Tuesday, September 30, 2014

POLICE K9


POLICE DOGS

HISTORY:

   The first recorded use of dogs doing police work was in St. Malo, France in the early 14th century, when they were used to guard dock installations. This use of dogs continued until 1770 when it was abolished after a young naval officer was accidentally killed by one of the dogs. The next known police employment of dogs was in Paris in 1895 to combat street gangs that were causing police problems but, it was not until 1888 until the modern police dog first came into being. It was at that time when the London Metropolitan Police Force first used two bloodhounds to track suspects by scent as part of the infamous Jack the Ripper investigation. The Ripper was never apprehended, but the use of dogs as part of the Met continued.

   In 1920 a school was established in Greenheide, Germany, the first of its kind for the training of dogs for use in the field of law enforcement. Here the dogs were trained in basic obedience, tracking and searching. From this school came the plans and criteria for those to come and much of the training system used in modern dog section operations has been taken from Greenheide.

   By 1910, railway police forces were experimenting with other breeds such as Labrador Retrievers, Doberman Pinschers, and German Shepherds and by 1946 various other police forces were experimenting with dogs. In 1954 a standing committee was formed to co-ordinate the breeding, supply and training of police dogs throughout the UK.

   In the 1970’s the use of dogs in law enforcement took a foothold in the United States.  Now they are considered a part of the police force, and in many departments they even have their own badges.  From the hundreds of dog breeds, there are some that are widely known for their presence in law enforcement.  The most widely trained dog for regular patrol work is the German Shepherd. Other exemplary breeds include but, are not limited to the Labrador Retriever, Belgian Malinois, and the Dutch Shepherd.  

   Today, police forces in most major cities use police dogs to track criminals, sniff out illegal materials, search buildings, and do other jobs human police officers can't do as well as a dog can. Not only are there thousands of police dogs on the job on any given day, but there are also hundreds of police dogs who have given their lives to protect and serve.

 
POLICE DOG BREEDS AND PORPOUSE:
·         Australian Shepherd – drugs/explosives sniffing, order enforcement, tracking
·         Basset Bound - drugs/explosives sniffing
·         Beagle - drugs/explosives sniffing
·         Belgian Malinois – drugs/explosives sniffing, order enforcement
·         Bloodhound – tracking, order enforcement
·         Coonhound – tracking
·         Doberman Pinscher - order enforcement
·         Dutch Shepherd - order enforcement
·         English Cocker Spaniel - drugs/explosives sniffing
·         English Springer Spaniel - drugs/explosives sniffing
·         Foxhound - drugs/explosives sniffing
·         German Shepherd - drugs/explosives sniffing, order enforcement, tracking, cadaver sniffing
·         Golden Retriever - drugs/explosives sniffing, tracking, cadaver sniffing
·         Labrador Retriever - drugs/explosives sniffing, tracking, cadaver sniffing
·         Pitbull - drugs/explosives sniffing, order enforcement
·         Sulimov Dog - drugs/explosives sniffing
·         Schnauzer - drugs/explosives sniffing
·         Weimaraner - drugs/explosives sniffing

RETIREMENT:
   Police dogs are retired if they become injured to an extent where they will not recover completely, pregnant, or raising puppies, or are too old or sick to continue working. Since many dogs are raised in working environments for the first year of their life and retired before they become unable to perform, the working life of a dog is 6–9 years.

 


IMPORTANT TO KNOW:
   What most civilians don’t realize is that K-9 officer are truly considered full-fledged police officers. Assaulting, injuring, or killing a K-9 officer carries the same punishment under the law as the same crimes committed against human officers. In fact, some law enforcement agencies consider it acceptable for human officers to open fire on a suspect that is intentionally hurting a police dog with the intent to kill it. Dogs killed in the line of duty are afforded a complete police funeral, bagpipes and all.


Monday, September 29, 2014

THE JAPANESE SPITZ



THE JAPANESE SPITZ:

   The Japanese Spitz (Nihon Supittsu) is a small to medium breed of dog of the Spitz type. The Japanese Spitz is a companion dog and pet. His breed has been a real discovery, actually, because its handsome appearance like that of a small-sized snow white arctic dog is complemented by some very particular temperamental characteristics and it is often improperly called mini-Samoyed. It is believed, originated in 19th-century Japan from an attempt to make a smaller, more domesticated Samoyed-style canine. Using a number of breeds including the Samoyed, the white German Spitz and the American Eskimo, the result was a friendly, loyal and cuddly pup that became a huge hit in 1950s Japan. There are varying standards around the world as to the ideal size of the breed, but they are always larger than their smaller cousins, the Pomeranian. They were developed in Japan in the 1920s and 30s by breeding a number of other Spitz type dog breeds together.

