How is everyone doing overall? How is your pup doing today? Also how did it start out when getting them the first time?

Okay me and my bf just got a Doberman German shepherd mix a month ago and the shedding is impeccable! I’ve never had a dog shed so so so soooo much, we have a chiweenie which sheds little. But I also know she only has one coat and our new pup has two plus winters coming, but how can I reduce her shedding? It’s so bad, I’d love any tips.

Update after two months of having her:

She actually sheds much less! Turns out The previous owners definitely did NOT brush her or even bathe her as they should, daily brushing and the furm shampoo and conditioner has worked wonders, she barely even sheds.

The first time we brushed her mounds of her would come off, I was mislead into thinking she she’d like crazy due to the lack of care of her coat from her previous owners. Thank you everyone for you replies.

So. I lost my 16½ yr old gsd mix in Feb. I said I couldn't do it again, unless she sent one to me. Long story short...I think she did. But. She was a mix, the pup is full blooded. Reading up on gsds a bit and I see for males you should wait for upwards of 2 years. Does the same apply to females? If so, what are the reasons? Sorry if I seem ignorant, I was always taught roughly 6 months/after their first heat to spay/neuter your pup. If there's health benefits to not doing so until later I don't want to make a mistake, you know? I have time to learn before I get her, she's just been born, and I'm so excited I can't sleep so I'm learning lol :) I don't know how I'm going to wait weeks!!...months! Before I bring her home lol. Anyway. Yeah. If there's something I need to know please feel free (but please be nice :) ) ...any training advice for them I'd take too lol. It's been 17 years since I've had a puppy to train I'm a bit...uh..old and rusty!

Hello!! So we have had our pup for 4 months on November 17th! We got her from the shelter and they said she was about a year old and was a hound lab mix, and we decided to do a DNA test on her and found out she is not a hound but a Chesapeake Bay lab, Labor retriever, and German shepherd mix with a bit of sprinkled breeds mixed in! She's surprisingly lazy for her breeds but she does tell me when she's bored/ wants to play! Is there anything like toy wise I can get her to use for when I can't play? (I'm currently going back to school to get a general degree in computer technology for an office job)she has other dogs living with us but they don't want to play all the time. She's extremely smart, we've taught her a few buttons but plan to teach her more! She also really likes to play at night sometimes and loves to go on walks so if there's anything there that would help tremendously thank you in advance!!!

Now that its getting dark SOOO early I am in need of some good night time walking gear for my girl - she's a GSD/Husky so she has a TON of fur - we have the Nite Ize LED collar but its kind of thin and just disappears in her fur -- so would love to see what everyone else is using!

We live in San Francisco so there's a ton of car traffic and I try to be safe but want to make sure that we can be seen or at least she can be more visible since she's closer to the ground. We had an incident with a woman trying to turn the corner and almost took her out bc she couldnt see her in her super lift SUV.

Hello. If you have lost a furry family member, you have my condolences. I'm trying to start a subreddit called, r/Rainbow_Bridge_Pets. If you could cross post your memorial posts to there, I'd appreciate it. Thank you.

My 18-month old GSD alerts on me whenever I sneeze. He comes over to me, makes eye contact, and pushes his head into my hand. I've been down with a cold all week and sneezing frequently. It's driving both of us crazy. Is this a GSD behavior?

We've never had any issues in the past. Ghost is an 11 mo GSD and as he was growing we had a medium harness that fit him well. He never shied away from it when we went to put it on. Now he's gotten big and we had to get a large one. I sized it to him but since we made the switch, anytime I get it out to take him on his walk (which we do twice a day) he backs up away from it like he's afraid of it?? He's never had it get him in the face or anything and no one would ever mistreat him in it so I don't know if it's the type of material or is he relating it to something? I don't want him to think he's being punished when I put it on because he loves walks but once it's on his tail no longer wags until we're outside and he's moved on from the moment. I genuinely feel like I'm ruining his day by putting it on but he cannot go for walks without it as we're still working on leash training, and he will pull and choke himself. I also like that it's a form of safety covering him if a dog does happen to get at him and I have the ability to grab the handle I ever need immediate control of him.

I've tried putting treats on it while its out and he'll come get them off it's just as soon as I pick it up and have him sit to put it on he scurries back.

