not arise, as you will be able to control and address any potential scenarios where he may be likely to show aggression or bite.

In addition, socializing your dog at every opportunity when it is young will lead him to accept other dogs more readily when he is older. The same is true of people; although don’t be surprised if your dog takes an instant dislike to some people but is absolutely fine with others – like us, they don’t like everyone they meet!

Dog muzzles are very widely available, but make sure that you get one with the right fit for your dog, or it could cause him discomfort or pain.

Posted in Obedience training | Tagged muzzled | Leave a comment

Metacam for Dogs

Posted on April 12, 2012 by dogfanBrian

Metacam for dogs is an FDA approved prescription medication for dogs to treat pain and inflammation – it is only available from your Veterinarian.

However, Metacam does not suit all dogs so talk things over with your vet first to determine if this is the right treatment for your dog.

Let your vet know if your dog is taking any other medication, or is pregnant, and avoid any over the counter medicines for your dog whilst he is taking Metacam.

This treatment is only for dogs over the age of 6 months and has the benefit of treating painful and inflamed joints, which can result in helping your dog to become more mobile.

It will normally come with a syringe type applicator which makes it easy for you to administer the prescribed dose directly into your dog’s mouth.

Is Metacam for Dogs Safe?

You will need to watch your dog for side effects, as he may experience drowsiness and possibly diarrhea and vomiting. Some dogs will have an allergic reaction to this medicine so be on the lookout for a rash or any swelling in your dog’s face.

It has been reported that there have been rare instances where Metacam for dogs is thought to have caused kidney or liver disease in dogs. With this in mind, it is crucial that you watch for any signs that your dog is reacting badly to the medication.

If you are in any doubt, or have any concerns, about the suitability of this medication for your dog, stop the treatment immediately and get in touch with your vet.

For further information you may like to check out the Wiki page below.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Meloxicam

I personally have always been very skeptical of any medication where you have to be continually on the lookout for any adverse side effects, and wouldn’t be too keen to administer a drug like this to either of my dogs on an ongoing basis.

If you are at all like me, you may want to investigate herbal remedies or alternative therapies such as acupuncture, which with proper instruction and professional help, can work just as well for dogs as they do for us, without any harmful side effects.

To give an example, one of my dogs has arthritis and has, over a period of some weeks, had acupuncture. This was suggested by our Vet who carries out the treatment himself, and whilst at first the progress was slow, the results have been amazing.

Before the treatment, George (my dog) would limp all the time and couldn’t jump onto, or off, anything. These days, he rarely limps – unless we’ve been for a really long walk or he’s been running around – and he’s jumping about like a puppy.

He only has acupuncture every couple of months now, as the majority of the time, he’s in great shape.

There are always alternatives to conventional drugs and I would certainly encourage more people to investigate these options.

Posted in Dog Health | Tagged Alternatives | Leave a comment

Blue Heeler Dog

Posted on April 11, 2012 by dogfanBrian

The Blue Heeler Dog, or Australian Cattle Dog, as it is also known, originates from Australia.

During the 19^th century, it was bred for endurance, toughness and its herding abilities of wild cattle in the extreme conditions in the bush

This dog stands approximately 19 inches high and weighs in at some 40lbs.

It gets the name Blue Heeler from the color of its coat which is blue, or mottled blue, and which sometimes incorporates other markings. One in eight of these dogs is a mottled red color, although the puppies have very little color until they grow.

Blue Heelers love play time and are great with families, but they need to be well-trained. They have a tendency to be wary of other dogs, so early obedience training and socialization is necessary, but this breed will not respond well to any harsh or heavy handed methods.

When correctly trained, these dogs are extremely obedient and very talented in skills such as herding, guarding, retrieving and overall agility. Strong, trustworthy and very courageous, this dog is a real all-rounder.

The coat of the Australian Cattle Dog is in two parts; the outer coat is straight, flat and close and the undercoat is dense and short. Weekly brushing with a firm bristle brush is recommended, and extra attention will be required when seasonally shedding.

Bathing should only be carried out when absolutely necessary using a mild dog shampoo.

The Blue Heeler Dog is not best suited to apartment or city life. Ideally, they should be in a rural environment with plenty of outdoor space to run and play. This dog has huge amounts of energy and will need, and enjoy, long walks and runs, to burn it off.

It is important is ensure that the sufficient exercise and stimulation is given, as without them, this breed of dog can become bored and destructive.

