Discover the top 10 commands your German Shepherd dogs should know. Our guide makes training simple, fostering communication and strengthening your bond.
Discover the ultimate guide to owning a German Shepherd for the first time. Get expert insights on choosing the right breed traits to training and care tips.
Want to find the best German Shepherd names? It's here! Meanings, famous, military, strong and unique...
German Shepherds are working dogs that originated in Germany. Although they were bred to herd sheep and protect the flock from predators, today they perform many jobs, including law enforcement, the military, bomb, and drug detection, search and rescue, and much more.Because German Shepherds are so smart and loyal, they are incredibly versatile. They are also very loving and make great family companions. They love nothing more than to be close to and please their humans.However, they are very active dogs that require lots of time, training, and attention. They’re not content to be couch potatoes. Rather, they thrive on action, and challenges, and need lots of mental and physical stimulation. Since they are so clever, they are rather strong-willed and seem to have their own opinions about things. When you share your life with one, it’s obvious what they enjoy and what they don’t, which they will usually make crystal clear.There are tons of articles about what German Shepherds love as opposed to what they don’t. So, in this article, we’re going to focus on what the breed tends to dislike giving you an idea of how they’d fit into your lifestyle. 1. Being Confined to Small SpacesGerman Shepherds need lots of space to run and play. They are not only very active, but they are also very athletic and need room to stretch their legs and get in some good running time, games of fetch, and room to move and burn off their energy.Since they are so smart and have a great protective instinct, they also enjoy spending time exploring their yard, patrolling their fence line, and watching over their property. They don’t do well when confined to one area, a small yard, or a small home. Unless you have a workable plan in place that can provide them with a daily outlet for their mental and physical energy, they need a large home and yard. But keep in mind, being stuck in a small home all day and a quick walk in the evening doesn’t meet most of these dogs’ needs. They require much more activity than the average active dog and many don’t enjoy the dog park. 2. Being BoredGerman Shepherds like to be busy both mentally and physically. Since they are working dogs, it’s in their DNA. They’re not content to just sit around the house with nothing to do but look at their toys.They are also extremely smart so they require an outlet for the brains and brawn. Since most households don’t provide them with a job, you’ll have to come up with other ways to burn off their excess energy and stimulate their mind or they will develop behavior problems and can become destructive.To keep German Shepherds from getting bored at home, you’ll need to provide them with plenty of daily exercise, training, playtime, and enrichment toys. Their work ethic doesn’t give them weekends off so be prepared to invest in their activities seven days a week beginning at sun up. 3. New Places and Strange PeopleGerman Shepherds are naturally aloof and leery of strangers. Most of them are not super friendly with people they don’t know. So, when you take them to new places filled with strangers, they are naturally on alert.German Shepherds must be socialized from puppyhood and exposed to many places, situations, and all types of people to help them feel comfortable in new environments. This is especially true if you plan to travel with your dog.Keeping up this level of socialization is a lifetime commitment when owning a German Shepherd. However, it is possible to raise a dog that is comfortable and safe to bring out in public but even then, most German Shepherds are not social butterflies and prefer to remain by the side of their family rather than have strangers approaching or touching them, unless they invite the attention. 4. Raised Voices and ConflictGerman Shepherds thrive on the consistency and the calm temperament of their owners. They don’t do well in a house with lots of fighting, raised voices, tension, or conflict. Since they are naturally protective, home environments like this make them tense and put them on high alert.They don’t enjoy being yelled at, either. They have exceptional hearing and don’t need a raised voice to hear better and it doesn’t increase their understanding. It causes them stress because they won’t understand where the anger is coming from and do want to please you. This stress can lead to confusion, fear, and even aggression, if they feel threatened.German Shepherds are very sensitive to their environment and can get distressed due to stress, frustration, anger, etc., which can trigger anxiety, fear, confusion, and aggression. It is best to keep a German Shepherd out of the mix if there are a lot of emotional upheavals or fighting in the home. 5. Being IgnoredGerman Shepherds make awesome companions and are very loving. They live to please and protect their owners and love spending time with them. They want to be part of the family and don’t like being separated or left out of the fun.They can get demanding when they want your attention, need exercise, or want to play. But they are also super fun and love to go anywhere and everywhere with their owners when they are properly socialized. 6. Being AloneGerman Shepherds get very bonded with their families and like to be with them. They don’t do well when left alone for long periods. This is due to many of their traits, including their need for companionship.But it’s also in part due to their high energy level. When they have nothing to keep them occupied, they will find other outlets for their energy, such as destructive chewing, barking, and digging. 7. InconsistencyGerman Shepherds have a mind like a vault. This means they don’t forget anything. They are also experts at reading body language. So, they have a great need for consistency in their training. For instance, if they are allowed on the bed one day and then not the next, it not only causes them confusion. Then they can get pushy and test your boundaries. It’s frustrating to them to receive mixed messages, it not only causes confusion, but it also sets them up for failure.Teaching them the rules, rewarding them for following them, and being consistent is the best way to reinforce their good behavior. It also establishes you as their leader and you will earn their respect while fostering mutual trust in each other. We hope you enjoyed this article about what German Shepherds hate. What would you add to the list? Let us know in your comments on Facebook. As always, please feel free to share with your friends. You might also like: 15 Fun Games To Play With Your Dog
This guide is on how to provide German Shepherd puppy care from the first days through its lifetime. You will learn how to raise, train, and treat it properly.
