So, if you own a German Shepherd, have you ever noticed that your dog quite often puts a paw on you? Have you ever wondered why it does something like this? The truth is, a dog is just like us humans. Whenever they wish to give out signals or wish to communicate something, they do something peculiar. Now, this something often puts us in a puddle where we start to think about what the dog is trying to communicate.

So, if you too are in a similar quandary, then, let’s decode what this sign means.

Puttin A Paw- A Common German Shepherd Bheaviour

If your German Shepherd is putting its paw on you, it could mean anything! From feeling hungry to demanding attention to declaring dominance. Putting a paw on the owner could mean a ton of things.

It is extremely important for all dog parents to understand that dogs are not capable of communicating just like we humans do. So it becomes important to read out signs and signals. One of them is when your German Shepherd Dog puts his paw on you.

For your knowledge, this is a super common behavior pattern of a German Shepherd. But if you are trying to interpret answers for it, let us tell you, they could be many!

Why Does My German Shepherd Put His Paw On Me? Various Reasons

Each of the different behavior patterns of a German Shepherd will come with its set of clues, and putting a paw on the dog parent is no different. If your German Shepherd puts a paw on you, it could mean any of these things –

Your German Shepherd Is Hungry

If your German Shepherd is putting a paw on you, it might be signaling that it has an empty stomach, and that is something that is bothering them. Wanting food could be one reason why a German Shepherd would put its paw on you.

It Needs Your Attention

Dog parents love their fur babies, and that is why they need so much attention. However, there could be times where they could be feeling very attention deprived, and these are the times when they express this deprivation by putting a paw on you.

If this is the reason, try and give them more attention during the day, and figure out if this really is the reason for this behavioral pattern.

Feeling Insecure Or Frightened

Although German Shepherds are robust creatures who do not get scared or insecure easily. However, the feeling of insecurity might sink in. Putting a paw on you might give it comfort, and that could be the reason why it is doing so. This could happen when they are ill, or when they are sensing a tense situation.

It Want Physical Activity Or Exercise

German Shepherds need a lot of exercise throughout the day. If they are not getting enough exercise, or if they are demanding more, their body can give out signals which can come in the form of this. Therefore, always make sure to give your GSD ample exercise during the day.

You’re The Boss or They’re the Boss

German Shepherd are generally extremely muscular and independent dogs. However, they love their owners and their families way too much. Hence, they might show submission by putting a paw on the parent.

However, this could also mean quite the opposite. This might also be their way of showing dominance to their family members.

Should You Allow It?

German Shepherds are intelligent dogs. While the occasional pawing could be an aw moment, but dog parents must watch out before this becomes an annoying habit. Putting an end to this tough habit can be quite tricky. So it is always better to control these behavior patterns well in advance.

This is for the simple reason that whenever your German Shepherd is doing something like this, it is asking for immediate attention. It could be for anything- food, water, attention, or even feeling discomfort. If you begin to cater to all their needs as soon as they ask for it, it becomes behavior and a practice, and you definitely would not want that.

Hence, stopping the pawing and rectifying this behavior becomes a necessity if you wish to keep bad habits far away from your German Shepherd.

Our Verdict

We all simply adore it when our dogs put their paws on us. This could be their way of signaling something that they have been trying to communicate. Right from wanting food, to attention to even indicating a physical discomfort, all pet parents should try to comprehend this behavior.

It is best to notice it time and again, and understand what the German Shepherd is trying to communicate. However, you should also make sure that this never becomes a regular activity, as it can become a situation of crisis for you.

The post Why Does My German Shepherd Put Its Paw On Me? appeared first on Purrfect Paws.

Yes, you have guessed that right!

It is the privilege to serve in the man-dog K9 teams of the police department that really makes these few special German shepherds stand out from the rest.

About the K9

K9 are the police office-dog special units in the police departments that are aimed at employing the canine superpowers of outstanding olfactory sense as well as their trailblazing speed to fight crime and restore justice in society. Interestingly K9 is derived from the English and French word canine (CA-NINE) and their usage dates back to the early 1940s.

Now that we have got you all wound up, here are a few insider notes on how police train their German shepherd dogs:

Selection of the Fittest

I am sure you must be aware of Darwin’s theory of survival of the fittest and his theory of ‘Natural selection’.

The Police department works on the same principle. It selects the best pups among the German shepherds who show early signs of being an athletic genius among its various breeds.

German shepherds are one of the most popular dogs selected by the police department, although they do have competition from Belgian Malinois and the Bloodhound.              