LOOKS:

   The Japanese Spitz is a small dog, around 13 inches at the withers, with a somewhat square body, deep chest, and a very thick pure white double coat. The coat consists of an outer coat that stands off from the soft inner coat, with fur shorter on the muzzle and ears as well as the fronts of the forelegs and the hindlegs. A ruff of longer fur is around the dog's neck. It has a pointed muzzle and small, triangular shape prick ears. The tail is long, heavily covered with long fur, and is carried curled over and lying on the dog's back. The white coat contrasts with the black pads and nails of the feet, the black nose, and the dark eyes.

TEMPERAMENT:

   The Japanese Spitz is a family dog and thrives on human companionship. They are alert, intelligent, bold and lively. They are characterized by their great courage, affection and they are devoted companions. They are small enough to enjoy being a lap dog, but let it be aid, at their discretion, for despite these qualities are nevertheless of an independent nature with a will of their own. They enjoy being active and love to be in the outdoors. They are intelligent, playful, alert, and obedient, and particularly excellent and loving toward children.

THINGS TO KNOW:

·         Creation of the breed commenced in the late 1800s.

·         They can have a very dominant nature.

·         They tend to be wary of complete strangers that rush up to them without formal introduction.

·         Life expectancy is estimated at 10–16 years.

·         This is a very tidy animal that should be bathed only when necessary but the coat should be combed and brushed regularly.

HEALTH:

   They are a healthy breed with very few genetic problems. The main health concern for Japanese Spitz is the development of Patellar luxation, a condition in which the kneecap dislocates out of its normal position. They can also be prone to runny eyes which is most commonly due to having tear ducts that are too small, or an allergy to long grass or stress.
 

Sunday, September 28, 2014

Dog Groups, a brief review


DOG GROUPS:
   Over the years dogs have been breed for certain traits and in some cases to perform specific tasks. As a result, there are a variety of breeds from the tiny Pomeranian to the hard working Great Dane and many dogs in between. To help make sense of the many dogs, breeds and traits, the AKC has placed them into groups based on unique, but shared characteristics. These groups include the toy dogs, herding dogs, working dogs, sporting dogs, non-sporting dogs, hounds and terriers. The dogs that are not yet recognized by the AKC go into the miscellaneous or rare breed category. If you already know that you would like a tiny lap dog or a dog that could go hunting or on long hikes, then searching by group will help you narrow down the breeds that are right for you.

TOY GROUP:
   The Toy group is made up of small breed dogs and many of them have been bred as miniature versions of larger breeds to make them more portable. Ranging between under 6 pounds in the tiniest Chihuahua and 20 pounds in the stockiest of Pugs, these diminutive dogs have made for loving companions since they were first bred centuries ago. The size of dogs in the toy group makes them both manageable and appealing but, don't let their tiny stature fool you, though many Toys are tough as nails. Popular Toy Dog breeds include Pugs, Chihuahua, Pomeranian, Shih Tzu, Poodle and Pekingese among others.

SPORTING GROUG:
   In the Sporting Group is made up of alert, active and intelligent dog breeds. Sporting dogs have historically been used by hunters to locate, flush or retrieve game from land or water and many are still used as hunting companions today, although their gentle natures and high level of trainability have also earned them the reputation of being among the best family dogs. These same traits often lead to some of these animals being recruited into service positions, either as helper dogs for the disabled or as bomb and drug sniffers for law enforcement agencies. Sporting dogs need a place to run and play and require serious exercise rain or shine. They do not do well cooped up in small apartments or confined in tiny places and need opportunities to socialize with dogs and people regularly. Loyal and eager to please they love people and as a group tend to make wonderful family pets. The sporting group comprises some of the most popular breeds, including pointers, setters, retrievers and spaniels.

NON-SPORTING GROUP:
   The Non-Sporting group isn't as well defined as some of the others. Many of the dogs in this group have recognizable ancestors in the hound, terrier, sporting and even working groups. Dogs in this group tend to be medium to small and do not do well cooped up in small apartments or confined in tiny places, they need opportunities to socialize with dogs and people regularly. Loyal and eager to please they love people and as a group tend to make wonderful family pets. Non-Sporting Group includes such well known breeds as the Bulldog, Poodle and Boston Terrier. When choosing a dog in this group, it is important to do research on the specific breed you are interested in as the group will not reveal much information.

