5 concerns With A German Shepherd owner
“5 concern Friday” is a new function on that Mutt where I interview authors, trainers, veterinarians, blog writers as well as others who work with dogs. It’s a method to share different opinions as well as experiences. If you would like to be featured, please email Lindsay@ThatMutt.com.
KL is a longtime visitor of That Mutt who has a German shepherd dog. KL trains her canine in obedience as well as nose work for fun, as well as she is likewise a volunteer with a German Shepherd rescue.
Here were my 5 concerns for KL:
That Mutt: What are a few of the reasons why you chose to get a German shepherd?
KL: The typical reasons, brains, loyalty, beauty. My hubby traveled for work, as well as I desired a big canine with me. GSDs are tough as well as athletic as well as able to endure climate extremes as well as an active lifestyle.
But the most significant reason is the part of the breed basic that requires the canine to possess “a specific aloofness that does not lend itself to instant as well as indiscriminate friendships.”
They’re reserved as well as discerning; you will work for a deep connection with your German Shepherd, as well as I truly respect that.
To paraphrase Jane Austen, their great viewpoint is seldom bestowed as well as for that reason much more worth the earning. when you do, you have a buddy for life. There is just no other canine rather like them.
TM: What suggestions would you provide to a first-time shepherd owner?
KL: I might go into a number of posts’ worth of advice, however my huge ones would be:
a) Do your research. discover as much about the breed as you can. try to reach out to regional breed clubs or IPO (schutzhund) clubs if possible, get to understand some owners as well as breeders as well as observe some dogs. discover the pros as well as cons of the different line types as well as of the breed in general. This will take time, however it’s well worth it.
b) choose why you want the dog. The German Shepherd is a extremely flexible breed, as well as the result is different breeders concentrating on different things.
The many apparent example would be show lines vs working lines. Within a provided line type, you will discover breeders specializing in areas like IPO or herding or showing or browse as well as rescue.
If you can articulate what you want from your canine as well as interact that to your breeder or rescue, you stand a much much better possibility of getting the canine that’s best for you.
c) discover a good, resourceful fitness instructor who has experience with the breed. These are extremely intelligent, believing dogs, as well as that is both the very best thing as well as the most difficult thing about them!
A wise fitness instructor who is prepared to open up the toolbox as well as assist you tailor your method to your canine is worth her weight in gold.
TM: What guidance would you provide for anybody thinking about starting nose work training with their puppy or dog?
KL: There are a number of different governing bodies for nose work/scent work, however begin with the national association of Canine Scent work (nacsw.net). NACSW is an outstanding resource for information on the sport as well as exactly how to discover an trainer in your area.
I motivate anybody who is interested to look into it. It is a great method to bond with your dog, as well as you will discover a great deal about them.
A zabav sa!
My trainer reminds everybody before every trial or odor recognition test to have a great time since today is one more day to have fun with your dog.
TM: Does your canine sleep in your bed?
KL: She’s allowed, however she has staked her insurance claim on my huge leather chair, as well as many nights she can be discovered snoozing in that!
TM: Is there anything you’d like to state to That Mutt’s readers?
KL: have a fantastic weekend as well as pleased Thanksgiving! delight in a long time with your dogs!
Thank you, KL!
If anybody has any type of concerns for her about German shepherds, please leave them in the comments.
Posts KL has written for That Mutt:
What do great breeders as well as great rescues have in common?
Do you have a breed people tend to be scared of?
If you would like to be featured in an upcoming “5 concern Friday” post, email Lindsay@ThatMutt.com
Recent interviews:
Trainer as well as author Marc Goldberg
Blogger Puppy in Training