German shepherd pups who display extraordinary intelligence, agility, and control are handpicked to form a part of the batch of student pups that undergo training at the police academy. Although most of them manage to pass with flying colors, a few pups are known to flunk the police examination, in case they get too complacent. It’s our nation’s security that we are talking about, after all!

The selection procedure is taken so seriously that specific breeders are often zeroed down to provide their German Shepherd pups for police service. Also, GSD pups from European breeders are highly considered for this purpose as compared to those of American descent. This is probably because the training certification for German shepherd dogs in Europe is of high credibility.

 The pups are selected and ready to undergo training by the time they are 8 weeks old.

Socialization

Early socialization of German shepherd dogs is very important so that they learn not to perceive everything and everyone as a threat.

One of the criteria for choosing German shepherds for police work is that they should show ample aggression. This is the reason why male German shepherd dogs are preferred and why they are mostly left unneutered.

However, reigning in this aggression is equally important. It may otherwise cause heavy damage to civilian life and property.

The police dog must be able to handle crowds without getting too aggressive. It is thus required that dog is exposed to multiple people and situations so that he does not lose his head easily.

It is also very important that the dog forms an inseparable bond with the human officer assigned to him.  The police officers and the German shepherd dogs assigned to them have to stay together 24X7, 7days a week. The efficiency of the combined K9 unit is thus based on the work chemistry between its two individual units.

Only the best of officers are honored with a position in the K9 unit. The bond between the two is held so significantly that in some countries, the dog gets to stay with his officer even post-retirement.

Thus, early socialization of the German shepherd dog can help him in forming a close bond with his officer in the later stages.

Obedience Training

This is probably one of the most important parts of German shepherd training for police purposes.

The German shepherd dog should be able to follow the exact commands of his officer all the time. This requires rigorous training and repetition.

 This has to be accompanied by positive reinforcement in form of his favorite snacks and treats every time he gets the command right. A loud cry of encouragement or a high five can also do the trick.  And you definitely have to keep the weight in check. After all, it’s a police dog, not your average Joe German shepherd.

Bark Training

Among the various training processes, Bark training is of huge significance for a German shepherd dog that is to be inducted into the services.

The dogs often use their barking to raise the alarm when danger is approaching. It can also be used to intimidate a stranger. The officer should thus be able to control the barking of his dog as and when required. The ‘Speak and Quiet’ method is a good barking training technique.

Speak and Quiet method

In the method, you have to forcefully give the ‘speak’ command to your dog. You have to then give him a treat every time he barks on your command. Do not give him the treat if he barks earlier or later than your command. Similarly, give the ‘Quiet’ command loudly when you want him to stop barking. Likewise, follow it up with a treat for correct behavior.

Here is a myth buster for you!  Many people believe that the commands are spoken in a code language so that the dog and officer have a secret channel of communication between them while being under attack by an invader.

However, this is far from the truth. As mentioned, many police German shepherds undergo training in European countries and thus, learn their basic commands in a foreign tongue. It is just easier to continue with the terminology rather than retrain the dog in English!

Specialized Training

German shepherd dogs of course have to undergo rigorous physical training if they aspire for a career in the police. These include jumping a six feet fence and strenuous running. Apart from that, they also undergo specialized training in scent tracking and bomb detection.

Police German shepherd dogs are sometimes specifically earmarked for drug tracking or bomb detection, although all of them are expected to have basic know-how in this matter.

The Scent Training

The scent training basically revolves around getting the dog to associate the scent of his favorite toys with those of drugs.

The trainer starts with playing with the dog with a toy until the dog gets used to it. He then starts rubbing the toys with various drugs and continues with the playtime.

Finally, he starts hiding the toy in various places. The dog then tries to sniff his favorite toy out and is rewarded when he accomplishes this task.

The procedure is repeated several times and the complexity of the task is slowly increased. But not to worry, our canine friend has a scent of smell that is fifty times stronger than his human companion and he can scan an area faster than ten police officers working together.

Active and Passive Alert

The German shepherd dog is also taught Active and Passive methods to alert their officers. The active ones include barking and digging in heals while tracing a drug. The passive ones may involve sitting or standing straight while picking the intended scent. You sure don’t want your German shepherd’s foot to mess up a wire with too much active posturing if there is a hidden bomb in question!

Summing Up,

The level of training these German shepherds have to go to become our canine protectors is commendable. A civilian dog owner cannot achieve the same level of expertise because the police training is filled with a curriculum filled with nuances and technicalities to get the German Shepherd battle-ready.

However, a few pointers from here and there can help us better our training methodologies with our German shepherd. This is especially true if we want them to train them specifically to be guarding dogs.

