Is Your Adolescent German Shepherd Limping?

German Shepherd owners  often complain that their adolescent German Shepherds are limping. This might be something that can be of real concern for the owners! Both panostitis (pano) or hip/ elbow displasia - two most dangerous genetic disorders, can be the cause, although it's not always true.


Panosteitis in the GSD used to be too common, as for some of the other large breeds like Golden Retrievers, Rottweilers, Dobermans, Labradors, Mastiffs and Great Danes to mention just a few...  With the rising awareness and consciousness, the diseases like displasia, panostitis (also called long bone disease, shifting leg lameness and growing pain disease) have brought under control to a great extent through selective breeding. Not to be confused between the two, dysplasia is caused due to looseness occurs in the the hip or elbow joint(s), while panostitis is inflammation of long leg bones. Although with selective breeding and planned breeding programs the chances of having displasia and pano are very rare these days, but still dogs bred by novice, irresponsible and illiterate breeders can produce progenitors with such disorders. If your young or adolescent German Shepherd is limping or exhibiting signs of pain in his bones, chances are their that s(he) is suffering from the shifting leg lameness. It is essential to check out the other symptoms in order to confirm that your GSD has displastic hip or pano.


Symptoms of Panosteitis in your young German Shepherd

Firstly consider the age... the onset of panostitis in GSD is noticed between 6 to 18 months of ages. However middle-aged German Shepherd Dogs may be afflicted to the condition, though not very common. Other symptoms include:
a) pain is acute and noticed suddenly.
b) pain causes lameness
c) pain gets shifted from one leg to the other.
d) your dog may be reluctant to go walk
e) intensity of the pain can be fluctuating
f) your GSD can suffer loss of appetite
g) your dog may have an increase in the numbers of white blood cells. elevated white blood cell, accompanied with fever and sometimes tonsillitis


Symptoms of Displasia in your GSD

a) displasia - both elbow and hip are caused by deformed joint (looseness) and results in arthritic changes in the joints
b) the mobility of your dog will be compromised
c) cause inflammation, accompanied with joint pain
d) the pain is maximum in the morning at the time of rising
e) your dog will have problem during small jumps
f) your GSD will stop eating, causing weakness


These are the most common and talked about inheritable orthopedic conditions, that are of really issue of concern of you, if your GSD exhibits all or most of these symptoms. After the thorough examinations, the vet may recommend the suitable medication. But the prime most important thing is that, physical exercise or work will worsen up the conditions. However, Hydrotherapy sessions can help your GSD puppy recover from the the hip displasia. Check out the other common genetic ailments in German Shepherds.

You may love to read How Intensive Hydrotherapy Session helped German Shepherd Puppy, Fred to Recover from Hip Displasia

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Grooming Your German Shepherd at Home

If you are planning to groom your German Shepherd Dog by yourself at home, ther’s nothing like that. Assuming that he is conditioned to grooming that includes bathing, nail clipping, brushing, ear cleaning, it is important to plan a routine work for maintain your German shepherd’s hygiene at home itself. It is better for your GSD and you both to carry on a weekly grooming session for your GSD at home, which may save a good amount of money. You cannot find a professional dog grooming parlor that can offer a satisfactory service at less than $30 per grooming session. Do-It-Yourself Dog grooming for Rover will save you at least $1000 annually. In the down trodden economy, it is worthy enough to think of saving a few dollars.

German Shepherd sheds heavily and throughout the year. Regular (twice a week, if not daily) brushing is highly recommended. Brushing your German Shepherd’s coat will; keep him fresh and free from dead follicles, tangles and mattes.

Problem is if you are not an experienced owner, you might end up with the worst experience in your life if Rover has not been conditioned to grooming, bathing, or nail clipping. Fact remains, no professional groomer will be eager to groom a full grown GSD that has not been socialized and seasoned with experiences like grooming. If he is not well trained and conditioned to such situations, good chance is there that he is going to attack the stranger who’s going to approach him with tools and apparatus. Grooming starts at home and in the early stage. Behavioral grooming is teaching him how to behave in the way desired. Obedience training at the early phase of his life finds the most vital role to play here. Behavioral grooming is the start of all kind of grooming in a dog and especially for large and giant breeds like GSD, Labrador, Doberman, Great Dane, Irish Wolf Hound etc. behavioral training has an immense significance. Check out a few economic tips for German Shepherd grooming

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How to Care for German Shepherd Puppies - An Overview

If you are considering adding a GSD puppy to your family, then with get yourself groomed up with proper planning and information on German Shepherd puppy care tips. This is just an outline of how to care for your German Shepherd puppy. Bringing a new baby to your home will open the door to years of love, fun and laughter.