These dogs don’t bark a great deal, but are very protective of their owners and their territory, and as such, can make excellent guard dogs.

Cattle dogs do not have any significant health problems apart from those associated with the Merle gene. (You can find out more about Merle here). This gene tends to affect the dogs eyes and hearing.

Most cattle dogs will live for about 12 years, but one has been credited as the longest living dog ever at 29 years of age.

Blue Heeler dogs require a constant companion and need contact with people if they are to remain manageable, as they are bred to be working dogs as opposed to pets, so they really need to work, or at least be regularly stimulated through playing games, or agility workouts.

Posted in Dog Breeds | Tagged merle gene | 1 Comment

Aspirin for Dogs

Posted on March 31, 2012 by dogfanBrian

Should we give our dogs aspirin if they are in pain?

Well, unless it’s on the recommendation of a Vet, then no, definitely not.

Whilst it seems like a good idea if you know your dog is in pain to give him something immediately to help him feel more comfortable, aspirin can cause problems later on.

Some medicines that we may use are similar in many ways to medicine that has been produced specifically for dogs, but there are always subtle differences because the makeup of a dog is completely different to that of a human.

Aspirin for dogs – Don’t self diagnose

Over the years we have become accustomed to diagnosing ourselves for lots of day to day ailments, and aspirin has proved to be particularly effective for helping to soothe minor aches and pains.

However, don’t assume that an aspirin will do the same for your dog, and don’t be tempted to self diagnose your pet – instead, leave it to the professionals.

Dogs, as you may know, have a very sensitive and easily upset digestive system which is one very good reason why aspirin for dogs is not a good idea.

Puppies in particular have very sensitive tummies and aspirin should never be given to them under any circumstances.

However, you may find if your dog is suffering with arthritis (which is degenerative joint disease that attacks the cartilage which cushions the joints) that your vet will in fact prescribe aspirin as a short term fix for your dog, as it will reduce any swelling and help to relieve the pain.

A few reasons why aspirin for dogs is not really a good idea;

Short term use may cause gastrointestinal problems resulting in vomiting, loss of appetite and diarrhea. Long term use may cause serious problems like kidney or liver damage.

Aspirin if given to dogs without food may cause stomach ulcers. This is a long term risk even when given with food.

Aspirin should never be given to puppies as they lack the necessary enzymes needed to breakdown the aspirin, which can result in serious organ damage.

Aspirin is also not recommended for dogs that are pregnant as it may cause birth defects.

Also, if your dog suffers from any bleeding or clotting disorder, aspirin which is sometimes recommended to help thin the blood in humans, will only make the problem worse.

If necessary, your Vet is the only person who should prescribe aspirin for dogs. He will be able to calculate the correct dosage based on your dog’s weight, and other factors.

One of my dogs has arthritis and was limping all the time before he started getting regular acupuncture. This worked really well for him and after several weeks of treatment, he now only goes when he’s in need of a session.

If you have a problem with your dog there may be a similar solution for you without having to resort to aspirin.

Posted in Dog Health, Uncategorized | Tagged leave to the professionals | Leave a comment

Fish Oil for Dogs

Posted on March 26, 2012 by dogfanBrian

We are looking here at fish oil for dogs, and in particular the fatty acids known as Omega 3, which are a commonly used nutritional supplement.

Fish oil for dogs – check with your Vet

Before giving your dog any supplements, you should always consult your Vet as no two dogs are the same – whilst I use this type of supplement for my dogs, I only did so after getting professional advice.

Omega 3 fatty acids are used in the treatment of diseases which benefit from an anti-inflammatory. These fatty acids can prove a useful substitute for conventional medication – for example, corticosteroids – in the treatment of inflammation.

Omega 3 is derived from the oil of cold water fish such as Salmon, Trout and Menhaden fish.

Fish oil supplements may be helpful for your dog if he suffers from any type of inflammatory disease such as arthritis, allergies, kidney disease, heart disease and cancers.

Using fish oil supplements is normally very safe; the most common side effect seen in both people and pets is a fishy odor to the breath and skin, which can normally be rectified by lowering the dosage.

Fish oil does have a small blood thinning effect, so care should be taken if your dog is on any other medication for thinning the blood.