Find out How Long Do German Shepherds Live and some proven and simple tips to extend their lifespan beyond.
In this article, get your comprehensive list of the foods German Shepherds cannot eat so you know what foods to keep safely out of your dog's reach.
German shepherds are noble associates and family protectors if provided with proper training and accustomed to socialization. They are perfect for an active household environment. German Shepherd is friendly, playful, aloof, and anxious. They are known as good hiking companions, cold weather tolerant, apartment-friendly, and easy to train. They are considered as of the smartest dog […]
German shepherds are gorgeous and adorable. They are also intelligent and have their own unique personality traits. Some of their behaviors can be entertaining, some dogs seem to have a sense of humor, and sometimes their actions can even be frustrating, especially when they don’t get enough exercise. Many of their behaviors develop due to how they are raised, their training or lack thereof, the environment they live in, other dogs in the house, and their breeding. However, some dog behaviors are more innate and instinctual, such as these:1. Head tiltSome experts believe dogs tilt their heads to get a better visual but when it comes to German shepherds, their head tilt appears to happen when they’re listening. According to Jill Goldman, Ph.D., she believes that when dogs tilt their head, it may involve them listening to frequencies and inflections in our voice or other sounds, and that the dog is trying to locate and gather information. 2. Leading the wayGerman shepherds are working dogs bred to herd and guard sheep. It is natural for them to be out in front to lead and protect the flock, or you, their owner. When they walk in front of you, they are doing their job and staying between you and any threats that may come along.3. Intense staringIf you’ve ever seen your German shepherd lock onto something with their eyes, you know how intense they can stare. If you see your dog staring with intense focus, it’s time to stop and pay attention to what they’re staring at whether it be a person, animal, or object. The stare can signal that the dog is ready to bolt toward something, bite, or that they are in guarding mode. This intense stare may be the only warning they give before taking action.4. Softly gazing at youWhen your German shepherd gazes at you, they are reading your body language, watching you for clues, and communicating how much they love you. They may be waiting to see what you’re going to do next or where you’re going but their soft gaze is a gesture of adoration and their desire to be close to you.5. SquintingWhen your German shepherd squints at people or other animals they are sending a message that they’re not a threat. It can mean they are desiring attention yet at the same time, are relaxed and not going to do anything.6. Showing the whites of their eyesIf you see your dog’s eyes open wide with the white crescent showing, that is called whale eyes. Dogs can open their eyes wide like this when they are nervous, stressed, or anxious. If you see your dog looking at someone or something with whale eyes, it means they are highly uncomfortable and you should intervene in the situation.7. Yawning when they’re not tiredYour German shepherd may yawn when they’re sleepy but if they are suddenly yawning out of context, it can mean they are nervous, anxious, or uncomfortable. Next time you take your dog to a new place, to meet new people, or to the vet, notice if they begin yawning. If they do, you’ll soon learn to recognize that this behavior indicates they are a little stressed by something.8. Butt scootingIf your German shepherd starts scooting their butt along the ground it could mean they have full anal glands, an infection, an itch, irritation, worms, or that want to wipe their butt. It could also indicate pain, such as with an anal fistula so it’s probably a good idea to check their butt out if it’s not normal behavior.9. Spinning before going poopIf your dog is picky about its spot then spins before going poop, you can look to science for the reason. Apparently, dogs use the magnetic field of the earth to determine where they go. According to the study published in the Journal Frontiers in Zoology, dogs prefer to poop in a north-south axis. The study examined 37 dog breeds, 5582 urinations, and 1893 defecations before coming to this conclusion. 