After bringing home your puppy taking care of your puppy is going to be your prime responsibility, that starts on the day you bring home your German Shepherd puppy. Here are what you should consider in the process of bringing up your GSD puppy.

Firstly, you should provide an suitable environment remembering the factors like comfort, safety and amusement. Your puppy need a comfortable bed to sleep on, but more important is that you give him with time, to let him understand his pack members - you and your family. Its your responsibility to make him feel at home and in a safe hand. He should be able to trust you. Trust can be broken in a second. It takes a lot to build trustworthiness. Building a strong bondage with your puppy is a must.

Related Read from Welcome Dog Lovers: How to intensify bond with your dog?

By nature they are very inquisitive and may get into things that are lying around him so, remove the harmful things away and include lots of toys & things that can amused your puppy as they need attention.

Food play a most important role in first few months just because it is the time for the development of bones and muscles. Quality speaks over quantity! Weaning him to correct type, quality and quantity of regular food is very important before you bring your German Shepherd puppy home. So, make sure you check with the breeder if he is giving him correct food.

Between 2 to 3 months feed them about 4 times a day - morning, lunch, dinner and about 9 pm in the evening before they settle down for the night. The same for water in small quantities to control when they have to go.

At 3 months, your GSD puppy should have a changed diet. Remember, sudden & drastic change in his diet can create a big problem. It will be wise to make a very gradual change in his diet style. Gradually reduce food supply to 3 times a day, taking away the night feeding, but still giving the same quantity of food as recommended by supplier.

At 3, 1/2 months starts adult food so that when they are 5 months old they should be fully on adult dog food at the recommended feeding frequency of three times a day, and at the same time gradually increase amount of water left out for them.

At 5 to 8 months you need to start taking away the lunch feeding so that by 8 months of age they will be on 2 feedings a day, morning and night.

Taking care on puppies health your puppy will have had its first vaccination when you receive him or her and will need its booster & rabies. Always check their eyes, ears for hair and wax build up, play with their feet and in between toes on a daily basis so that when they grew up they are familiar with it.

Grooming and bathing is needed while you are taking care of your puppy. Your puppy should be completely bathed once a month with a baby shampoo until about 6 months of age. After 6 months your puppy needs only to be bathed completely every couple of months. To groomed up your puppy dog it should be placed on elevated surface. Take your pin brush and start at the middle of its back brushing the hair backwards or against the way it's growing.

To keep your German Shepherd puppy healthy, happy and well trained you need to begin exercise that can help him or her to familiar with it. Over-exercise is as harmful as over feeding!

Socialization makes your GSD puppy more groomed and they need to have at the beginning, an area in your home that they will regard as their own territory with a blanket or towel they can call their own along with some toys if you want to. At this stage thy should be taken after they have had a drink and about half an hour of eating.

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Facts About White German shepherd

German Shepherd Dog is probably one of the few dog breeds that have most varied range of coat colors and patterns. White German Shepherds unfortunately got exposed to some misconceptions that have restricted the popularity of these pure breed beautiful German Shepherds. Here are some of the misconceptions about the white German Shepherd Dogs and the specific gene that is responsible for expressing this particular coat color.

White color in German Shepherd Dog is a result of gene dilution or partial albinism. comparative analysis of the dog genome, findings from the most contemporary research on genetics of White German Shepherds and specific breed DNA sequences have shown that this is pure gene. There's nothing to consider White German Shepherds as result of color dilution or paling for the whole GSD breed. It is only when the recessive allele is genetically transmitted from each of the breeding pair parent, the e/e genotype offspring of white German shepherd parents, always have cream or white colored coat.

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Merry Christmas & Happy New Year

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year too all German Shepherd Dog Lovers around the world. We are highly honored to have such nice people like you  as our readers.We shall deem it to be ever grateful to have this beautiful relation maintained all through. Our heartfelt wish too all of you and your loved ones and your beloved German Shepherds.

Our little Rusty stopped his tip-toed journey with us and has gone to Lord's home the day after the Gangtok quake. We couldn't take him to the vet, as the roadways were all blocked & things had all gone out of gear due to the quake. Please pray lest his little soul may rest in peace. Thank you
 

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What will your German Shepherd get this Christmas?

What will your German Shepherd get this Christmas? Christmas dog cookies? Christmas dog costumes or any other doggy toy?

