German shepherds are highly intelligent and loyal companions.They need care and training in order to live long and happy lives.German shepherds require regular health care and exercise in addition to being fed and housed properly.Your German shepherd can live a long and happy life with some effort and care.
Step 1: Make sure your dog is getting the right amount of food.
Since German shepherds are large, active dogs and are known to have hips that give out, it's important to make sure they have good nutrition throughout their lives.It's important to buy healthy food that isn't full of ingredients.It's important to make sure you're feeding a quality food that doesn't use corn.You can feed your dog dry or wet food.It's important to talk to your vet about what you need to include in your homemade German shepherd meals.The dog will get a balanced diet if this is done.Don't give your dog table scraps if it is begging for them.People food can affect the dog's interest in healthy food.
Step 2: Feed your dog food that is appropriate for his age.
Your dog will have different needs as it ages.Feed your dog a food that is designed for it's age, such as a puppy food when it is young, an adult food in the middle of its life, and senior food as it gets older.Special foods for large breeds or weight control food for overweight dogs are examples of specific formulas you may need to consider.Talk to your vet about what's best for your dog.Your vet may want to meet your dog's specific nutrition needs because they will understand your specific health issues.Don't change the food suddenly when you take your dog off puppy food.Gradually increase the new food and decrease the old food over the course of several weeks.
Step 3: Feed your dog the correct amount of food.
The suggested serving size is determined by the packaging of the food.This should be based on your dog's age and size.Talk to your vet about how much your dog should be eating.
Step 4: Divide food into smaller meals.
Divide your German shepherd's food into smaller meals.A life-threatening swelling of the abdomen is caused by bloat, which can be mitigated by giving smaller meals.When you feed your dog several times a day, they will need to relieve themselves after each meal.Don't exercise a German shepherd after they eat since it could increase their risk of being bloated.
Step 5: Treat your German shepherd well.
The snacks you give your German shepherd can have an impact on its health.A feeding toy that slows the dog's consumption of food is a low-cal treat that is satisfying for dogs.Control how many treats you give your dog by only giving 5 to 10% of his calories intact.
Step 6: You should have access to water at all times.
It's important for dogs to drink a lot of water to prevent dehydration.Put clean water in your dog's bowl every day and leave it there.Check the bowl throughout the day to make sure there is enough water.German shepherds should drink small amounts of water throughout the day, instead of drinking a large amount at one time.The dog doesn't get bloat if it is hydrated throughout the day.Your dog's health can be at risk from dehydration.There are signs that it might be dehydrated and needs more water.Give your dog water if you see these symptoms.
Step 7: Every year you should take your dog for a checkup.
When caring for a German shepherd, it's important to give it preventative health care.Many health problems can be avoided if you have it looked at by a vet every year.A general health assessment is one of the things your vet will do during an annual exam.It is very painful for your dog to move when their nails get long.If they are too long, the vet will clip them.All dogs must be wormed every month to prevent them from getting worms.First, your dog needs to be tested for worms, and then your vet can prescribe a medication to take monthly.If your dog has worms, your vet can give you a medication.Talk to your vet about which vaccines are necessary and what diseases they will protect against.
Step 8: Your dog should be neutered or spayed.
Keeping pet populations under control requires getting your German shepherd fixed.When is the best time to have your German shepherd neutered is up to you.Although waiting until the dog is 1 year old may increase the health of its joints, this surgery usually occurs between the ages of 6 months and 1 1/2 years old.Neutering or spaying your dog can help eliminate aggressive behavior in the future.
Step 9: If you have a possible medical problem, get it treated as soon as possible.
If your dog has a walking problem or is not eating as usual, you should take it to the vet.It's important to keep an eye out for physical and behavioral changes in this breed of dog because they can get joint problems when they get old.You should watch for changes in how your dog walks.If your dog has joint problems, such as hip dysplasia, it may need immediate medical treatment.
Step 10: The town of Bathe.
It is easy to care for a German shepherd's coat.They should be brushed at least once a week.If you feel they need it, you can bathe them.Do not bathe it more than a couple times a month as soap can disrupt their natural skin and fur oils.It is possible to bathe your dog at home.When your dog is active, you should bathe it more frequently.It will be protected from skin problems in the summer.
Step 11: Make sure your dog has enough room.
A large dog is a German shepherd.This breed needs a lot of space in their home and yard.They do better in a house with room for them to move around, as opposed to a small apartment or cramped space.German shepherds have access to a lot of space.Make your yard hazard-free by clearing it of obstructions.
Step 12: Exercise.
Without exercise, the German shepherd's muscles and energy will be locked up inside.You should spend an hour or two every day playing fetch, taking it for a long walk or run, or even chasing it around the yard.German shepherds who don't get enough exercise are more likely to get joint diseases, like hip and elbow dysplasia, as well as becoming destructive or depressed.Don't give them too much exercise at a young age.The joints and bones of a German shepherd are still developing, so don't take it jogging or running with you before it's 1 and a half years old.You need to make sure the yard is completely fenced off to keep a German shepherd outside.Take your dog to the local park if you don't have a big yard.You can use any other open spaces that are accessible from your home.
Step 13: Do not engage in strenuous activity after eating.
German shepherds are prone to bloat so it's important to keep them calm.Do not engage them in strenuous activity, such as running, after eating.It's perfectly fine to take them on a walk after you've eaten.
Step 14: Your dog should be kept cool.
German shepherds are vulnerable to hot weather.Provide your dog with plenty of water and shade if you live in a hot or tropical area.Don't demand too much physical activity on hot days.panting, extreme thirst, lack of coordination, and extremely red gums are some of the signs that your German shepherd is overheated.German shepherds have coats that insulate them well in cooler climates.
Step 15: Socialize with others.
German shepherds should be exposed to a lot of different dogs when they are young.They will be used to interacting peacefully with anyone they come into contact with.German shepherds can have aggression issues later in life if they are not socialized properly in puppyhood.If you plan on training your dog to be a guard dog, you still need to socialize your puppy.This lays the groundwork for a pleasant personality as well as being a competent guard dog.Giving your dog lots of physical contact from the time it's a puppy is part of proper socialization.When the puppy grows up, it won't mind having its nails clipped or its mouth checked because of regular touching and handling of the face and feet.
Step 16: A train.
German shepherds are smart and loyal dogs, which makes them great at learning commands and responding to training.It's important to train them in a positive way, using lots of praise, petting, and love.This will help you build a relationship with your dog.Just as you would your child, train your dog when he is young.Your training sessions can get longer as your dog gets older.
Step 17: Continue to teach your dog tricks.
A well-behaved German shepherd will be more impressive and easier to care for with continued training, but you and your dog will develop a bond if you take the time to train it.Your German shepherd will be happy to have you as a master as the bond gets stronger.German shepherds are great guide dogs.If your German shepherd is very smart and needs a lot of mental and physical exercise, consider training it for a specialized job.
Step 18: Give your dog the attention it deserves.
To build a lasting bond with your dog, it's important to give them physical affection and love, such as petting and cuddling them daily.Your dog will love you back if you are friendly and love them.To make a dog feel loved and lovable, you have to have expressions and gestures that show how much you love it.There needs to be genuine love shared between the two of you.Don't yell or beat your dog.If you catch your dog doing something wrong, never scold it.The dog will associate you with punishment and may lose trust in you.