10. Comforting youIf your German shepherd comes over for a snuggle or offers you comfort when you’re upset, they are showing you empathy. They are experts at reading body language and moods and are known to be very in tune with their owner’s feelings.11. Sleeping on your clothesGerman shepherds are fondly called Velcro dogs for a reason. They love being close to their owners. When they can’t be close to you, if they can find your laundry or bedding, they will often lay on it until they can have the real thing, you. 12. Following you to the bathroomGerman shepherds like to follow their owners everywhere, including the bathroom. It’s their way of being close to you but they are also doing their job of watching out for you or guarding you. Notice if you close the door, you’ll often find them nearby, keeping an eye out until you are done.13. Twitching when they sleepGerman shepherds can dream when they reach REM sleep, much like humans. When they begin to twitch or move their paws in their sleep, they are probably dreaming. Wouldn’t it be interesting to know what they dream about?14. Licking youGerman shepherds are very loving and often give their owners kisses. It can also be their way of grooming you or licking salt or lotion off your skin. Some biologist believes this licking behavior is an instinct left over from wolves, whose young will lick them to cause them to vomit up a meal for the pups to eat.15. Curling up in a circle when they sleepIf your German shepherd sleeps in a donut shape also known as the fuzzy bagel, they might be cold and trying to keep their vital organs warm. They also may instinctively be protecting those same organs from predators, while they sleep.16. Destroying furniture or their crateWhen German shepherds don’t get enough exercise or interaction with their family, they can easily become anxious, frustrated, lonely, and bored. These dogs also are prone to separation anxiety and their destruction of furniture or their crate can be a sign that they need more from their owner and their needs are not being met.17. Bringing you giftsIf your dog brings you a toy or bone, they are giving you a gift. It’s their way of showering you with attention and love or telling you they’d like to play with you.18. HowlingWhen a dog howls, they are communicating or responding to a sound. They can also be trying to attract your attention because something is amiss or they need help. They may also howl when they hear a siren because siren sounds are on the same frequency.19. Sitting on your feetWhen your German shepherd sits on your feet they may be just trying to be close to you. However, they might also be sending a signal to other people and dogs that says, this human is mine, go get your own.20. Licking lips or flicking tongueIf your German shepherd starts licking their lips or flicking their tongue for no apparent reason, you need to pay attention. This is a nervous behavior that is saying, back off, I’m uncomfortable, I’m confused, I’m worried, or I’m feeling very anxious about a situation. 21. Sighs and huffsGerman shepherds are super smart and great at communicating. Just like people, they will sigh and huff when they’re tired, getting impatient, or are tired of waiting on you. It’s their way of saying, enough already.22. Rolling in the grassHave you caught your German shepherd rolling in the grass after a nice bath? No worries, it’s just their way of trying to replace all the pleasantness you put on their fur with the earthy stink you just washed off. The grass may also be scathing an itch and when the ground is warm, it feels good.23. Hunched overGerman shepherds are confident, bold dogs and not usually found hunched over. If you suddenly find your shepherd is hunched over, it could mean that they are trying to make themselves appear smaller, are feeling shy, are scared, or are feeling abused. However, it can also mean they are in pain so you’ll want to observe your dog for signs. 24. Eating poopIf your German shepherd eats poop, it may mean they need something in their diet. Dogs don’t eat poop because it tastes good so they may be craving undigested food in the poop, bacteria, or enzymes. It can also be behavioral. Some dogs that have been punished for pooping in the wrong place may associate pooing as something bad and they’ll eat their poop to hide it. Dogs that live in squalor are also more likely to eat poop. We hope you’ve found some of these entertaining or interesting. Please pass them along to your German shepherd loving friends. You may also like: 10 Dog Behavior Myths Debunked
Getting a German Shepherd dog or puppy to calm down starts with understanding the temperament of the breed. These are working dogs with limitless energy levels.