Is it something I'm doing? Am I just overreacting about this?

Edit: I'm not worried about the leash training aspect. By we're working on it I mean my s/o and I are finding time to work on this with him not that he's struggling with it.

I recently (as in Saturday) adopted a German Shepherd. He's had not had the easiest life and has lived in a boarding kennel for the past 2-3 years. I think he's around 4-5 years old. This is also the first dog I've owned by myself (I grew up with dogs, but they were all either found running loose or adopted from the pound) So, here's my questions: Firstly, is there anything I should look out for? I've heard shepherds can get very attached to their owner and develop separation anxiety as well as being very protective. I don't know how his past situation could influence this versus his age. I don't want him to be so protective I can't let anyone come over to my apartment. So far he does seem to really like people. Secondly, should I look out for aggressive behavior with other dogs? When I got him, I introduced him to my parents dog, who is extremely dominant. My Shepherd did fine and they did not act aggressive towards each other. Now, as I've been walking him on a leash, he will growl and pull towards other dogs. His fur does not stand up when he does this. Is growling always aggressive or can it just be a form of vocalization? Also, any other advice is greatly appreciated. My main goal is to make his life better and get him healthy.

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My boy is 11 years old (working line GSD) and it’s just me and him at my new home. For the first 8 years of his life, we were in my parents’ house with multiple dogs and he was the least problematic out of all of them. He is very attached to those dogs but doesn’t tolerate other dogs, in that he has to bark at every dog when we go on walks. With people and dogs, he’s fine once he is introduced to them and will never bark at someone he already knows. He has anxiety but we have a very consistent routine and that keeps him calm. He has hip dysplasia since a year and he’s on medication for that but it hasn’t affected his quality of life much. He seems the most relaxed and content when it’s just me and him and while he enjoys going to my parents’ house, he’s always happy to leave and come back home. I know I want dogs all my life but I don’t know whether to get another dog in his senior years and he might enjoy the company like he did when he was younger or give him my undivided attention.

My boy is 11 years old (working line GSD) and it’s just me and him at my new home. For the first 8 years of his life, we were in my parents’ house with multiple dogs and he was the least problematic out of all of them. He is very attached to those dogs but doesn’t tolerate other dogs, in that he has to bark at every dog when we go on walks. With people and dogs, he’s fine once he is introduced to them and will never bark at someone he already knows. He has anxiety but we have a very consistent routine and that keeps him calm. He has hip dysplasia since a year and he’s on medication for that but it hasn’t affected his quality of life much. He seems the most relaxed and content when it’s just me and him and while he enjoys going to my parents’ house, he’s always happy to leave and come back home. I know I want dogs all my life but I don’t know whether to get another dog in his senior years and he might enjoy the company like he did when he was younger or give him my undivided attention.

Curious why both subs exist? It seems one combined community would be more beneficial.

Hello! I have a 6 month old puppy and recently her trainer talked about muzzle training. I’d like to start conditioning her to a muzzle. I can see it being helpful for vet visits (she has nipped at the vet before) There are so many options out there I’m not sure what’s best. Anyone have any suggestions?

I have a purebred 13 week old GSD named Coco. I have hired a trainer to help me train her to stop biting me so hard (she has drawn blood and just clamps down no matter what I do) and to help me stop her from coming after my 7 year old. I have to keep them separated majority of the time otherwise she is nipping at my daughter thinking she is a littermate wanting to play.

No matter what I do with this dog when I correct her she gets very mad and comes after me with full force. I have tried to leash correct her and she gets pissed off and comes after me. I have tried positive reinforcement but when I correct her she comes after me still. I have tried,.per my trainers suggestion not mine, a shake bottle but again she comes after me afterwards.

She is definitely an Alpha or tries to be. My husband just lets her do whatever and she is very sweet and loving towards him. I think maybe all the corrections have made her believe I am aggressive or something I'm not sure.

I have scars and puncture marks all up and down my arms and hands from her. I don't mind the biting except when she bites so hard she punctures my skin and my daughters. She doesn't really bite my husband too much.

Does anyone have any training tips that I can use for her? Or a way I can build a bond with her? I know deep down she is a very sweet and good dog. I'm just having issues with her being aggressive towards me and I want to nip this in the bud before she gets bigger and I will be forced to rehome her.