This fish oil for dogs and the fatty acids in Omega 3 are not ‘bad’ fat, so you need not be concerned if your dog is overweight. Although supplements do have a few calories, they are unlikely to adversely affect any diet or healthy eating regime.

Vets often recommend the use of Omega 3 in the form of fish oil to treat pets for anything from allergies to high cholesterol. Adding fish oil to your dog’s food provides anti-inflammatory properties to help relieve itching caused by dermatitis or allergy related skin conditions.

If you are going to give your dog fish oil as a supplement, always go for the best product you can afford as not all fish oil is derived from the same types of fish. For example, certain cheaper supplements may have been manufactured using fish from highly polluted regions and although regulations apply, there have been some sloppy processing cases in the past.

Fish oil for dogs – Dosage

Getting the right dosage of fish oil for your dog is reasonably straightforward. First off, you’ll need to know your dog’s weight, and then multiply that by 20 to get the daily dosage of fish oil in mg.

So if your dog weighs 5lbs you will multiply that by 20 which gives you the recommended daily dosage of 100mg.

I have produced a very basic table below to give you a better idea of how it all works if you need it.

Dog’s Weight Daily Dosage

5lbs 100mg

10lbs 200mg

15lbs 300mg

20lbs 400mg

And so on, just multiply your dogs weight in lbs by 20 and that’s it.

If you feed your dog dry food, it becomes more important to give him some kind of Omega 3 supplement, as it will help provide a healthier balance to his diet.

Fish oil for dogs is widely available, either at your local pet store or of course, online.

Image: tungphoto / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Posted in Dog Health | Tagged fatty acids | 1 Comment

Dog Skin Problems

Posted on March 13, 2012 by dogfanBrian

You can normally tell if your dog has a skin problem as it will probably cause him to scratch a lot.

Of course, all dogs scratch, and for many different reasons, but it only takes a minute to check what the problem is.

Dog skin problems are many and varied, but your dog’s skin and coat are good indicators as to your pet’s general health.

Many skin disorders are long lasting and persistent, requiring long term treatment.

Parasites, such as fleas and ticks, are the most common cause of skin and irritation problems for our dogs. However, due to constant scratching to relieve the irritation caused by these tiny pests, secondary problems can occur, often resulting in the dog’s loss of fur, and sore, broken skin in the affected area.

Fleas and ticks are well known to all dog owners and are reasonably easy to get rid of. However, mites require a slight different method of dispatch, made more difficult because they’re incredibly hard to see with the naked eye. There are two main types of mite that affect our dogs, and they can cause demodex or sarcoptic mange.

Mange is a skin irritation caused by these mites, resulting primarily in hair loss. Mites embed themselves in the hair follicles, or in the skin.

Demodex mange is caused by overpopulation of this particular mite. This mite occurs naturally in the hair follicles of most dogs and never causes a problem unless certain situations arise for it to do so. We are talking here about situations such as malnutrition, intense stress or a problem with your dog’s immune system.

Small patches of mange will often clear up themselves over time but in order to establish the full extent of your dogs condition, a visit to your Vet is important.

Sarcoptic mange is a highly contagious infestation of the sarcoptic or burrowing mite, which digs into the skin causing intense itching. This is very uncomfortable for your dog and hair loss – along with skin damage around the ears and elbows – is a sign of the infection.

Affected dogs need to be isolated from other dogs and their bed and any other areas they sleep should be thoroughly cleaned. This condition will not clear up on its own, so a visit to the Vet is called for.

Dog skin problems – Allergies

Allergies can be another common cause of dog skin problems. Just like humans, dogs can be allergic to pretty much anything.

The main causes of allergies in dogs are pollen, grass, dust or even their food, and can cause rashes, scratching, chewing of their paws and frequently rubbing their face.

If you notice these symptoms and you have recently changed your dog’s food or shampoo, then you can probably isolate the source of the allergy yourself and the problem will be solved. If not, you will need your Vet to perform an allergy test to determine what is causing the problem.

Many dogs, particularly those with very dense coats like the Collie or German Shepherd, can get what are known as ‘hotspots’. These can occur seemingly overnight and are often caused by an insect bite which is then made worse by the dog licking and scratching at the area. This can cause considerable damage to the dogs coat, and will need to be treated by thorough cleaning and the use of anti-inflammatory which your vet will prescribe.

Hormonal imbalances are another cause of dog skin problems. For example, high estrogen levels may cause your dog to lose hair along its tummy or flanks, and low estrogen levels (which may occur if a dog has been spayed) can cause the hair to become thinner.

