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Caring For German Shepherd Dog
By peace | May 4, 2006
The basic necessities of a German Shepherd Dog are: a brush, toothbrush, large dish for drinking water, and a proper diet to maintain coat, bones and teeth and overall health. Other required items include a collar, leash, a crate for sleeping quarters (and two blankets: one for sleeping and one to cover the crate so that it feels more like a den for the German Shepherd Dog)
A fenced in yard would be the most desirable, if at all possible, or at the very least to take very long walks as German Shepherd Dogs require plenty of exercise. Long walks also help to relieve stress and to help calm your German Shepherd Dog. As well as maintain good emotional health. In consideration of others, it is suggested that when you take your pet for a walk, that you carry a disposable bag in order to dispose of the waste that your dog may excrete while outdoors.
Since pets are considered ‘a member of the family’ it is important to maintain proper health and diets for your pet. These would include proper grooming, regular baths and routine visits to the veterinarian. It is important to know the dos and don’ts for your pet.
Such as:
- The German Shepherd dog must not be overbathed as the Dog’s natural oils keep the dog looking healthy and nice.
- Proper diet should be maintained as German Shepherd Dogs are proned to develop hip displacia. It is essential that owners of German Shepherd Dogs consult with the breeder and veterinarian in order to determine what the proper diet would be for the pet.
- Although some breeders and vets would have different views on what types of food to feed the German Shepherd Dog, they will act as excellent resources in helping you making decisions on what your dog requires.
- Also, regular exercise should be a must for the German Shepherd pet. Therefore, time and dedication become factors for those considering a pet, as a considerable amount of time will be needed to invest in the German Shepherd Dog.
- Another factor that must be considered when deciding on purchasing a German Shepherd Dog is the ‘socialization’ aspect of the pet. The German Shepherd Dog must meet several people and other pets early in his life for proper socialization: this helps to prevent unwanted biting and aggressive behaviours.
Coat and Groom Tips
- Regular brushing and combing twice a week is essential in order to managed the double coat of German Shepherds. Remove the wooly hair shed from the dense undercoat, and not only the outer coarse guard coat which protects the undercoat. The density of the hair coat can be misleading to novice groomers or owners of this breed; it is somewhat dense. This breed sheds year round.
- Shedding blades can be very helpful during the German Shepherd shedding season, but you should be trained in the proper use of this tool before attempting its use. Metal rakes are also useful to remove matted undercoat usually in the neck, chest and thigh areas.
- Using modern high velocity dryers to blow off excess water after the bath saves a tremendous amount of drying time. Slicker brushes are ideal on this breed for the hand fluff dry process, and you should brush in the direction of the hair growth. You can expect even more loose hair to remove after the bath, and finish with a final comb out.
- Don’t forget to scissor any long hairs under the feet even with the pads, and trim any other stray hairs around the feet. It is not common on this breed.
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