With Christmas right around the corner, people have gone gaga over the costumes, cookies and gifts - all in red, white and green. Decorations are about to strung across the Christmas trees, mistletoe and mantles.  I am sure that your dogs too will be showered with the Christmas spirit! But the holiday spirit is not going to swing to the fullest extent if Rusty doesn't get something as a Christmas gift.  So what's there waiting for him this Christmas? While you cannot resist having the cakes, gingerbread cookies and minty candy canes on Christmas, Rusty cannot resist the fun of playing with a chew toy.  If you have already planned to buy a chew toy he will be more than happy! But what's so special about it? You have bought him the chew toys many times before. Have you ever spared a thought about what may be swirling in his mind?

What about home made Christmas ham for your German Shepherd. Its the for fun; why not getting your German Shepherd involved in the Christmas fun? A few piece of hams with the fat removed out will be savored by Rusty. A piece of ham each day during the holiday time won't do any harm for sure. It is only when your German Shepherd is habitually fed ham in large amounts that his health will be jeopardized. So that's a great way you can strike your beloved German Shepherd with shrieking surprises this Christmas.

Anything more special for him?

I am sure you have planned to buy him a bed or a toy or a Christmas dog costume. That's not really enough. You can give him something more precious than these. Yes... your time. Spend more time with him. Its the holiday season and you will be away from your work. Take him  on a long stroll, play fetch with him unleashed in a fenced area. Let him  jump around; Let him chase the ball; Let him run unleashed. There's no better way than this that you can make this Christmas really special for Rusty. He misses you year long. He hates your work and your office. He wants to be with you and play around. Make this Christmas a memorable episode in Rusty's life. Give him your special touch, and he will be more than happy.

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Let your German Shepherd Unwrap His Christmas Gift

Let your German Shepherd Unwrap His Christmas Gift! See how he reacts...

So, with Christmas approaching fast, aren't you wondering how to strike your beloved German Shepherd Dog with delightful Christmas surprise? If you are thinking Rover is not going to understand the real value for Christmas gift, you may not be wrong, but why not sprinkle the red, white and green grains of Christmas fun onto his life too?  Make him feel that its a special day that's different from the other days of the year. Its the day for love, fun and cookies!

The best Christmas gift that you can give your beloved German Shepherd Dog is the Christmas cookies for dogs! Another thing that I really liked this year is the Jingle Bell Collar for Dogs. For dog lover like you and me its been always a pleasure to see our dogs springing with fun. Taking him on a special walk can be a great fun for both of you. You can make this Christmas stroll more special. Yes... get a Santa Claus Dog Costumes for your German Shepherd, and he is surely going to look more handsome in that red and white Christmas dog costume.   

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How to Stack Your German Shepherd Dog

You have dropped by this blog because you have been looking form information about German Shepherd Dog. This post is about stacking a German Shepherd  - making a GSD stand in a pose that you often find in dog shows. German Shepherd Dog has a unique stack position that features one rear leg under the body and the other stretched backward, exactly contrary to the conventional "square stack", featuring parallel front and rear legs or "extended stacks". The question is how to correctly stack a German Shepherd Dog.

Stacking a German Shepherd Dog

 First off, I will suggest you not to try stacking your GSD on sleek or slippery floor. Rough floor is appreciable; grassy lawn is highly appreciable. My next suggestion in this regard is not to stack your GSD on over grown grassy field, because the grass will hide the dogs feet. A freshly trimmed ground is the best option that any German Shepherd guys would look for.Remember, a freshly trimmed ground works best for trotting German Shepherds as well.

Stacking German Shepherds is probably a bit more technical than other dog breeds that have conventional "square stacks". Start of with slightly tiring the dog by trotting him for a few moments. How much to trot him before making him stand in stacked position? That's really an appreciable question that any new GSD owner would like to know. Trot for a few minutes until his tongue hangs out. Please note that over tiring the dog will not yield you desired result. After the trot,walk him a bit to bring him to a normal stance.

The next step is making him stand in the desired pose - staking. Place your palm under his chest, lift him a few inches from the ground and gently release him, trying to place his front legs down vertically straight. Viewing right down the shoulder to make sure the front legs are perfectly straight and feet are not twisted outward, which is why I suggested freshly trimmed lawn that won't hide his feet.         

Don't remove your hand from under his chest; reach around the hind part of the dog and place your foot just under the dogs belly, in order to mark the position where his inside hind paw will be placed. Place the inner leg, i.e. the leg which is on your side, by gently pulling it to the mark - your foot-point.