German Shepherds are great dogs, but have some traits that can present challenges for new dog owners. We go over what you should know before getting one.
How often should you bathe a German Shepherd? These dogs only require bathing a few times per year. The rest of the time, proper grooming can keep them clean!
One of the best ways to keep your German Shepherd stimulated is to incorporate the addition of “jobs”, fun tricks, and games into their daily routine.
Should I Brush My German Shepherd Daily? - Yes, brushing your GSD daily can be beneficial, especially during heavy shedding seasons.
Master German Shepherd training with our guide. Learn 42 essential commands in 9 languages, training techniques, and why training matters. Free PDF included.
Socialization is a key component to raising a puppy into a well established adult. Without it, the stresses of every day, modern, normal life is alien and disconcerting to our dogs. But most people get socialization wrong. Sometimes even to the point that they do more damage than reap the positive benefits of socializing their puppy. What is the right way, and how can we avoid making mistakes that set us back? Let's discuss it.The old school idea of socialization was to put a puppy on a leash and walk around, meeting and greeting new people, dogs, and seeing new places, sights and smells. If that all went perfectly, you had a dog that was comfortable in its environment. But there were drawbacks. The main drawback, even if everything went well, was that you now have a dog that is very excited every time it saw someone or another dog. Pulling issues could be created. Obnoxious dogs that rush up to strangers, including strangers who aren't dog people, don't want to be bothered, or are scared of an excited, out of control dog. Dogs who rush up excitedly to strange dogs who are less socialized, or who are serious dogs who don't play, thus starting a fight. The modern and better way of socializing is the idea that you want a puppy to get comfortable with people, places and things in the environment and to think of them as background noise. Something to ignore vs something to fixate on. We want our dogs to focus on us and look to us for guidance, leadership and direction instead of looking to people for free reward and looking for stranger's dogs for a fun play session (that as mentioned, can end badly). We want every moment of socialization to be positive. For that to happen, we have to control the situation and show our puppy that we control its life and routine. To do that, we start immediately with the 2 tools that allow us to do that: a leash and a crate. We also teach the puppy that we're the source of fun and attention, not other people, and not other dogs. We do this by giving treats and attention in the beginning stages of training when we train the mark. We do that by marking behaviors without any commands and rewarding with a treat. This is basically just teaching a puppy that a click from the clicker or a verbal
A complete guide to the German Shepherd dog breed. Looking at temperament, exercise and training, life span and care. Could this be the perfect dog for you?
German Shepherds are a popular breed of dog that many adore and even more want to adopt. When you have a German Shepherd or plan on getting a German Shepherd, these 19 must know facts have been compiled for you.
Plan your next road trip with your German Shepherd confidently. Our guide covers safety tips, comfort measures, and travel essentials for a smooth journey.
You found the perfect breeder, you've just taken home the perfect puppy, now what? The transition period can be a little intimidating once you get over the cuteness overload and realize that your new puppy has no training whatsoever and it's up to you how things will progress from there. We'll try to make it easier for you with this short list of things to do the first 2 weeks after bringing your new puppy home. 1: Keep it mellow. Your puppy is in a brand new place and it's their first time being away from their mom and siblings. I know you want to bring the puppy with you everywhere, play all day and show him or her off to all of your friends and family. But take it slow at first so that your new puppy can get settled and relax. Hang out at home. Become a professional treat dispenser. And begin the foundation of building your bond with your pup. 2: Introduce your dog to its crate. Crate training is the best way to house train. Introduce your puppy to the crate early on by making it a positive experience. Toss a high value treat inside and let them explore and go inside on their own volition. Place a chew toy that can hold treats into the crate and close the door. Make sure the puppy sees you do this. When the puppy tries to paw and get inside the crate, open the door and let them in. When they start chewing on the toy, close the door for a few seconds before opening. And remember to reward your puppy when it's playing quietly inside the crate and to ignore any whining. Also remember the rules of potty training using the crate. If the pup just ate or drank, let them outside. If the pup is coming out of the crate for any extended time, let them outside. If your pup is so much as sniffing the ground a little too much, you guessed it, let them outside. The fewer accidents inside the house, the less likely it is for the puppy to get into the habit of going inside the house. 