A German shepherd is a great dog! They are loyal, strong, protective and reliable working dogs. But before bringing home your German shepherd puppy, it is a positive idea to gather as much information ensuring you are knowledgeable about your new addition. Here are some basic background facts about this breed.
Senses are Keen
These dogs have sharp senses, and there are ways to enhance their development. For instance, these dogs have a strong sense of smell. So when you take your dog for runs allow your dog to roam around and sniff the environment. It is a joy for your dog to embark in this experience. Therefore, encourage it. It is what your dog naturally likes to do.
In addition, these dogs are very intelligent, which makes training easy. And Florida dog obedience training courses assist in showing you how you to contribute towards your dog’s progress through training. For example, if you play fetch with your dog, it provides the dog with a skill that improves obedience. For when your dog plays with you, he/she has to be obedient to you through positive reinforcement. This carries all the way through your dog’s life making certain that your dog is well behaved, as he/she gets older.
To find out more information about German shepherd breeds, talk to a k9 obedience instructor or enroll in a puppy class today.
Dogs need exercise, and one way for your dog to attain this goal is through swimming, but you need to take the proper steps to show your dog how to swim. You do not want the introduction to water to be a tough transition. Throwing your dog into water and hoping your dog knows what to do is a huge no-no in swim training. Your dog will become frightened, and never wish to enter the water again. Instead, use these tips to teach your dog to swim in an upbeat manner leaving a long lasting positive water impression.
Introduction to Water
Regardless of your dog’s age, find calm, shallow water for the introductions. Then slowly have your dog inch his/her way into the water. Be sure there is a long leash on your dog, and walk into the water alongside. Provide lots of praise so there is no panic on your dog’s part. Show your dog that it is okay and a positive experience. Once your dog is comfortable, your dog will begin to show swimming abilities. Just keep it light. If your dog appears to be mastering the art of swimming, and enjoying it, then go into deeper waters.
What to Remember When Going Swimming with Your Dog
Remember to always bring fresh water for your dog to drink. Your dog needs to stay hydrated as much as you do. If you are swimming in an ocean, do not let your dog swim into currents. In addition, do not let your dog to jump into deep water. You do not know what can be lurking in the waters without gradually entering it. Prevent any accidents by gradually entering the water of choice. These are actually good reminders for you, and your dog.
Have you noticed there is a slight increase in the number of overweight dogs lately? If you walk along the streets, there seems to be noticeably heavier dogs than in the past. I am no scientist. I have no statistical research, but it seems our dogs are left entertaining themselves solo more than in prior times. It makes commonsense. People are working longer hours at further jobs making up for financial loss that occurred during the recession. Thus, we are away from our homes for extended durations. And when we do this our dogs may be hanging around doing nothing, unless we provide our dogs with activities. Here is one way to prevent your dog from turning into a couch potato.
Use Puzzle Toys
I have briefly discussed this before, but it is important to discover puzzle toys. Puzzle toys are toys that are stuffed with food or your dog’s favorite treats, but takes time for your dog to discover where the treat is located inside the toy. It is essentially a puzzle. Hence, the name puzzle toy. This engages your dog in mental and physical activity. Sometimes it takes your dog one hour or two to solve it. It is a great way to keep your dog from just lying around sleeping while you are gone from the house. It provides your dog with a chance to develop skills further, even while you are away.
This is one way to prevent your dog from turning into a couch potato. For more tips, talk to a Florida dog obedience training professional or a k9 obedience instructor today.
When two dogs are playing, it can quickly turn into a scuffle if you are not careful. Thus, it is important as a dog owner to learn how to stop a squabble before it escalates into something violent. A Florida dog training professional will be able to guide you with direct advice on how to physically separate two dogs without harming yourself or the other dogs. In the meantime, here are some tips on how you can prevent dogs from fighting.
Stop It Before It Begins
The first step is to watch how dogs play. If the interaction starts to become aggressive, then you need to separate the dogs before anything further occurs. The best way to handle this is to make a loud noise. One way to execute this is to clap your hands and yell. This will distract the dogs from the negative interaction and immediately disrupt them. Your dog will turn and walk away from the situation.
Be a Team Player
It is difficult to break up a dogfight by yourself. Therefore, recruit others to assist in this task. Ask other dog owners to help you separate the dogs. Agree on a method to implement, and stick to the plan. In addition, keep in mind that you never wish to grab your dog in the midst of this heightened situation. Your dog may accidentally bite you out of reaction. Diffuse the situation then separate the dogs physically.
If you need additional advice on how to handle a dogfight, talk a k9 obedience instructor today.
A German shepherd is a great dog! They are loyal, strong, protective and reliable working dogs. But before bringing home your German shepherd puppy, it is a positive idea to gather as much information ensuring you are knowledgeable about your new addition. Here are some basic background facts about this breed.
