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What makes a German shepherd such a high-maintenance dog?
Shepherds are companion animals due to their intellect, appearance, and loyalty, but they are not for everyone. Although German shepherds are not the most high-maintenance breed, they do have a few characteristics that make them require a little more time and energy than other dogs. In terms of obedience training and acclimating to families, German Shepherds are rather simple canines.
German shepherds are known for their bravery and intelligence. Because of their bold nature, they require a lot of training and socializing. To avoid any potentially dangerous situations, your German shepherd must be comfortable among other dogs and humans, particularly youngsters.
A German Shepherd is also known for being playful. This breed can and will play for hours, exhausting itself. Prey’s drive is strong in German shepherds. This implies they enjoy a good chase and are tenacious when they are involved in one. Playing fetch with a German shepherd is a terrific method for them to release some energy and train their chasing instinct.
German Shepherd Dogs, on the other hand, require more attention and effort in terms of grooming, exercise, and behavioral issues in order to mature into healthy and well-adjusted adult dogs.
Few Tips on German Shepherd High Maintenance
- Health Maintenance Challenge
Despite their powerful frame and manly nature, German Shepherds are prone to health problems as they age. Although German shepherds are normally more active and hardy dogs, there is a long list of issues to watch out for in older ones. Shepherds are prone to hip and elbow dysplasia due to inbreeding and the breed’s size and activity level. These are joint abnormalities that are frequent in many large breeds, but particularly in shepherds.
As a result, only a few members of this species may live a life free of the aforementioned condition. Degenerative myelopathy is another common health risk in German Shepherds. It’s essentially a degenerative spinal cord condition that affects older canines.
- Grooming maintenance
The fur of a German shepherd will never be longer than medium length. To avoid knots and filth in their fur, German shepherds require daily cleaning and grooming. Their coat is thick, which helps to keep them warm throughout the cold months.
German Shepherds are naturally clean and odorless dogs. Bathing, brushing, and shedding control are all grooming requirements. It should be sufficient to bathe them once every three months. Remember to use shampoo made specifically for dogs to avoid irritants and skin problems.
- Exercise Maintenance
Excessive barking, gnawing of household goods, and even hostility might result from a German shepherd’s lack of exercise. This breed should be active for at least two hours per day. This time could be spent doing anything from walking and jogging to fetch or other off-leash activities. Exercise and playing on a regular basis are essential for keeping a shepherd healthy, happy, and well-behaved.
Rather than trying to accomplish two hours of activity in one sitting, it’s ideal to spread your dog’s exercise throughout the day. You may spend quality time with your pet while still ensuring that her exercise requirements are met. Exercising your German Shepherd puppy too much might damage its joint and bone development, as well as cause health problems in the future. Be careful with the way you handle this.
- Dietary Maintenance
A German shepherd should be fed a high-quality, protein-rich diet that includes all of the essential fats, vitamins, carbs, and calories. Your German Shepherd requires a balanced diet to maintain a robust, energetic, and athletic nature. A nutrient-dense diet with a high protein level. In an adult Shepherd’s diet, at least 22% protein is suggested.
Fat is another essential nutrient for Shepherds. Excess fat, on the other hand, can make them obese, and limiting fat can cause skin problems in Shepherds. German Shepherds are carnivores that need a high-protein diet to stay in shape. Proteins assist the body in a variety of ways. Protein aids in the formation and repair of cells and body tissues, as well as the immune system.
- Training and Mental Stimulation
Because of their obedient attitudes, German Shepherds are relatively easy to train. Their clinging nature, on the other hand, makes training them simple. Because they adore their owners, they frequently obey all of the instructions and commands that are given to them. Shepherds will pay attention to you and follow your orders. They will never give you a hard time in public, unlike some other dog breeds.
The most difficult task a German Shepherd owner faces is ensuring their physical and mental stimulation. German Shepherds were never intended to be house dogs, and they will struggle if confined. When you own a German Shepherd, you must provide not only physical but also cerebral stimulation.
German Shepherds are not high-maintenance dogs, but they do require some maintenance in order to have a happy and healthy life.