3: Start training now. 8 weeks old is prime time for training. Start immediately with potty training and socialization. Puppies aren't fully protected until their final vaccination at 16-17 weeks, so openly socializing in public isn't the best idea. But you can have friends and family come over to meet your puppy, as well as their fully vaccinated, well behaved dogs and puppies. You can also begin the foundation of basic obedience commands. 2 weeks doesn't sound like much, but with consistent training, most 10 week old pups will have a basic understanding of basic commands. All that's necessary later on is getting consistency and working around distractions. Unless of course you want to compete in obedience or a sport that requires obedience. Competition makes things a little more complicated than that. 4: Establish a routine. This step is often overlooked and it's arguably the most important step for a new puppy. Puppies love a routine. It's comforting knowing what's going to happen. Wake up in the morning, outside to potty. A little training with treats, breakfast, outside to potty again. A little play time etc. If you have to go to work, make sure you have a friend, relative, dog walker or dog sitter to let the puppy outside if you can't make it home during your break to let the puppy use the potty. They have a tiny bladder and can't hold it for a full workday. When you have a routine that works, things will go smoothly. If you stray from that routine or never establish one, you'll have more accidents, a confused puppy, and quite possibly a headache. Consistency is key, and make sure you throw in several short training sessions. 5-10 minutes per session is plenty. 5: Get your dog license. Most places require these. It may sound silly that you're probably legally required to get a license for your dog, but ... actually, it is pretty silly. But rules are rules. Better safe than fined! 6: Find a good vet or two. A vet who has fair prices for your area, yet is also professional and competent is a must. You will see your vet often enough that they will eventually know your name without having to check the paperwork. So your best bet is to find a good one! Routine checkups, vaccinations, and minor or even major health issues will happen. So build a relationship with a local vet as soon as possible. Also, if you have a German Shepherd or any other large breed and ever intend to breed, you should try to find either an orthopedic vet or a vet who is experienced in taking and sending in hip and elbow x-rays to the OFA to be graded. This may not be your primary veterinarian, but it's good to plan ahead. Even if you don't intend to breed, most breeders state in their contract that they will cover hips and elbows, but only if you get preliminary x-rays or have x-rays graded within a certain amount of time (usually 2 years). As a bonus, taking hip and elbow x-rays at 2 years old can help extend the quality of life for your dog if they do end up having dysplasia. You'll know to dial down exercise that is hard on the joints, and that can mean the difference between a dog with pain at 5, and a dog who lives its whole life without pain. It'll also give you a head start on a medication and treatment plan. There are dogs with moderate hip dysplasia that live a very comfortable, long life without the need for surgery thanks to their owner taking that extra step of getting x-rays done. The advanced notice gives their owner a head start on supplements and getting into therapy programs, like swimming, to strengthen the muscle around the joint before they're ever in pain. So this may not be a necessary step if you don't care about your breeder's guarantee, but it can help ease your mind or give you a heads up before a problem even surfaces. Your puppy’s first two weeks home will be a period of huge adjustment for both of you. But it'll be much less stressful if you have a plan in advance and stick with these 6 tips. If you have any other tips or tricks, leave them down in the comments below and be sure to leave a like and share! You may also like: What To Do Before Bringing Home A German Shepherd Puppy
German shepherd dog behavior problems
If you want to learn how to reduce the dead hair of your German Shepherd in your house, yard, or clothes, then you’re in the right place! A shedding season can be stressful, especially when you have a German Shepherd as a dog. They’re one of the best dogs. They’re smart, loyal, and very protective, but when it’s shed
Dog food for German Shepherd includes proper nutrient for their high energy and powerful brain development. The best products are listed here
German Shepherd Puppy are good at everything: let’s learn everything you need to know about German Shepherds from raising a puppy to their diet, grooming, training, life, and health.