On an end note, let us tell you about the most famous police dog who later become a huge movie star and featured in more than 200 motion pictures-Rin Tin Tin. Guess, the police training does have more than one uses!

The post How Do Police Train Their German Shepherds: A few insider notes on the K9 appeared first on Purrfect Paws.

German shepherds are a delight when they are allowed to run around freely and chase the wind. However, you do not want them to get too far away from your circle of vision. This is where the magic of the invisible fences comes into play.

They are way cheaper than getting actual fencing, are easier put in place, and are far lower maintenance. Not to mention the fact, that their invisibility gives them that “blends-with-the-nature” kind of aesthetic appeal!!

There are, however, a few variables that need to be given due consideration while selecting an invisible fence for your German shepherd dog like the coverage area, the ease of placing it as well as the collar size and comfort for your dog.

Keeping all this and more in mind, we have selected the best invisible fences that are in business right now:

Popular Invisible Fences For German Shepherds

1. Pet safe Wireless Dog Containment System

It is a wireless fence system that creates a circular barrier of half-acre coverage and saves you from the hassle of underground wiring to create an invisible fence.

It has a simple setup that can be put in place in a few hours. Also unlike traditional fences, it has a static-free re-entry setup, that allows your German shepherd for re-entering the premises without the fear of receiving a re-entry shock.

It has a sound-only training mode and five levels of static on the receiver collar. Any number of collars can be added to the invisible fence and hence multiple dogs can be trained with the same fence system.

The collar is also waterproof that can be used for German shepherds that are eight pounds or above and can fit neck sizes 6 to 28 inches.

2. Extreme Dog Fence- Second Generation-2020

This Second Generation Extreme Dog Fence can cover up to 6 acres. It is an in-ground system and can be covered underground up to 10 feet deep. It, thus, lives up to its name of being a truly waterproof system.

The dog collar used in this Extreme dog fence version is also very light and is also truly waterproof and weather resistant.

It comes complete with sets of training flags and splice kits. It has been honored with the 29th position in Amazon’s bestseller list of dog invisible fences.

3. Pet safe Stay and Play Compact Wireless Fence

This is another great Pet Safe wireless, above the ground fence system. It comes with an added advantage of even greater coverage of 3/4^th of an acre.

Its star feature, that is standout, however, is its ‘Stay and Play’ Mode. This has a tone-only setting and can be used if you do not wish to shock the dog to prohibit him from moving out of the designated area.

This is a feature customized for German Shepherd owners who are soft-hearted and cannot bear the thought of using shock on the canine love of their life.

However, sometimes tough love is the need of the hour. In such scenarios, this fence does not leave you shorthanded. It provides you with an option of five levels of static correction in case your GSD proves to be a little troublesome in staying within the boundaries.

Along with your GSD, this invisible fence can also be used for smaller breeds of five pounds and above. This product holds the seventh position in Amazon’s bestseller list of best wireless dog fences.

4. Sport DOG Brand In-Ground Invisible Fence

It has an in-ground wiring system, which means the wire has to be dug in the underground, as a circumference around your yard. This might be a tedious task at first, but henceforth it is pretty low maintenance. However; the main highlight of this product is that it has a longer range as compared to the wireless variants, and can restrain the German shepherd to a circumference of 1 1/3 acres.

The icing on the cake is the fence system can be expanded to cover up to 100 acres. This is a Godsend remedy for owners of German shepherds who also own large properties and need their GSD dogs as a protective presence against unwelcomed guests.

It has 4 levels of static correction to suit the temperament of different German shepherd dogs and can be used for dogs weighing above 10 pounds or more. Another key feature is its advanced transmitter, with a break alarm and lightning protector, which provides this model with an extra edge. The break alarm issues a quick notification if there is a breakage in the boundary wall while the lightning protector acts as a shield against damage by lightening.

All in all, this invisible fence is for German shepherd dog owners who own large properties.

5. Pet Safe YardMax Rechargeable In-Ground Fence

Why we decided to include this Petsafe Product can be explained with only one word-Yardmax.

This is an invisible fence for you for your German shepherd if he is too smart for a traditional in-ground fence. Traditional fences correct your dog before they cross the designated boundary. However, this YardMax wonder activates its warning tone setting as your dog approaches the boundary and corrects him only after they cross the boundary. By this improvement, your dog ends up getting a 30% more play areas. .Yay!!

Another additional bonus that you can avail of choice is the indoor and outdoor Petz Away pet barrier. These allow you to keep your dog off expensive furniture and other delicate items both inside the house and in your backyard. These compatible accessories are sold separately.