HOUND GROUP:
   The first known hunting dogs, the Hound group is made up of scent hounds and sight hounds. Scent hounds use their keen nose to track down prey and often used in police work to track criminals or missing people because of their amazing ability to track and decipher scents. Sight hounds locate prey by sight and are known for their amazing speed. Energetic, bold and stubborn, hounds are not easily distracted once on a trail. For this reason, it is essential to teach a hound to come when called as soon as possible. Some hounds share the distinct ability to produce a unique sound known as baying. You'd best sample this sound before you decide to get a hound of your own to be sure it's your cup of tea. Some of the most popular scent hounds breeds are Basset Hound, Beagle and Bluetick Coonhound. Among the sight hounds breeds we’ll find the Afgan Hound, Basenji, Pharoah Hound and Greyhound.

HERDING GROUP:
   The herding group merely represents a sub-section of the working group: namely, those dogs that were bred and excelled at herding tasks. Unlike the livestock guardians that simply stand sentry, herding involves the skill of controlling, grouping and directing packs of other animals. Herding dogs actively round up cattle and sheep with frantic running, eye contact and aggressive barking and also “nipping”, a strategy that they used for herding larger animals. With high energy and intellect levels, dogs in the herding group require a good amount of daily exercise and constant stimulation. They are very intelligent and will take it upon themselves to learn new tricks, some of which you may not enjoy. They excel not only in herding but also in obedience, agility, tracking and flyball. Their intelligence allows them to quickly acquire skills and to navigate obstacles while their physical abilities allow them to fly through the various courses with speed and ease. Herding dogs require a strong and dedicated owner who can appreciate the amazing intelligence and athleticism. Among this breeds are Australian Shepherds, Border Collies German Shepherds and Bouviers.

WORKING GROUP:

   The Working Group Breeds is a diverse group skilled in many different disciplines. Most working breeds are robust, intelligent and headstrong, often unsuitable for novice owners. Made up of guardians of livestock and property, police dogs, sled dogs and rescue dogs, these workers come in all shapes and sizes and are highly adaptable in many ways including temperatures. Most working dogs are large to extra-large breeds that have been breed for their size, strength and adaptability. While this helps them excel in their role as guarding, pulling and rescue dogs, it also means that these breeds are not for everyone. Some of this “working Dogs” were originally used to hunt lions and wild boars and can weigh in at over 100 pounds. By virtue of their size alone, these dogs must be properly trained. Most common breeds include Huskies, Mastiff, Rottweiler, Saint Bernard and Samoyed amongst others.

TERRIERS GROUP:
   Tenacious and full of energy and life, Terriers are highly intelligent. Bred to hunt small game like rodents foxes and badgers, they do not back down easily from a fight and they do not get along well with other dogs, cats, ferrets or other pets. Terriers require a specific type of grooming called stripping. Stripping helps maintains their unique looks and protect the unique qualities of their protective coats. Breeds in the terrier group have become more and more popular as time goes on. This has a lot to do with their distinctive looks (many terriers have unique facial structures and unique wired coats and personality. They tend to retain their puppy-like cuteness deep into life.

RARE DOGD GROUP (MISCELLANEOUS):
   Many of these breeds have specific standards that are watched over by rare breed organizations, rare breed groups and enthusiasts. While you might not see these dogs on a regular basis, many of them are quite popular and have a strong and devoted following. Here are also included mixed breeds. Mixed breeds, random breeds, mongrels, mutts or curs, call them what you will, they make up the majority of the worldwide dog population. Rare is the country where dogs of mixed and usually unknown heritage do not outnumber their blue-blood, purebred relations. Breeds in the Miscellaneous Class may compete and earn titles in Companion Events and also select Performance Events. Miscellaneous breeds are also eligible to compete in Junior Showmanship. They may also compete at conformation shows, but here are limited to competition in the Miscellaneous Class and are not eligible for championship points.

Tuesday, September 23, 2014

Meet the wonderful Akita!


DESCRIPTION:
   
The Akita is a large Spitz breed of dog originating from the mountainous northern regions of Japan. There are two separate varieties of Akita: a Japanese strain, known as the "Akita Inu" or "Japanese Akita"; and an American strain, known as the "Akita" or "American Akita". Akitas are muscular, heavy-boned, Spitz-type dogs of imposing stature. Standing 24 to 28 inches at the shoulder, Akitas have a dense coat that comes in several colors, including white. The head is broad and massive, and is balanced in the rear by a full, curled-over tail. The erect ears and dark, shining eyes contribute to an expression of alertness, a hallmark of the breed. Just a glance at a well-made Akita tells you this breed is no stranger to hard work.