For many years I had two female GSDs together. Since they were seven weeks old. Never had any issues.

Older girl was very mellow, but also the alpha. Very low drive in other ways though. Younger female is actually GSD x malinois cross, high drive, does Schutzhund with me, and goes everywhere.

When the younger girl was 4 years old, my now ex boyfriend convinced me he could watch them for a week while I was gone on a work trip. He decided to feed them out of the same bowl. On day 4 there was a dog fight, he didn’t know how to break it up, amped her up even more with essentially stick hits, and she almost killed my older female. Sutures to the neck later, and they recovered, but I could never forget the sound of that dog fight through a phone call 2000 miles away, and I never trusted them together without my younger girl being in her basket muzzle. The older girl had just begun to show signs of DM when the fight happened (subtle enough I didn’t know yet, but would become apparent a few months later). I think my younger girl knew.

Anyways, fast forward many titles, trials, half marathons, backpacking trips later, and my once young girl is now getting up there. She’s a really great dog—super social, great drive but easy to live with, and I didn’t want that to die with her. I really wanted a male puppy of hers to raise with her, and to be my next sport dog.

I bred her with an amazingly social and stable malinois in august via TCI. I’ve spent thousands and thousands of dollars. I’ve prayed every night.

Her two puppies were delivered yesterday and they’re both females, and I don’t know why I’m so devastated. I wanted to keep a puppy so bad and now I’m so scared. I did all of this to keep a puppy and now I’m terrified.

Can someone please tell me that not every female/female pairing fights? Especially if mother and daughter?

My dog lived with an intact female French bulldog for a year when she was 3, and they never fought.

Hi, I have been fascinated with GSDs all my life and now that I have started earning a decent amount, I want to buy a pure WGSL Stock Coat ( Black and Red) male puppy from a reputed breeder. It will be a family dog + companion for morning runs and occasional hikes. I am ok with waiting for 1 or 2 years so that I get pick of the litter from a reputed breeder.

I have less experience with a GSd however my wife has raised one GSD and one mutt dog so far. We both are in early 30s and are physically active.

I am considering below points. I am ready to wait Please check and let me know if I missed anything.

Kennel -

1. Kennel should have German SV registration and follow those guidelines as it is better than AKC standards. Kennel should be specialized in GSD and should not have any other gS
2. Pedigree must have at least 3 previous generations details and all 3 generations dogs must have proper IGP and IPO certifications with VA or V ratings.
3. Both Sire and Dam should be Schutzand participants with some good ranks along with IGP and IPO certifications.
4. Both Sire and Dam must have excellent hip ratings ( A1- normal or excellent)
5. Both Sire and Dam must have proper and recent genetic disease proof certificate from OFA or SV.
6. Both Sire and Dam must have KKL1 breeding ratings and Dam must not be bred more than once per year.

Litter and Puppy-

1. Litter size must not be bigger than 8.
2. I should get pick of the litter. Want to buy the biggest male puppy which is not very dominant or bully in nature and has a laid back and curious attitudes.
3. Puppy should be at least 10 weeks old.
4. Temperament test should be done before I can select the puppy so that I can get one with correct temperament.
5. Proper socialization should already be done for the puppy.

Please check if there is anything else I need to consider. I want to buy the puppy either in USA or in India. Please recommend any good kennels where I can get it.

Budget - 3.5k - 5k USD

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My bf and I have a 11 month old male purebred GSD. Hyper little maniac and we've had the convo on when to get him neutered. Everything I've read is basically about 2 year mark for males to ensure they're done growing, which I'm all for. The thing is, my boyfriend has it in his head that he'd really like to breed him (money incentive). This doesn't seem appealing to me as on a personal note, it just seems like an ick thing to do, get a dog just to breed it for money. He's told me before that he understands my thoughts on it and is okay not breeding but I'd just like to know our pros and cons here. I know some dogs can get more territorial without being neutered and there are behavior changes. What are your thoughts?

Edit: Thank you for your comments. Our ignorance on the topic is honestly disgraceful. We will NOT be breeding. It makes me sick even reading some of these about how many dogs are out there right now still looking for homes or will never get them.