It provides you a secure 1/3 yard for your dog which can be extended to 10 yards on further wiring. This single fence system also gives you the opportunity to add as many pets as you want to it.

So thanks to this fence, if your beloved German shepherd and Tom cat can live in harmony, they can also be restrained into a designated boundary as well.

Wrapping Up,

These invisible fences are essential tools in training German shepherd dogs to respect the physical boundaries that you have set for them. However, they cannot replace a proper training curriculum for dogs and can only replace it. You may also take the help of E-Collars in training your German shepherd in obedience training or if it gets too far away. Here is a list of Best E-collars that are in circulation right now. Also, here are a few tips if you have just set foot in the ‘training your GSD’ arena.

The post 5 Best Invisible Fences For German Shepherds: Electric enclosures to rein in your dog appeared first on Purrfect Paws.

They sure are great for humans, but will they give the same benefits to the dogs, or just be the opposite for them? Many dog parents habitually feed everything from their plates to their dogs without realizing that not everything that is great for us can be good for the dogs. So, are dried cranberries one of these things, or does it have the same benefits for the dogs, too?

Dried Cranberries For Dogs – Good or Not?

It is undeniable that cranberries are great for humans. We love to snack on them, add them to our desserts, and even eat them as part of our breakfast. Many dogs just crave some human food and fruits, but should all that be given to the dog? The answer would be NO.

But can your dog also enjoy some great dried cranberries with you? The answer to this is a YES. But, like human foods, this snack should also be served in moderate quantities. Just like dried pineapples, and other fruits in their dehydrated forms, dried cranberries too can be given to dogs, but in reasonable quantities.

While this superfood is not toxic for the dogs, giving these in large quantities to the dogs can sometimes upset their stomach. Moreover, the store-bought packs are mixed with raisins, which are highly harmful to the dogs. While giving the dogs some cranberry, make sure you don’t give whatever falls out from the packet. Your approach should be to carefully see what you are actually pouring into the bowl of your dog.

Another concern why dried cranberries should be served in limited amounts is that a lot of times while dehydrating, these fruits lose their sweetness, and they are later injected with sugar to make them a little sweet. Now, we all know how harmful sugar can be for dogs. Hence, always form a habit of reading ingredients and thoroughly examining what you are about to serve your dog. Nonetheless, dried cranberries, when given in moderation, are great for the dogs.

Benefits Of Dried Cranberries For Dogs

Cranberry and all its forms, including dried cranberries, are known to be high in antioxidant properties, which will keep the dog healthy for a longer time and protect its immune system from many diseases and infections.

Rich in vitamin C, potassium, and other minerals, these dried cranberries are great for dogs when given in moderation. Quite a few of us might think that during the process of dehydration, the cranberry might lose its essence of being healthy. But sadly, that’s not the truth. While, in some cases, sugar might be induced artificially, but these cranberries are still super healthy even in their dried-up form.

Being low in calories and high in fiber value, dried cranberries also help protect the dog from certain gastrointestinal diseases. It also lowers the risk of developing stroke, diabetes, and even heart diseases. Dried cranberries have proven to improve the bladder health of dogs and have also helped in UTI cases in dogs as they fight bacteria and many other infections.

Now, you might be thinking that if dogs can eat cranberries and dried cranberries, can they also have cranberry sauce and juice?

Cranberry Juice and Sauce for Dogs

If your dog loves the crunch of the dried cranberries, chances are they will love the sauce and the juice too. But is it something that can be given to the dogs? Well, this is something which can be given but should be avoided.

Dogs can have Cranberry sauce and juice but in little to moderate quantities. The sauce and juice will indeed provide your dog with the same benefits, but these benefits will come with a few risks too. These sauces and juices can be high in sugar and cause a lot of problems for the dogs. Moreover, some juices recipes also include grapes, raisins, etc., which are super harmful and poisonous for the dogs.

Moreover, some store-bought juices can also have traces of alcohol to give them a punch of flavor. Alcohol is something that is a BIG NO-NO for dogs. Hence, in our opinion, dogs should be kept far away from these store-bought juices. It is essential to understand that these juices and snacks are made for us, keeping in mind what we can have and what is safe for us. So, a lot of thought and research must be done to feed that exact same thing to the dog.

If you want, you can stir up some nice cranberry juice or make some sauce for the dog at home if they do not like the dried ones or the whole cranberries.

