If you own a German Shepherd or you are doing research about this dog breed, there are a handful of things you need to know before you get one. We have seen a lot of people get GSDs and they never make the most out of the dogs or become frustrated about them. Usually, there are two reasons: they do not know what owning a German Shepherd entails and if they do aren’t willing to do it. So, in this article, we have discussed 13 things you must never do to your German Shepherd if you are going to get the best out of the dog.
This article is important whether you already own a GSD or not. it will help you realize where you are missing with your GSD and what things you should avoid. Without further ado, let’s get into it.
These are 13 Things You Must Never Do To Your German Shepherd
The following are some of the things we appeal to GSD owners to never do to their dogs:
- Miss vet appointments
- Neglect dental care
- Keep their GSD in a car
- Hit the dog
- Ignore flea treatment
- Overfeeding the GSD
- Giving them dangerous human food
- Leaving it alone for more than six hours
- Ignoring its physical needs
- Bathing it too frequently
- Shaving its fur
- Not meeting its mental stimulation needs
- Using crates to punish it
Missing Vet Appointments
Your German Shepherd dog is going to need to attend all its vet appointments. This is because regular check-ups are crucial for monitoring its health, addressing any potential issues, and ensuring they receive necessary vaccinations and preventive care.
When you intentionally miss vet visits or fail to take your German Shepherd to see the vet once you notice signs of illnesses, you are deliberately causing harm to your furry friend. Hence, it is important to always see a vet to check your GSD.
Neglecting Dental Care
Adequate dental care is necessary to keep your dog from developing dental health issues. These issues affect the teeth and in some cases, generate discomfort for your dog. It is your duty to ensure your dog gets adequate dental care.
They cannot handle their oral hygiene themselves. So, this is something you’ll have to do for them.
Keeping Your GSD in a Car
Keeping a German Shepherd in a car for extended periods should be avoided at all costs. Dogs can quickly overheat and suffer from heatstroke, causing severe harm or even death. It is essential to prioritize their safety and well-being by providing them with a suitable and comfortable environment.
Hitting the Dog
Physical and verbal abuse should never be inflicted upon any animal, including German Shepherds. Hitting a dog not only causes physical harm but also damages their trust and can lead to behavioral issues. Positive reinforcement and gentle training methods are far more effective and promote a strong bond between the dog and its owner.
Ignoring Flea Treatment
Flea treatment is vital for the overall health of your German Shepherd. Ignoring this responsibility can lead to infestations, discomfort, and potential transmission of diseases. Regularly administering flea prevention is a simple yet crucial step in ensuring their well-being.
Overfeeding the GSD
Maintaining a healthy weight is crucial for a German Shepherd’s overall health. Overfeeding can lead to obesity, which puts strain on their joints and organs. Providing a balanced diet and appropriate portion sizes will help keep them fit and active.
Giving the Dog Dangerous Human Food
While sharing food can be tempting, it is important to refrain from giving dangerous human food to your German Shepherd. Certain foods, such as chocolate, grapes, onions, and avocados, can be toxic and potentially fatal to dogs. Stick to a nutritious diet formulated specifically for their needs.
Leaving it Alone for More Than Six Hours
German Shepherds thrive on companionship and should not be left alone for extended periods, especially beyond six hours. Loneliness can lead to boredom and anxiety, potentially resulting in destructive behaviors.
Ignoring Its Physical Needs
Meeting their physical needs, such as exercise and regular walks, is crucial for a German Shepherd’s overall health. Neglecting these needs can lead to obesity, restlessness, and behavioral problems. Engaging in daily exercise routines tailored to their energy levels is key.
Bathing It Too Frequently
Bathing a German Shepherd too frequently can strip their coat of essential oils, leading to dry skin and irritation. It is recommended to follow a bathing schedule that aligns with their specific coat type and consult a professional groomer for guidance.
Shaving Its Fur
Shaving a German Shepherd’s fur should be avoided unless advised by a veterinarian for medical reasons. Their double coat serves as insulation, protecting them from both cold and heat. Altering their coat can disrupt their natural temperature regulation.
Not Meeting Its Mental Stimulation Needs
Neglecting their mental stimulation needs can result in boredom, restlessness, and potentially destructive behaviors. German Shepherds have a natural instinct for work and problem-solving, stemming from their history as herding and working dogs. To keep their minds sharp and satisfied, it’s crucial to provide them with various mental exercises and activities.
Using Crates to Punish It
Lastly, crates should never be used as a form of punishment. Crates should serve as safe and comfortable spaces for a German Shepherd, providing them with a sense of security and a place to retreat to when needed. Using crates as punishment can create fear and anxiety, which is detrimental to their well-being.
Final Thoughts on Things You Must Never Do To Your German Shepherd
If you want to get the best out of your GSD, you have to be prepared to put in a level of work. German Shepherds are not for lazy and nonchalant parents. They can be whatever you want them to be provided you do what you need to do. I am optimistic that by reading this article you have learned a thing or not about GSDs. If you are defaulting in any of the points discussed, it is high time you made amends.
Ole Dog House began in 2000 and was officially incorporated in 2004, strengthened by a technical partnership with Samantha Straub of Von Der Burg Loisenthal Kennels in South Africa. Over the past two and a half decades, our kennel has established itself as a leader in Nigeria’s canine industry, producing top-quality German Shepherd Dogs that strictly adhere to WUSV standards.
We are proud members of WUSV, the German Shepherd Dog Federation of South Africa, and the International Society for the Preservation and Advancement of the East German Shepherd Dog. Our commitment to excellence has taken us to GSD specialty shows and elite kennels across South Africa, Europe, and the Americas, expanding our knowledge and refining our breeding practices.
At Ole Dog House, our mission is to nurture a community of ethical breeders and passionate dog enthusiasts who are committed to preserving the integrity of the German Shepherd breed. Whether you are an experienced breeder, a first-time owner, or simply an admirer of this exceptional breed, we are here to provide valuable insights and expert guidance.
Thank you for visiting OleDogHouse.com—your trusted source for all things German Shepherd. Welcome to a world where excellence and passion for the breed unite!
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