Keeping your dog’s teeth and gums healthy is one of the most important things you can do for their overall health. Sadly, many dogs will have some form of periodontal disease by the time they reach three years old. This disease not only causes bad breath, it can also lead to kidney, liver, and heart problems. The early signs of periodontal disease include: Bad breath Red inflammation along the gum lines Plaque and tarter build up The symptoms of more advanced periodontal disease include: Reluctance to eat, chew, or play Chewing on one side Reluctance to be pet on the head Red, bleeding gums Bloody saliva Loose teeth Broken teeth Jaw fracture Lumps in the mouth Receding gums Infections, sores, abbesses Illness There are some things you can do to help prevent periodontal disease in dogs, such as having your vet perform a dental exam at least once a year during your regular annual physical so that early problems can be detected right away. You can also provide your dog with high quality dental chews that contain teeth cleaning ingredients to help remove plaque, such as OroVet Dental Hygiene Chews, high quality dental chews, durable chew toys with grooves, and dental care water additives. The American Veterinary Medical Association also recommends regularly brushing your dog’s teeth. In fact, by regularly brushing your dog’s teeth, you can help prevent your pet from ever developing periodontal disease or needing an expensive professional cleaning. “Regularly brushing your pet’s teeth is the single most effective thing you can do to keep their teeth healthy between dental cleanings, and may reduce the frequency or even eliminate the need for periodic dental cleaning by your veterinarian,” AVMA. How to Brush your Dogs Teeth The first step to brushing your dog’s teeth is to purchase pet toothpaste and a soft finger toothbrush or soft bristled toothbrush from your pet store or vet. Never use human toothpaste for your dog as the high foam can upset their stomach flora and cause nausea. Next, slowly introduce the new toothbrush and paste to your pet over a week. You may want to purchase a few flavors of paste to see which one they prefer. The most popular flavors are mint, chicken, and beef. You won’t brush your dog’s teeth during this introduction time. Rather, you’ll just let them sniff the new brush and allow them to taste the toothpaste. Offer praise and treats to make the experience as fun as possible. After your dog is familiar with the brush and paste, put some toothpaste on the brush and let your pet lick it off. At this stage, you’re just allowing them to get used to the texture of the brush and familiar with what will become their new routine. You can also use your finger to rub the toothpaste onto their teeth and gums with your finger. Give them lots of praise and treats to make it a fun game. Once your dog has accepted the toothbrush, you’ll be ready to brush your dog’s teeth for the first time. Start by brushing for about 15 seconds focusing on the back teeth and gums. Hold up your dog’s lips as you brush. As your dog gets used to it, increase the time up to about 30 seconds. Move quickly and praise often. By making tooth brushing routine, you can help prevent painful dental disease, as well as other chronic health problems. Plus, you’ll save a lot of money on dental cleanings and make them much less invasive and easier should your dog ever need a professional one. Please share these helpful tips with your family and friends.
Learn how to properly train a German shepherd puppy all the way to adulthood! Don't miss out on these essential German shepherd training tips!
Find out if German Shepherds need a lot of attention with expert tips on providing mental stimulation and exercise for this active breed. Ensure your Shepherd thrives with the right care.
Are German Shepherds Dangerous? Learn the truth about their temperament and aggression, and how to prevent potential risks. Read now!
German shepherds are very beautiful dogs that are also very expressive. One behavior that is adorable to watch them do is a head tilt. It’ truly one of the cutest things they do and we bet you find them as irresistible to watch as we do. Many German shepherds start tilting their head as a young puppy. Even before their fuzzy ears are up, they will rock their little heads back and forth in the most amusing way. As their ears grow, their head tilts just keep getting more adorable. IG|ranger_ray_gsd As grown dogs, their head tilts are still super entertaining but they become even more expressive. As they tilt their head, they will often sport many different facial expressions that makes them look as though they are thinking hard or asking a question. As a German shepherd owner, you may have learned some of the things that will trigger your shepherd to tilt their head and be able to anticipate when the tilt is coming. You might even be able to trigger them to do it for you. Often a certain sound, such as a particular voice you speak in, a noise, or even when they are concentrating on something will cause them to tilt their head. IG|theo_the.gsd These head tilts make great photo opportunities that are perfect for sharing on Instagram but they are also much more. Have you ever wondered why German shepherds tilt their head more than some other breeds? It is believed that German shepherds tilt their head to capture and decipher more sound. If you’ve spent any time around dogs, you know they have outstanding hearing capabilities and can hear much better than people in many ways. They Tilt Their Head to Pin Point Sound German shepherds were built for hearing and their ears are in the perfect upright position