Our Verdict

All in all, dried cranberries are great for dogs, but only if given in reasonable quantities. However, it’s always good to consult the vet first before experimenting and giving something new to the dog. Moreover, it’s great if your dog can eat the whole cranberry without it being dehydrated or ground into a liquid form. Nonetheless, dried cranberries make an easy, mess-free, and economical treat for your dog, which can be given to it every once in a while.

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It is said that an apple a day keeps the doctor away. However, all human rules don’t always apply to the canine body metabolism, and a doctor and a vet might not share the same opinion on a common food item. So while apple sauce with cinnamon might have been shown the green light, there are still dietary rules for the dog’s digestive route that you need to follow.

Here are thus a few precautionary pointers for you to help you treat your dog to a cinnamon apple sauce the right way:

1. The Moderation Mantra

Moderation is the key to all healthy diet plans. Apple sauce is a great way to enrich your dog’s body with the goodness of Vitamin C, K, calcium, and fibers that come with an apple, minus the choking hazard risk of feeding him small, cut-up apple slices.

Apple also contains pectin, which helps lower cholesterol levels. It is an excellent dietary addition if your dog suffers from digestion problems. And Cinnamon adds a touch of exotic flavor to the apple sauce.

Cinnamon, in moderation, is essentially non-toxic and healthy for both humans and dogs.

However, Apple sauce with cinnamon should never be a part of the daily dietary plan for your dog. It should be ideally restricted to twice a week and should not exceed more than five percent of the dog diet on a given day.

2. Stick to our advice

Apple sauce available in markets often contains added sugar and preservatives. Be especially on the lookout for xylitol, an added sugar that can prove particularly toxic to dogs.

It will be wise to remember that dogs are prone to blood sugar-related problems like diabetes and pancreatitis. Xylitol can end up increasing blood insulin in dogs to dangerous levels.

Cinnamon is non-toxic to both humans and dogs in moderation. However, in large quantities, it can cause both skin irritation as well as act as an irritant to the digestive system. Increase the quantity and say hello to both vomiting and diarrhea. It can also lead to lowered blood sugar, as well as heart and liver anomalies.

Thus, it is important that you stick to our advice on the above-mentioned dietary restrictions. Even if your dog pulls its best puppy face to get his favorite apple-cinnamon delight.

3. Be age-sensitive

Apple sauce can be like dog beer sometimes, the pup has to sometimes reach a certain age before he can have it. This is because puppies have a more sensitive digestive mechanism with respect to certain food items than fully grown dogs.

And some puppies may suffer up from diarrhea after having apple sauce, which can quickly escalate into acute dehydration. Start with a small lick to see if your pup is the kind that doesn’t warm up to apple sauce easily.

4. Go organic

If your dog is particularly prone to diabetes, unsweetened apple sauce is your best bet. Organic apple sauce without added preservatives and sugar should be a quick pick for you.

However, it is best to prepare your apple sauce and cinnamon treat at home if you are not sure of the contents of the over-the-counter apple sauce.

All you have to do is take a few organic apples, boil them for 10-15 minutes and then strain and mash the apples. Be sure that you do not add apple seeds or stems to the stew, as they contain traces of cyanide that can be toxic to the dog.

Add just a touch of cinnamon in them and then cool it for a while. However, do not overdo the cinnamon powder, especially in front of your dog. This is because dry powder can induce coughing and sneezing in your dog, which can aggravate severe breathing problems.

And if you are feeling lazy about making your own sauce, remember, it will probably take you as much time as driving to the nearest mall. Plus you will be ensuring that your dog gets a hygienic and healthy reward for being the cute sweet heart that he is.

5. Freeze the feast

The best way to serve the apple sauce with cinnamon is to freeze it in the ice tray in the shape of small ice cubes. This way your dog can lick and play with it while devouring the delicacy. This can be especially refreshing on a hot, summer afternoon.

You may also use it as a reward or positive reinforcement while he is undergoing training.

If however, you wish to feed him treat in a sauce form only, do it by allowing it to lick it off your fingers. This way, you can moderate the quantity. Also, this removes the risk of your dog accidentally gulping the spoon along with the apple sauce.

Our Verdict

Apple sauce with cinnamon can not be a daily treat, but it sure is a nutrition bonus if given occasionally and in moderation. We hope that ‘to give or not to give, is no longer the question’. And if you are suffering from any other Shakespearean dietary dilemmas, check out if your dog can have cottage cheese. Or if coconut yogurt is a good idea.

The post Can Dogs Eat Apple Sauce With Cinnamon? Is there a Green signal for the red? appeared first on Purrfect Paws.

However, it will be wise to remember that their teeth are going to sharpen, and digging in deep can transform the yelp from their puppy mouth to a full-blown scream out of yours. Hence, it is best to go for behavior correction training before someone gets hurt.

