German Shepherd

New Rescue German Shepherd Barking at Cats

How do you help a newly adopted dog that reacts to the resident cats?

They already have beautiful German Shepherd Dave and, a few days ago, another GSD, Lottie, joined the family.

The most immediate problem is that Lottie barks at cats – they have two that are used to freely coming and going. Now they are scared and Lottie is becoming increasingly reactive.

As she settles in, she behaves like she increasingly regards the cats as scary intruders. (more…)

By Theo Stewart, ago

Bored and Over-Excitable German Shepherd Looking for Trouble

Why does a young dog start jumping, grabbing clothes and causing chaos around the house?

German Shepherd Kerry is bored.

Bored German Shepherd

Kerry

Although it’s natural for adult dogs to sleep for up to eighteen hours a day, this is only so if the rest of the time is filled with stuff natural to the dog – and its breed. Sleep probably won’t be in long blocks of enforced inaction during the day, but dozing between doing other things.

Young dogs in particular need action and fulfilment (just like young humans) or they get bored.

Kerry is a beautiful eighteen-month-old German Shepherd living with another GSD, Lemmy, aged four. They are both gorgeous dogs with lovely, friendly basic temperaments.

Young Kerry, unfortunately, probably isn’t getting enough action in her life and she’s very easily aroused. I saw this by how the smallest thing results in her leaping at someone, me in this case – grabbing my clothes and even hair with her teeth. (more…)

By Theo Stewart, ago

Guard dog. Protective German Shepherd

I am sometimes contacted by people wanting to make their dog be a guard dog. These people aren’t happy because their friendly or fearful dog is useless at protecting them or their property. Training dogs to behave with aggression isn’t my bag at all. Taking the ‘guard’ out of the guard dog. I do Read more

By Theo Stewart, ago