Next step is to place the outer leg stretched backward. Gently stretch the outside legs backward and place it such that the hock is positioned exactly at right angle to the ground. It is not advisable to pull the leg back too far, as doing that the hock cannot be positioned straight, and that will be a faulty stack.

The whole process is quite tricky and you need to be immensely patient as the dog may repeatedly remove its hind leg that is placed inside - under the belly. Without being patient you cannot make a dog stack properly. Once your German Shepherd gets used to with the process, things will turn out to be a lot easier for both - you and your dog. A poorly stacked GSD will display a faulty anatomical view, even though he may have a very good structure. This is where the knowledge of staking German Shepherds properly comes to play a very vital role.

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Skin Problems in German Shepherd Dogs

What are the chief causes for skin problems in German Shepherd Dogs?

Most German Shepherd Dog owners, both newbies and even some of the old owners, arise this question. What are the major causes for skin problems in German Shepherd Dogs. Vets are oftens called for skin problems in German Shepherd Dogs and even re-occurrences of the skin problems in their GSD. German Shepherds are prone to skin problems more than some of the other dog breeds. So here's why?

• First cause includes heavy infestation of internal and/or external parasites.
• Second cause includes bacterial, yeast or fungal infections, causing severe hair fall and develop patches, redness, swelling and sores.
• Third cause includes fly bites and gnats that eventually cause hot spots on your German Shepherd's skin.
• Fourth cause includes extended time pass in water and/or in dirt
• Fifth cause includes thyroid
• Sixth cause includes allergies in certain foods, plants, grass or weeds
• Seventh cause insufficient nutrition. Nutritional deficiency cause dry skin and dermal ailments such as eczema, dry hair etc.
• Eighth cause Improper grooming, which is the most common cause of skin problems in most German Shepherd Dogs
• Ninth... Yes, nervous problems caused by insufficient stimulation can also be responsible for skin problems in many dog breeds including German Shepherds

Alike improper grooming and insufficient nutrition, allergy is amongst the commonest causes of skin problems in GSD breed. Dust mites, dirt, grass or grass seeds, pollen, weeds, fleas and parasites are the common allergens, that make the skin red and inflamed, with fur coming out in lumps. Certain common foods known to have allergic reactions on dogs are beef, raw eggs, cheese, milk, corn, soy, uncooked meat, spices, etc. Turmeric is good for skin. Adding little amount of vegetable oils in the dogs food while cooking may be a good option to prevent dry skin in German shepherds and other breeds.

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Intensive Hydrotherapy Session helped German Shepherd Puppy to Recover from Hip Displasia

A German Shepherd puppy "Fred", that has been suffering from severe joint pain and couldn't walk effortlessly has been put to intensive hydrotherapy session. Good news is that after having undergone a tenure of well planned hydrotherapy session, Fred is almost fit to join the training session to serve as a police dog.

Fred had been diagnosed with displastic hip at the age of 6 months. Vets and canine experts planned to to put poor little Fred in a course of swimming sessions. Fred has successfully passed his assessment test to start off with the training program with Devon and Cornwall Police in January, 2012.

"Fred's police dog career looked like it was over before it had begun but, following his hard work in the pool, he is now one of eight puppies about to begin their training as police dogs. Fred was literally thrown in at the deep end and has worked hard to ease his stiff joints and build up the muscles in his legs. There is now no reason why he won't go on to become a successful police dog, able to assist tracking missing people, locate stolen property, chase and detain suspects, and keep order in crowd control situations", said Sergeant Paul Glennon. So the future now looks really bright for Fred!

Fred, who is going to be a smart police German Shepherd Dog had initially joined the force through the Devon and Cornwall Police puppy schemes. He was taken care of by volunteer canine experts until he reached 12 months of age. A series of 13-weeks training course is awaiting ahead for Fred. The scheme has been highly successful, which literally created a demand for the willingness of puppy walkers, who are given practical dog training and special classes on "Dog Socialization" by the Dog Training School. All puppy walkers have to have a settled family background, a well secured garden and most importantly willingness to undertake daily exercise, grooming and care of the dogs.

Sergeant Glennon said: “In order to find the best people to look after our dogs we are looking for homes in Devon, Cornwall and even Somerset... What is most important is that we find the right people who have the time, patience and determination to give our dogs the best start in life... To help us give these dogs to get the best start to their training we need more walkers to come forward... Ideal applicants will have previous experience caring for dogs but what is most important to us is that they share our aim to produce a well-balanced, confident and social dog at the end of the year.”

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