Tips and tricks to stop the German Shepherd puppy biting

1. Finding out the root cause:

Ankle biting is common to almost all German shepherds and in fact, all dog breeds. However, there are multiple reasons why your dog might be engaging in ankle-biting.

German shepherds were raised as ‘herding dogs’ and thus over generations have had developed a primal instinct to bite ankles to keep the cattle from going astray. This rudimentary instinct is sometimes manifested with its human companions itself. The only solution to the problem is to provide proper training to the dog so that it may learn to stop biting its ankle.

Your puppy might be facing teething troubles. Other reasons might be that the dog is not getting enough exercise proportionate to its age. It might be a stunt to garner attention, especially if the puppy is already past the teething stage.

2. Let the dog know that biting is unacceptable:

The German shepherd, like any newborn, does not have an inherent understanding of what constitutes unacceptable behavior and what does not. However, a German Shepherd is an intelligent creature. It can make sense of our feelings by our verbal and facial expressions as well as our body language.

German shepherd pups try to make sense of the world around them with their mouth. They thus often try to explore their surroundings by biting and testing them with their mouth. However, they need to be provided behavioral training to make them understand that this behavior cannot continue.

When your GSD pup bites you, you can walk away from the situation to express your displeasure. You can also give a sharp ‘No’ command and pull your dog’s collar away from you to distance him from you. While doing so, you should yourself be standing still. This will help the dog understand that his playtime with you will be reduced if he continues with similar behavior.

3. Redirect the behavior to a chew toy:

Sometimes, a pup bites everything in its sight, not because it is rebelling but because it is facing teething problems. When a pup’s teeth are about to erupt, his gums become swollen. Applying pressure on it provides temporary relief.

If your pup is going through the phase, you can first give a feisty ‘no’ command to it to stop it. You should then give him a chew toy that will help him ease some of the teething discomforts. You may also offer them frozen carrots to allay their teething woes.

However, it is important to ensure that your dog is indeed suffering from teething problems and not just displaying bad behavior. This is because, if it is the latter case, you will be rewarding his bad behavior with a chew toy.

4. Show your pain:

You may also let out a small scream to make an appeal to the empathetic side of your German shepherd pup. It will make him realize that it is hurting you with such action.

If the aggressive biting still continues, you can also try a deterrent. These are objects which taste really bad. They thus act as a negative reinforcement by associating a bad memory with biting in the pup’s mind.

Sounds nasty? A little…let’s view it as a small, harmless revenge act if your dog does not respond to your cry for help. Or it might just be possible that it is a really bad piece of crying- acting from your side, and your dog is too smart a German Shepherd. In that case, we will like to complement you-well chosen!!

5. Reward good behavior:

The importance of positive reinforcement while training a puppy cannot be emphasized enough. When your dog displays a good behavior, a small treat can go a long way in helping him understand the benefits of being in your good books.

For example, if your dog bites your ankle, display a body posture that shows that you are upset and are ignoring him. Fold your arms and turn around to face away from him. Keep repeating this until he stops biting. Then give him a big smile and a small treat to reward his behavior. This way, he will understand that biting will lead to you ignoring him, while not doing so will get him both attention and snacks.

6. Be a companion to your dog:

Sometimes puppies bite at your ankles because they are feeling lonely and want your attention. When you own a German shepherd, you own a responsibility to provide them with love and care for their lifetime.

It is important that you pay them adequate attention, especially in their formative years.

German shepherds who have not had proper training might have biting habits which they take right to their adulthood. It is thus important to focus on providing the right kind of training to your pup to turn into an amiable human companion.

If you have some time constraints, you should also crate train your dog, so that it is not emotionally hampered during your periods of separation.

You can also arrange for play dates with other trained dogs. Sometimes a dog is able to understand that it is biting rough while engaging in some canine-to-canine play.

7. Give him his daily quota of exercise:

 German shepherds are highly energetic dogs who need an adequate amount of exercise. Lack of exercise can channelize their energies into destructive tendencies.

To know how much exercise your GSD pup needs, the golden rule is to add 5 minutes to each month of his age. For example, a two-month-old pup can manage with 10 minutes of exercise, while a four months old pup may need additional 10 minutes worth of exercise.

Things You Shouldn’t Do

Even you get your own list of don’ts; things you should never do while you train a German shepherd.

It is important never to shout or yell at your GSD pup as it will frighten him and make him nervous. It will also lead to him developing a negative perception of you and will damage your bond irreparably.