I recently got a 9 week old female German shepherd and was wondering if anyone had tips on literally anything on how to take care of her? How long should I walk her? Can she sleep alone in her crate?

So my family are proud owners of 5 GSDs. We got them all as puppies, but at different times. We had really good luck with the Farm & Fleet Performance and Tractor Supplies Retreiver dog foods. That was until recently. The past few months I am just getting mud piles from all 5 when they have their movements.

Looking for affordable recommendations for a different dog food so that we get some more solid movements, while providing them the vital things they need. Please help!

I am looking into a GSD as a service dog and sport dog. I want a dog that can do service work, but also sports like dock diving, obedience and Bikejoring. I also want a dog I can do junior conformation with but breed or line doesn’t matter since it is junior. I would love a working line, but I’m not sure I can handle the energy and drive.

Anyways, my question is, does anyone have a showline German shepherd that does sports or other forms of work? Would you recommend a working line instead?

Those who own working lines, would you say the energy and drive could be more manageable than it is made out to be? I want a dog with a good amount of both, just not too much to handle.

EDIT: After seeing some replies, I feel like I should specify some things. I am not planning on doing any of these sports professionally at any capacity. I will simply be doing them as an outlet and for fun. My dog will not be doing bitework or anything of the sort. Simply a service dog who does a few sports on the side, nothing extravagant. I am just looking for experiences or opinions from those who have owned the breed or have knowledge in the breed about the working ability of showlines. Thank you to those who have answered my question <3

lately my 5 month old pup (we’ve had him for only 2 months) barks non stop in his crate whenever I’m just sitting on the couch, but is quiet once I leave the room. I’ve tried covering the crate (he pulls the sheet/blankets in), saying commands in a deeper voice, moving his crate to another room and he still barks non stop unfortunately (I think he has FOMO). He’s quiet whenever I leave the room completely, and is quiet for my husband whenever he’s home, but is not for me. Any advice on what I should do? 🙃

The VEO community (English-speaking) is very small and I have seen people talk about them here and there in this community, so here I am! ^^ I know they are separate breeds, but those who know VEOs usually also adore GSDs; I figured I could find some good insight here. Basically, I (19F) desperately want a VEO in the future. He’d be a pet but I would most definitely have jobs for him to keep him busy. No plans of making him a PPD as the process is too expensive/complex, and VEOs are not the best breed for this compared to a GSD or Mal. His presence alone would be a great deterrent. I have a lot of plans to keep him healthy and happy.

I've been researching VEOs for a few years now but I've caught a dead-end when it comes to English sources/sources I can find coherent translations of, mostly from Deutsche, Russian, and Ukrainian. I stopped after hitting this wall, after only being able to talk with one breeder in my country (US), and then her having to unfortunately close her kennel's doors due to personal life stuff. Now I wanna start my research again because I don't feel I know enough and I'd rather figure most of it out years in advance. (Obviously, there's stuff I'll only be able to know once the puppy is with me)

I briefly owned an APBT mix in middle school, before my parents got rid of her which sucked. I made sure she had food and water, and I walked and bathed her. Played and cuddled a bunch. She was my responsibility. This is my only experience owning a dog. I have spent time with my extended family’s dogs, however. Mostly medium-sized supermutts, Shih Tzus, and Labs. I have no experience with training so I’ll get some hands-on experience beforehand and have a trainer picked out for the puppy once I am prepared for his arrival, one that knows their way around larger, guardian breeds. I’ve heard VEOs are like LGDs in GSD skin. I’ll make sure to inform all trainers and vets of this.

I wanna know any and all tips, warnings, suggestions, pieces of advice, sources, anything you might have for me. What are important things to keep in mind? What might you say is different from raising another puppy compared to a VEO, anything that might set them apart greatly? I know that early and consistent socialization is a must for them. I am very set on this breed and have been for a few years after researching dozens upon dozens of dogs. I’ve tried to talk myself into other breeds, breeds people recommend as super easy, as my first, but I just can’t stop returning to the VEO. I know I’ll have to wait longer and learn more to prepare for a VEO puppy than if I got a GSD, but I love them so much I’m willing. I could save up for an European import, but I’d love it if I could get one from North America if there is a breeder I’m somehow unaware of. All I know of nearby is RMD and I have been seriously considering them if I can't find a proper US one. AMA!

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