to maximize the reception of sound. When they hear something interesting or that they can’t decipher, they will tilt their head to capture the sound to pin point what it is and where it is coming from. As herding and working dogs, it’s important to them to know what is going on around them and be able to protect and alert the flock. It’s in their nature to be alert and aware of the sounds and situations that are taking place around them. IG|ragnar.rollo.gsds To give you an idea how a German shepherd hears sound, according to Stanley Coren, Ph.D in the book, How Dogs Think, “The truth of the matter is that, for some sounds, a dog’s hearing is really hundreds of times better than ours, whereas for other sounds, dogs and humans have sound sensitivities that are very much the same.” It’s common for people to rely on German shepherds to alert and protect them from the things they can’t hear at all or can’t hear very well. For example, dogs can easily distinguish the sounds that are approaching their home long before their owner has any idea that they’re there. IG|penny.and.archie.the.gsds What Sounds Can They Hear? They can hear some things better because they can hear some sounds that human can’t. Sounds as high as 47,000 to 65,000 Hertz are too high-pitched for people, who can’t hear higher than 20,000 Hertz. Dogs can also detect softer sounds than people can. The loudness or intensity of a sound is measured in decibels and some sounds too quiet for people to hear. Those sounds are given a negative decibel rating. According to Stanley Coren, “dogs can hear sounds between -5 dB and -15 dB on average,” which are not loud enough for human ears but no trouble for them at all. IG|lex.thegoodboy This explains why sometimes a German shepherd will tilt their head for no apparent reason. But they will also tilt their head at sounds people can hear, too. This is because when dogs hear a sound, they will move their ears to capture the noise, which is also something people can’t do. At times, German shepherds may also tilt their head for reasons other than capturing sound. Often, they will tilt if they have a medical problem, such as a stroke, ear infection, or dirt or debris in their ear. So, if you see them tiling their head at odd times or walking with their head tilted, you should check with your vet. Some owners believe that German shepherds will also tilt their head for other reasons other than capturing sound. These may include: Paying attention to their owner Looking past their muzzle When they are trying to decipher meaning Trying to communicate IG|hello.its.bruno The next time your German shepherd tilts its head, you know that it’s most likely capturing a sound and trying to decipher what it means and where it’s coming from and looking totally adorable and amusing while doing it. We hope you enjoy this article, please feel free to pass it along to your friends. You may also like: 17 Adorable Photos Of German Shepherds Showing Off Their
Ultimate Guide: In this article, you will find some excellent tips for a straightforward process of training German Shepherds. Read More!
How often should you bathe a German Shepherd? These dogs only require bathing a few times per year. The rest of the time, proper grooming can keep them clean!
German Shepherd with allergies should avoid irritants altogether. Understanding how your dog reacts to certain allergens is the first step.
When Do German Shepherd Ears Stand Up? Find the exact timeline of German Shepherd ear development and learn when and why their ears stand up.
This guide is on how to provide German Shepherd puppy care from the first days through its lifetime. You will learn how to raise, train, and treat it properly.
Teaching your German shepherd essential commands is important to their safety and well-being. Along with a healthy diet, exercise, socialization, and routine veterinary care, it’s one of the most important aspects of dog ownership.A dog that is well trained is a pleasure to live with and also safer in your home and while out in the community. Along with helping your dog be more manageable, and teaching them how to behave in all environments, dog training is also fun and provides hours of mental stimulation for intelligent dogs, like German shepherds.How many commands you teach your German shepherd is up to you but most of them can easily learn all 29 on this list: 1. SitTeaching your dog to sit on command is useful throughout their life. It’s a go to command that dogs need to learn and practice in all environments. Teaching your dog to sit is also very helpful when trying to calm an excited dog or when meeting new people.2. Watch meTeaching the watch me command is useful in getting your dog’s attention. By teaching them the watch me command, you’ll be able to get their attention in an emergency or when there are lots of distractions. It’s also useful to use before giving another command or when teaching your dog hand signals. 3. ComeTeaching the come or recall command is a very basic, potentially lifesaving, must do. All dogs need to learn that the word come means that they stop what they are doing and come back to you. Before taking your dog off leash, or into areas with lots of distractions, they should master the come command. It’s also very useful should your dog escape their leash, jump out of the car, or accidently get out of the house or yard.4. WaitWait is a useful command to teach because it teaches your dog to pause and wait for directions and get permission from you. Use wait before walking out the door, getting in or out of the car, greeting guests, at mealtimes, the list is endless.5. StayTeaching a dog to stay is one of the most important commands they can learn. This command should be reinforced throughout their lifetime, in case you ever need it in an emergency. Dogs should also learn to be released from all commands and this will help reinforce that when practicing their training. 