Also, as tempting as it may seem to some, never use aversive collars like, for example, a shock collar on your dog. It will frighten the dog and will have a negative effect on its mental health.

With adequate training, your GSD pup should stop ankle-biting as it turns five to six months old. If the aggressive behavior persists, you might need to consult an animal behavioral specialist. However, most of the German shepherd dogs have this issue resolved as they add adequate months to their age and if they have been adequately trained. To know more about training German shepherds, you can consult these 6 Best German shepherd training books.

The post How to stop German shepherd Puppies from biting your ankles?: Some useful tips and techniques appeared first on Purrfect Paws.

Training a German shepherd puppy into a responsible and confident adult dog requires both commitment and expertise. While we have no doubt regarding your commitment to your German shepherd’s future, a little help in the expertise area may be the requirement of the day.

There are multiple sources of gathering information about the training process specific to German shepherds. One of the best among them is a time-tested book that can walk you through the entire odysseys of owning and training a German shepherd, a journey where you are both a teacher and a student.

As you train your dog, you get insights into their mind and develop an almost spiritual connection to them. This entire process adds as much to your personality as it does to them, and a wonderful book as a companion on this journey can smoothen the path as well as make it more enjoyable.

Following is a handpicked list of the best books to read for tips on training a German shepherd:

List of Helpful German Shepherd Training Books

1. Training your German shepherd dog

This book is a 2018 winner of the Dog Writers Association of America (DWAA) Award for the best book in training. ‘Training your German shepherd dog’ is a part of ‘Training your dog series’ which specifically throws light on the trials and tribulations of training a German shepherd dog. A well-detailed book, complete with full-sized color pictures that deal with the different methodologies of German shepherd training as well as digs deep into the different psychological theories behind the methods.

It provides you an insight into the German shepherd’s dog mind so that you not only follow training instructions written in the book but also understand the reasoning behind them. Loaded with very specific information on different theories and throws in some great ideas about positive reinforcement techniques.

It also helps you in introspecting if you are ready to raise a dog and if so, the kind of German shepherd that will complement you. Furthermore, It has an additional bonus in the form of information on the breeding history of German shepherd dogs to help you know where they come from. The book encourages you to understand your dog’s mind while helping you to plant your image in his mind as the ‘leader of the pack’. This makes him more likely to look up to you and follow instructions. All in all, this book is a brilliant opportunity for novice German shepherd enthusiasts to understand the nuances of the deal.

2. Your German shepherd puppy month by month

As the name suggests, the book takes into account each and every month of the German shepherd growth period, which dates back to the moment it comes out in the litter. It has more information than you will need to understand the best way to raise and train your dog and it is a highly comprehensive book.

Since German shepherd pups grow in leaps and bounds, it will answer all the questions you may have in your mind ranging from whether its height and weight are appropriate to its age bracket as well as what and what not to feed him. It also tells you which outdoor plants to look out for which may be dangerous for your pup’s health.

It goes on to talk about a German shepherd’s grooming requirements, schedules for veterinary appointments as well as vaccination needs. The book even discusses the behavioral issues of the GSD pup as it hits adolescence and the best way to handle its tantrums. If there is something you want to know about your pup, the book has it (and that too categorized month-wise).

 All in all, it’s a book from doggie womb to tomb.

3. The Art of Raising a Puppy by Monks of New Skete

‘The art of raising a puppy’ is a book by multiple authors and trainers whose experience over the years has been gathered, refined, and streamlined to give birth to this book, which as an American bestseller, has cemented its reputation as the ‘Go-to-book’ for understanding your German shepherd pup and its varied needs.

The book goes through the various developmental stages of the German shepherd growth period and brilliantly guides the users through the various ways to initiate socialization, crate training, and behavioral adaptations in the German shepherd dogs.

The book shed some light on how to adopt dogs from shelters. It also talks about the updated behavioral modification techniques in the breed. This is much needed now that more and more German Shepherds are being raised in urban settings.

It is a good buy for both first-time and experienced dog owners, as it covers the basics as well as touches on the advanced themes that are currently circulating in the academic circles regarding the German shepherd training requirements.

4. German Shepherds for Dummies

An easy-to-read book especially for absolute beginners to help them boost their confidence as they embark on a mission to train their newly adopted German shepherd pups. It is written in plain English and concepts have been simplified to help owners who are looking for a quick (yet effective) dose of information to help them break out of the initial nervousness of nurturing a newly acquired pup.

It explains the basics of German shepherd training steps in a lucid manner with a humorous touch. However, it might not be very useful for trainers having a fair amount of knowledge on training German shepherds already.