  
                                                                                                                                                             


History:
   
We can say that the Akita is named after the location in which he originated: Akita Prefecture, which is a particular area on the island of Honshu. This breed was actually first named the Odate Dog, but this was later changed in 1931. Some archeological discoveries suggest that the Matagi-Inu was a dog that existed between 8,000 BC and 200 BC and is thought to be the Akita's ancestor. During World War II, the Akita came very close to extinction.   Many people were displaced without proper food and shelter.  Therefore, many let their dogs go as they could no longer afford to care for them. A very small percentage of people were able to keep their Akitas and allow some breeding to take place.  The government finally, and just in the nick of time, decided that if an owner was able to produce a champion, that person would be given money to cover the food and care of the dog. The renowned Helen Keller is credited with bringing the first Akita into the United States in 1937. The breed's popularity in the United States following World War II may be attributed to American servicemen of the occupational forces, who so admired the noble dogs that they took them home to their families.

                                                                                                                                                               

FACTS ABOUT AKITAS:

  • The Akita is one of seven breeds designated as a national monument in his native country of Japan.
  • Historically in Japan an Akita in a home was believed to be a symbol of good health, prosperity and good fortune.
  • Akitas do not bark unless there is a good reason. When an Akita is barking pay attention. They are silent hunters who hunt low to the ground without growls or noise, similar to cats.
  • Guests welcome in your home when you are present will NOT be welcomed by the Akita when you are not home.
  • Akitas are inherently aggressive towards other animals and for this reason, they should not be allowed to run free or roam at will.
  • Akitas are VERY food possessive. If you have other pets, you will want to be certain the Akita is given its own food bowl.

  * All puppies are cute, including Akita puppies, but before you purchase a cuddly puppy that grows into a grizzly bear, read the FACTS.




Thursday, September 18, 2014

Meet the Alaskan Malamute.


ALSKAN MALAMUTE:

The Alaskan Malamute is a the largest and oldest of the Arctic sled dogs, the Alaskan Malamute possesses great strength and endurance. He is not designed to race, but rather to carry large loads over long distances. Today, many Malamutes are family pets, but are highly athletic and still capable of enjoying sledding, weight-pulling, back-packing, jogging and swimming with their owners. The Malamute coat is thick and coarse, with a plumed tail carried over the back. The coat usually ranges in color from light gray to black or from sable to red. Face markings, including a cap on the head and a bar/mask on the face are often distinguishing features. 


HISTORY:

Is believed that the Alaskan Malamute's forebears crossed the land bridge from Siberia to Alaska with native peoples thousands of years ago. One tribe, known as the Mahlemuts, settled in the northeastern area of the Seward Peninsula and it's there that the Alaskan Malamute was developed. The dogs were used to hunt seals, chase away polar bears, and pull heavy sledges loaded with food or camp supplies. 2004 shows that Malamutes are one of the oldest breeds of dog genetically distinct from other dog breeds. A study in 2013 showed that the Alaskan Malamute has a similar east Asian origin to, but is not clearly related to, the Greenland Dog and the Inuit Sled Dog (Canadian Eskimo Dog), but contains a possible admixture of the Siberian Husky.


PURPOUSE:

The Alaskan Malamute is large breed dog used for hauling heavy freight because their strength and endurance, with time evolved into one of most favorite dogs used in Dog Sledding competitions and overall, house pet.


TEMPERAMENT:

The Alaskan Malamutes will win you over with their playful, outgoing dispositions. They greet everyone as a friend even strangers and first-time house guests so they don't make good watchdogs, but they are extremely loyal to their family and friends. Malamutes are pack animals, and they enjoy spending time with their human pack, insisting on being included in all activities that their family undertakes. They're not big-time barkers, but they do howl and they're known for making a characteristic "woo woo" sound.


BREED STANDARD:

The desirable freighting sizes are males, 25 inches at the shoulders, 85 pounds; females, 23 inches at the shoulders, 75 pounds. The head is broad. Ears are triangular and erect when alerted. The muzzle is bulky, only slight diminishing in width from root to nose. The muzzle is not pointed or long, yet not stubby. The coat is thick with a coarse guard coat of sufficient length to protect a woolly undercoat. Malamutes are of various colors. Face markings are a distinguishing feature. These consist of a cap over the head, the face either all white or marked with a bar and/or mask. The tail is well furred, carried over the back, and has the appearance of a waving plume.