6. Break or releaseThis command is used to release your dog from their sit, stay, down, or other commands.7. DownTeaching the down or belly on the floor command is another go-to and should be started in puppyhood. This command is very useful in many situations but one important place is at the vet, during an exam or nail trimming. The down command is also great for getting control over an overly stimulated dog. 8. StandUse this command when you want your dog to stand up on all four paws from a down or a sit. This command is helpful when you want your dog to hold still to be handled, groomed, or for an exam at the vet.9. OffThe off command is used to teach a dog to remove their paws off something, such as a person or furniture. It is important to be consistent when teaching this command so that the dog doesn’t get confused about what is and is not okay to jump on. 10. NoJust like kids, dogs need to be taught that no means no for their own safety and your sanity. No can be used to stop your dog from doing something you don’t want them to do like chewing furniture, puppy biting, sniffing something you don’t want them to sniff, or to stop them from picking something up to eat it. No is used to stop them from taking unwanted action.11. Leave itSimilar and often interchanged with no, the leave it command is used to teach your dog to leave something alone. Dogs should learn that they should not pick something up off the ground and eat it or stick their nose somewhere they shouldn’t by using this important command. 12. Take itThis command is used to teach your dog when it’s okay to take something. Taught in conjunction with the leave it command, the command helps teach impulse control and also teaches them to look to you for permission to take something.13. Drop itNext comes the drop it command. In case your dog doesn’t leave it, they need to learn to drop it. By teaching your dog to drop something, you will help protect their health and your valuables. 14. HeelTeaching your dog to heel, or properly walk on a leash, is a vital command for all German shepherds to learn. Your dog should learn that it’s never okay to drag you down the street and lunge and pull at the end of their leash. They need to learn how to walk anywhere politely.15. LeashAlong with heel, it’s helpful to teach your dog the word leash. Leash means, let’s pause and calmly untangle you from your leash.16. HereHere means come and stand in front of me or at my side. This is a great obedience command to use to begin an off-leash heel, when putting on a leash, or to get your dog next to you.17. Take care of businessYou can use whatever command you choose for going outside to take care of business (go pee and pooh), just be consistent with the word you choose. 18. PlaceTeaching your dog to place, or go to a designated place in the house such as their bed, is very important and a lifesaver when you need them out of the way so that you can easily get them out of the kitchen, away from a mess, to calm them down, or remove them from a situation.19. Load up or carTeaching your dog when it’s time to load up or get in the car is a great way to set the expectation that you’re going somewhere together. It is also useful in teaching them how you want them to get physically get into the car. 20. Back upTeaching your dog to back up is fun and also helpful when you need them to move out of the way by backing up. 21. StopTeaching your dog to stop teaches them to immediately stop what they are doing and stand still. This is a great command to improve impulse control but is also useful in many situations, including emergencies and when playing games.22. Yes or good dogTeaching this command lets your dog know that they’ve done something right.23. Kennel upIf your dog is crate trained, use this command to send them to their crate.24. Roll overRoll over can be used for more than a cute trick. It can be useful when grooming, looking your dog over, or at the vet.25. Go eatBy giving your dog permission to go eat, you help prevent them from going after their food before the bowl is on the floor, and they also learn to wait for permission to eat so it helps improve impulse control. 26. Go inTeaching your dog that go in means it’s time to go in from outside or enter a room is helpful and fun. It communicates exactly what you expect from your dog and is especially handy when traveling or staying at new places.27. Go outTeaching the opposite, go out from a room is also great for setting expectations and communicating exactly what you want your dog to do.28. QuietTeaching the quiet command teaches your dog that they need to be quiet and stop barking. This command is great for many reasons but especially when traveling or when they are barking and you need them to hush. 29. SpeakThe opposite of quiet, teaching your dog to speak actually reinforces the quiet command because the dog learns both. Teaching your dog to bark on command is fun and also can be useful, for example if you want to warn someone that a dog is nearby. You may also like: How To Train Your Dog With A Clicker
With so many crates on the market today, this guide will help break down some of the top picks for German Shepherd crates in three different categories.
When leaving your German Shepherd dog home alone while you're at work, find ways to keep them happy and busy & discover creative ways you can interact remotely!