There are many reasons for dog skin problems, but the majority are not serious and can be treated pretty easily. Rest assured your Vet will have seen most, if not all, of them before, so he should be your first port of call if you have any concerns.

Posted in Dog Health | Tagged skin irritation | 1 Comment

Dog Flu

Posted on March 4, 2012 by dogfanBrian

Did you know about Dog Flu?

I didn’t realize until recently that dogs could get flu, or indeed that there was a dog version of what many humans suffer every year.

Human flu is not thought to affect dogs, but the dog version known as H3N8 does, and is very contagious amongst dogs.

One thing you need to realize so you can be on the lookout at all times, is that dog flu is not seasonal, it is around all the time and is highly contagious.

Although humans are not affected by this virus, we are probably the biggest reason it spreads as much as it does because if we are with an infected dog, the virus can easily be transferred to our hands and clothes, which can then be passed to other dogs.

In all cases, dogs are at their most contagious well before they show any signs of the flu virus. This virus is spread like human flu by respiratory secretions, and will contaminate anything that is around, or used by the dog.

Food and water bowls are very high risks, so if you have more than one dog, keep their food and water separate. You will also need to keep your dogs separate too.

You can kill the virus by thoroughly washing and cleaning all surfaces with a strong disinfectant.

The symptoms of dog flu are respiratory so you will be looking for a dry cough, as well as nasal discharges, a low fever and sneezing.

Dogs with canine influenza are very often misdiagnosed as suffering with kennel cough.

So what should you do if your dog starts coughing or sneezing and you suspect dog flu?

First, keep your dog at home and away from other dogs and dog owners. If you were due to board your dog or have him groomed, you should cancel.

Ideally you should keep your dog isolated for two weeks to prevent the spread of the virus.

After being with an affected dog, always wash your hands, and if possible, change your clothes too, before associating with other dogs or you may pass the virus to them. It really is a very easily spread.

Disinfect all surfaces your dog has been in contact with, including the car.

If you suspect that your dog has dog flu, a visit to your Vet should be planned, but make him aware of the reason for the visit so that he can schedule you for a time when he knows other dogs won’t be there.

So is there a dog flu vaccine?

Yes there is a vaccine for dogs, although it may not completely prevent infection. However, vaccinated dogs are likely to develop a less severe case of dog flu and are less likely to spread it to other dogs.

You will need to speak to your Vet about this vaccine as some prefer to only administer it to dogs that he considers are high risk, ie; because they board a lot, or are show dogs or which spend long periods of time in the company of other dogs.

You should not be overly concerned about dog flu. Not all dogs will contract this virus; healthy dogs with a good diet may never get it, as their own immune system will be capable of fighting off any instance of dog flu.

Image: Grant Cochrane / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Posted in Dog Health | Tagged flu virus | Leave a comment

Antler Dog Chews

Posted on February 22, 2012 by dogfanBrian

If you favor natural products for your dog, you may like to take a look at antler dog chews – and in case you’re wondering, yes, they really are made from real antlers! Read on to find out more.

What Are Antler Dog Chews?

From the age of a year old, deer will grow a new pair of antlers every year.

They start off as layers of soft cartilage, and are pretty soft and prone to damage, until the late summer comes around when they completely mineralize into bone.

The antlers continue to grow all summer and through the autumn, until in the winter, they fall off. The next year, the antlers start to grow again, with each successive set of antlers growing a little bigger and more structured than the last.

Antler dog chews are hardened natural deer antlers which are composed of phosphorous, calcium and around 50% water. Only those which are shed by the animal, or obtained from deer or elk which have been hunted – according to strict regulations – are used for dog chews, although it should be stressed that the deer are not hunted purely for the procurement of antlers for this purpose.

Because they’re a naturally occurring product, antler dog chews are available in all shapes, sizes, textures and colors. They last much longer than rawhide chews or bully sticks, but are far less likely to splinter or chip as your dog chomps down on them. Similar to a bone, they contain a soft center which is extremely appealing to dogs, and which is the antler equivalent of marrow.

Are Antler Dog Chews Right for Your Dog?

Whilst most dogs will love to gnaw on antler dog chews – you may find that fussy dogs, or dogs that are getting on in years, are not so interested in them – they are probably best suited to younger dogs, or dogs who are crazy about chewing. Incredibly durable, they are long-lasting and will keep even the most determined of chewers happily occupied for long periods of time.