HEALTH ISSUES:

Malamutes are generally healthy, but like all breeds, they're prone to certain health conditions such as:

  • Cataracts: Usually present by 1 to 2 years of age, known as juvenile cataracts. This type of cataract rarely progresses to blindness.
  • Hip Dysplasia: This is a heritable condition in which the thighbone doesn't fit snugly into the hip joint.
  • Hypothyroidism: This condition is often misdiagnosed because tests to evaluate the condition are not specific and can be inaccurate. Hypothyroidism is the result of abnormally low production of the thyroid hormones.
  • Hemeralopia (Day Blindness): This usually begins to show when the puppy is eight weeks old and can be recognized easily by observant owners. Affected dogs bump into or stumble over things.


SELECTION:

  • Know what to look for in your potential new puppy.
  • Consider different possibilities for getting the puppy.
  • Do all your research carefully.
  • Find a reputable breeder or a trusted adoption center.
  • Ask the breeder or shelter about shots, dewormings and exams the puppy may have already have had.
  • Research the history of incidence of all diseases in the puppy's parents and further down in its lineage.



Tuesday, September 16, 2014

Looking for a German Shepherd?

   Like with many dogs owner now days, we are focusing in getting a dog because of it looks, social status or “I heard is the best dog to have for...” but we really not focusing in the reality of what the dog breed was created for and the needs for that breed. Owning a dog is not a toy that we can put on a shelf and use it when we want to show it or play with it, it is years of responsibility and care for a living being that need daily attention. We tend to overlook health issues, temperament, training and socialization required and forget to focus on providing the care needed to get the best out of our dog.
Today we going to pick the German Shepherd and expand on the responsible and successful way to choose and care of this amazing breed.

GERMAN SHEPHERD DOG:
   German Shepherd Dog (sometimes abbreviated as "GSD") is a breed of large-sized working dog that originated in Germany. Weighs 75-95 pounds, with males usually larger than females. Males should be 24-26 inches at the withers (top of the shoulder blades), and females 22-24 inches. The German Shepherd requires an active lifestyle, and makes for an ideal companion and protector and has a life expectancy of approximately of 13 years. Often used as working dogs, German Shepherds are courageous, keen, alert and fearless, cheerful, obedient and eager to learn. Also tranquil, confident, serious and clever. GSDs are extremely faithful, and brave and they will not think twice about giving their lives for their human pack. German Shepherds love to be close to their families, but can be wary of strangers.

HISTORY:
   Max von Stephanitz, the first official breeder of German Shepherd Dogs, was attracted to the shepherding dogs used by Germans and, noting that there were many different types of shepherd dogs, concluded that a breed standard needed to be introduced. He was most fond of the shepherd dogs that had a wolfish appearance, with the strong upper body and prick ears, and that also had sharp minds and a willingness to work. In 1889 he bought a shepherd dog that met his ideal, changed the dog's name from Hektor Linkrshein to Horand von Grafrath (named for the nearby town of Grafrath), registered the dog under a new breed registry, and set about creating a standard, with Horand as the genetic basis for the breed. In that same year, the Verein für Deutsche Schäferhunde (roughly translated into the Society for the German Shepherd Dog) was formed by Stephanitz and Artur Meyer to advance the German Shepherd Dog's breed standard. There is some debate as to how much wolf is actually a part of the German Shepherd breed but it was said that Horan was part wolf, and that Stephanitz used wolves in the crossbreeding. In Stephanitz's stud book there are four entries for wolf crosses at different points in the breed's development. However, some point out that at the time, many breeders use the term "wolf" to generically describe a pattern that is currently referred to as "SABLE". Other accounts suggest that Stephanitz did use pure wolf genes, he was able to aquire the genetic input from wolves that were housed in a zoo but in his book published in 1923 (The German Shepherd in Word and Picture) he strongly advised against using wolves for crossbreeding. Stephanitz focused on the breeds strength, intelligence and an ability to work well with people throughout, and succeeded so well that the German Shepherd Dog grew steadily in popularity.
   During World War I, the breed was selected as a war sentry by various countries. At the same time, the American Kennel Club (AKC) chose to alter the name of the breed from German Sheepdog to Shepherd Dog, while Britain renamed it the Alsatian Wolfdog, both in an attempt to separate the breed from its German roots. In 1931, the AKC reverted the dog back to its original name: the German Shepherd Dog, since then, popular German Shepherds have been on the silver screen, including movie stars Rin Tin Tin and Strongheart and has become a mainstay in the American home maintaining a position as one of the ten most popular dogs in the U.S. and even ranking at number one in many American cities.

