Five Tips for Socializing a German Shepherd Dog

It's easier than ever to socialize a puppy or adopted older German Shepherd. Dog parks and socialization centers are opening across the US. Make sure to do your part and follow all of the rules of the place you choose. Call before going the first time to find out what the pet needs, usually it includes: current vaccinations, a collar and leash.

There are no hard and fast rules for socializing dogs, but there are a few things that can make the process quicker and to help ease any anxieties your German Shepherd may be feeling.

Introduce the entire household to the German Shepherd

Socialization should begin as soon as the dog joins the family. Have each person in the home meet the German Shepherd in a calm manner. Give dog treats to each person if the German Shepherd is shy. Have each person calmly sit in the same room and allow the dog to freely walk up and meet each person. Don't reach for the pet, allow him to come to you and smell first. Give him a treat for acting appropriately (being gentle, staying down and remaining calm).

German Shepherd Colors (Pictures)

Strong, rich colors are preferred in German Shepherd Dogs. Faded colors, wash-outs, and livers are all serious faults in the show ring. White German Shepherds are beautiful to look at, but a total disqualification in the show ring. The white GSD should not be bred for this reason.

 Photo credit: C Cameron

 Photo credit: "Saffo" by Éleveur du Domaine de la Maison des jeunes - photo scannée et publiée avec l'aimable auturisation de l'éleveur du Domaine de la Maison des jeunes. Licensed under Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 2.5 via Wikimedia Commons - http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Saffo.jpg#mediaviewer/File:Saffo.jpg

"Stary pies" by Aksel07 - Own work. Licensed under Public domain via Wikimedia Commons.

Blacks and browns are the dominant colors for German Shepherds. They also show in solid black.

Photo credit: "Owczarek niemiecki czarny". Licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons.

Here are some more beautiful pictures of German Shepherd Dogs!

Photo credit: "German Shepherd Dogs portrait" by Flickr user jn2race - Flickr here. Licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons.

Photo credit: "Deutscher Schäferhund- portrait" by Pepo13 - Own work. Licensed under CC BY 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons.

How to Groom a German Shepherd Dog

German Shepherd Dog owners are some of the luckiest people around. Not only do they get to own a great dog, but those dogs only need bathed a couple of times a year! Unless, that is, they get skunked or roll in the mud or decide to photo bomb your Christmas card.

German Shepherds do need daily brushing to remove dead hair and keep shedding to a minimum. That's not a hard job though. They also need daily dental treatments, like all dogs.

Here are instructions for daily and full grooming of your German Shepherd Dog

YouTube: More Than a Great Place to Watch Dog Training Videos

Put your GSD on YouTube!Image via Wikipedia

While YouTube is the best place to quickly find dog training videos in any style that suits you, there are other uses for dog owners too. From uploading funny videos of our dogs to showing an out of state dog trainer the exact issues you are having with your pet, YouTube is a fantastic resource for pet owners.


YouTube has the ability to lower the number of dogs left in shelters around the world if pet owners would avail themselves of the service. With tens of thousands of dog training videos uploaded already, you can surely find a training style and complete free instructions to solve most pet problems.

Zapping the Confidence Out of a German Shepherd

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Raise a confident GSD

There is a difference between training a dog and dominating a dog. A dog can have a dominant personality and still be well trained, just as a submissive dog can. Some breeds like German Shepherds are built with confidence in their genetics. Dominating a German Shepherd is a sure way to zap its confidence.

First let’s talk about what dominance is; the state that exists when one person or group has power over another. Clearly we are automatically dominant over our dogs. You don’t need to establish dominance by yelling or charging at a dog. Positive reinforcement for good behavior has been proven to work better than dominance training. It’s likely not dominance you are seeking over your dog, but a better behavior from them.

Should I Get a German Shepherd Puppy?

Image via Wikipedia

So you are ready to add a furry family member. Thinking about a German Shepherd puppy? If you are considering bringing a new GSD puppy or older dog into your home, there are  a few factors to think about. Getting to know the German Shepherd breed a little before you adopt will help with a fast transition to family life.


German Shepherd puppies grow quickly. By four months old a German Shepherd puppy weighs in at 35 to 45lbs. Full weight for a GSD is 75 to 85lbs; most of which is gained within the first year. Decide if the home can withstand such a growth rate with a rambunctious puppy.

Best breeds for guard dogs

Image via Wikipedia

Depending on what you want guarded, large breed dogs are usually called on for this duty. Well known for their guarding capabilities, German Shepherds are the most often "employed". If your jewels are truly irreplaceable you will want a breeder offering a Schutzhund German Shepherd, specially trained for true guard work. While these dogs make wonderful companions, they are happiest when working and must have a commanding owner. Consider these German Shepherds the Mercedes-Benz (E-Class!) of guard dogs, and expect to pay $4000-$6000USD.

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