And you don’t have to worry about your dog making a mess in the house with his antler dog chews, as they don’t smell bad, and they won’t stain your soft furnishings, rugs or carpets. What they will do however, is help to keep your dog’s teeth clean and strong, keep him stimulated whilst he’s chewing, and keep him happy.

Are Antler Dog Chews Safe for Your Dog?

As with any chew, it’s recommended that you keep an eye on your dog whilst he’s munching on his antler dog chew – and pay him particular attention when you give him his first one. Whilst it’s unlikely that he’ll come to any harm, when the chew wears down to a piece small enough to become lodged in his throat and cause him to choke, you should take it away from him and replace it with a new one. Of course, this is no different to what you would do with any other chew.

However, providing you have purchased the correct size for your dog, an antler dog chews should last for some considerable time before you need to replace it.

What Should You Look For When You Buy Antler Dog Chews?

As antler becomes a more popular source of material for dog chews, a number of suppliers have surfaced who are selling antlers which can only be described as sub-standard products. Old and brittle, the antlers they supply are at risk of shattering and splintering, with the consequence being that they could cause a dog untold injury.

However, there is a company called Pet Expertise who sell only the best quality antlers, sourced from the best quality deer. When you buy from Pet Expertise, you can be safe in the knowledge that your antler dog chews have come from healthy, free-range animals, which have been free to roam without restrictions. They’ll even refund your money if it turns out that your dog isn’t a fan!

Antler dog chews are a great natural treat for any pooch, and it’s good to know that because they’re available in a range of sizes, you can make sure that you give your dog the most suitable antler dog chews for him.

Posted in Dog Food | Tagged marrow | Leave a comment

German Shepherd Training

Posted on February 14, 2012 by dogfanBrian

Start German Shepherd Training Early

If you are getting a German Shepherd puppy, you should know that from the moment you bring it home you will need to start training.

German Shepherd training needs to start early, as it is important to establish that you are the one in control.

The reason for this is that it is in the nature of all German Shepherds to try and take control, so by training from day one, and positive reinforcement that you are the ‘pack leader’, he will be in no doubt as to who is in charge and will follow your lead.

When your dog is young, he will want to play – of that there is no doubt – but you should structure the play so that there is learning taking place as well.

One of the methods of training that many professional trainers recommend is clicker training, as German Shepherd puppies and adults seem to respond well to this.

If you have never used a clicker, don’t worry as, although it may take a little time to get into your stride, they’re very easy to use.

You simply click the clicker to reinforce that your dog has taken correct action, before giving a treat as a reward for getting it right.

As with any dog, it is always best with all German Shepherd training, to master one command at a time – “sit” is a good place to start.

The reason for this is that your puppy will most likely be quite boisterous, so mastering this command will enable you to control him at any time. It’s also a good starting point for the next command you will teach him.

Most puppies have very short attention spans which they will grow out of, but which might cause you some frustration in the early days of training, so prepare yourself for the long haul as correct and effective training is quite time consuming.

German Shepherd training – Discipline

We all need to discipline our dogs from time to time, but you should never hit your dog.

Dogs have excellent hearing and are very intuitive. They can easily pick up on different tones in your voice, and will quickly recognize a firm, authoritative tone from your usual friendly one. If your dog is well trained, you should find that the change in your voice is enough for him to respond to without ever having to resort to physical discipline.

German Shepherds can be wary of other dogs outside of your home and their normal environment. If you have other dogs at home they should get on fine, but it’s a good idea to try and socialize your German Shepherd with other dogs – in a controlled situation – as much as possible. This will allow him the opportunity to become accustomed to being around unfamiliar dogs.

Incorrectly trained German Shepherds can grow to become very stubborn dogs, which can result in them being difficult to handle and intimidating.

Many of the adult dogs awaiting adoption at your local shelter are there because their owners have not been able to control them – not because the dogs were aggressive or anti-social by nature – simply because they weren’t trained properly.

With this in mind, please be aware that if you’re thinking of a German Shepherd as your next, or first, dog, you will need to devote a lot of time and patience to ensuring that they become well-trained.

If they are, they really can be the most amazing dogs to have around.

Posted in Obedience training | Tagged Dog Training | Leave a comment

Dogs – All You Need to Know