PURPOUSE:
   The German Shepherd over the years has been bred as a versatile working dog and served in many different capacities such as: police dog, guide dog, guard dog, war dog, explosives and narcotics detecting dog, search and rescue dog. Also excels in many other dog activities including tracking, obedience, agility, flyball, show dog and most notably as a sheep-herding dog. Developed primarily for the purpose of guarding and herding there have been few other breeds with such a versatile repertoire.

TEMPERAMENT:
The AKC Standard says the German Shepherd "has a distinct personality marked by direct and fearless, but not hostile, expression, self-confidence, and a certain aloofness that does not lend itself to immediate and indiscriminate friendships. The dog must be approachable but quietly standing its grounds.

BREED STANDARD:
The first impression of a good German Shepherd Dog is that of a strong, agile, well muscled animal, alert and full of life. It is well balanced, with harmonious development of the forequarter and hindquarter. The dog is deep-bodied, and presents an outline of smooth curves rather than angles. It looks substantial and not spindly, giving the impression, both at rest and in motion, of muscular fitness and nimbleness without any look of clumsiness or soft living. The desired height for males at the top of the highest point of the shoulder blade is 24 to 26 inches; and for bitches, 22 to 24 inches.
The German Shepherd Dog is longer than tall, with the most desirable proportion as 10 to 8½. The length is measured from the point of the prosternum or breastbone to the rear edge of the pelvis. The head is noble, cleanly chiseled, strong without coarseness, but above all not fine and in proportion to the body. The withers are high and sloping into the level back. The back is straight, very strongly developed without sag or roach, and relatively short. The whole structure of the body gives an impression of depth and solidity without bulkiness.
   Chest commencing at the prosternum, it is well filled and carried well down between the legs. It is deep and capacious, never shallow, with ample room for lungs and heart, carried well forward, with the prosternum showing ahead of the shoulder in profile. The German Shepherd Dog varies in color, and most colors are permissible. Strong rich colors are preferred.

HEALTH ISSUES:
   Indiscriminate breeding has led to hereditary diseases such as hip and elbow dysplasia, blood disorders, digestive problems, bloat, epilepsy, chronic eczema, keratitis (inflammation of the cornea), dwarfism and flea allergies. Also prone to splenic tumors (tumors on the spleen), DM (degenerative myelitis), EPI (endocrine pancreatic insufficiency), perianal fistulas and Von Willebrand's disease.

SELECTION:
  • Know what to look for in your potential new German Shepherd puppy.
  • Consider different possibilities for getting the puppy.
  • Do all your research carefully.
  • Find a reputable breeder or a trusted adoption center.
  • Ask the breeder or shelter about shots, dewormings and exams the puppy may have already have had.
  • Research the history of incidence of all diseases in the puppy's parents and further down in its lineage.

TRAINING:
   Training a German Shepherd puppy should start as soon as you bring your puppy home, but only if your German Shepherd puppy is old enough to be socialized with people and other dogs. If your puppy’s behavior doesn’t seem to provide sufficient indication, then 10 weeks is usually the age where you would expect that a German Shepherd puppy is ready for training, although it may be a bit earlier or later in some cases.
   At this point, start with basic house training a puppy. Untrained German Shepherds can be quite stubborn at a young age, so it is recommended you use “puppy crate training” at home as much as possible to observe your pups and to establish familiarity. House training a puppy can take slightly longer if you have a German Shepherd, but once they are broken a German Shepherd puppy is extremely careful not to violate its home. When you have established these basics, start creating an environment in which you are the clear alpha leader. You may also want to consider “clicker dog training” because it works particularly well for training German Shepherd puppies. Training German Shepherd puppies not to bite or nip is easier using suitable German Shepherd toys and a noticeable whining sound to demonstrate that it hurts.

   German Shepherd puppy training should slowly move into the obedience phase between month 3 and 6, focusing on basic dog commands like lying down, sitting, staying, focusing on you, coming when called, waiting inside doors and on the street, and not pulling on the leash. You will find that in general a German Shepherd puppy is very adept at picking up on these cues, but may not initially want to follow your lead due to its slightly stubborn nature. An upbeat attitude and consistency on your side is key and you will have more fun with your dog than you can currently imagine. However, to realize all these benefits and pleasures of owning a German Shepherd puppy, you must lay down the rules early and consistently to ensure your GSD puppies follow your instructions in the future without that daily struggle.