5. The German shepherd dog (Terra Nova)

The German shepherd dog (Terra Nova) is a complete guide to a 360-degree view of German shepherds that will be a step-by-step guide for you and your entire family in raising the dog.

Equipped with extensive chapters on feeding, grooming, and training the dog into a well-behaved adult canine. It also has a detailed chapter on canine health that is reviewed by experienced veterinarians, which suggests dietary plans for the canines as well as discusses the parameters for ensuring their health.

Again an easy-to-read book with pictorial representations and graphics which will appeal to even dog owners who otherwise are not comfortable in reading hefty books.

6. K9 Personal Protection

This is one of the best books in its genre if you have decided to own a German shepherd dog for protection and personal security. The authors of this book have trained German shepherd dogs for the United Nations, the Red Cross, and policies of various nations. They bring this invaluable experience to the table as they pen a detailed analysis on multiple approaches to this kind of training and impart useful tips on obedience training.

It also provides an insight into the kind of German shepherds which will be best suitable for your purpose and the best way to zero down on them.

The book starts with the basics on how to procure such dogs, cement it with fundamentals of how to impart training to create protection dogs out of the routine German shepherd dogs, and then build on it with advanced exercises and training.

Books are sometimes able to provide explanations that can beat even the most professional of trainers. A good book with respect to the training of German shepherds can act as a key to their heart and get you into the mind and soul of a professional trainer. Reading a couple of books and doing adequate research on the matter will surely help you get ready for the satisfaction and challenges of owning a German shepherd dog.

Final Words

It is important to select a book according to your level of expertise in training a German shepherd, for some books are targeted at novices while others are penned down at a level that can only match the comprehension levels of skilled trainers. Also, It is important to introspect if you are a reader who can go for detailed explanations and enjoys the intricacies that are involved with heavy reading, or if you are the kind that is comfortable with quick and upfront information.

You can thus select a book that is best suited to your German Shepherd’s personality; and which resonates with your temperament as a reader and trainer as well. This, in turn, will act as a powerful tool in your mission to carve out the best version of your German shepherd dog.

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And if you are lucky enough to catch them young, their early formative years can turn out to be an exemplary lifting pad to launch them into a lifetime of excellence.

Simple Ways to train a German Shepherd Puppy

1. Consistency is the key:

Although the responsibility to nurture your German shepherd puppy starts the minute it enters your home, standardized training for them should be started as they turn eight to twelve months old.

Consistency is the most important component of your training process. A German shepherd pup, like a newborn baby, is unable to distinguish between acceptable and unacceptable behavior.

Also, dogs, in general, have a short-term memory of hardly more than two minutes. However, they are blessed with a good associative memory. This allows them to form associations between the command given, the behavior reciprocation, and the situational scenario.

In order for them to establish correct correlations between a situation and the consequent reaction, it has to be consistent. Hence, if you give a verbal command to the puppy to not jump on the couch, it has to be repeated every time such a situation arises.

If you stop him once from doing it because it is an expensive couch and not the next time, when you could not care less about the couch, it is going to get confused. After all, your German shepherd pup cannot read price tags.

2. Introduce him to the usual:

A German shepherd pup is just like a shy newcomer in a class who needs to be dealt an extra push to break in with the surroundings.

Try to make the pup comfortable with people and things that will eventually be a part of its daily routine. Introduce the people around you with a smile and hug so the dog understands that they mean no harm and cozies up to them.

Start using a coat brush on it so that it does not consider its grooming kit as a threat. Have a futuristic vision in mind as you try to modulate its behavior. For example, you may find it cute when it tries to nibble your hand today, but when it grows a real dentition, trust us; you are going to regret it.

3. Work on your body language and stay firm:

Your body languages and facial expressions are as important as your verbal commands to help the puppy understand if you are happy or upset about the given situation.

If you find his behavior unacceptable, let it know that you are upset with your body language. However, never yell at your puppy or physically punish it. This may make him nervous or frightened and damage your emotional bond irreparably.

Also, it’s easier said than done, but do not melt if he tries to soften you with its soft, gooey eye gaze. Remember, you are doing it all for his good only.

4. Reward positive behavior:

Positive reinforcement is an important part of behavioral training. If you notice your German shepherd pup displaying good behavior, reward him immediately.

Also, make sure there is no significant time lapse between its positive behavior and the reward received. This will ensure that he is aware of what he is being rewarded for.

The reward can be in form of a verbal expression or hug, a favorite treat, or a chewy toy to play with. You can keep a few treats handy around the house for this purpose.

5. Impose time-outs:

Just like it is important to reward positive behavior, it is equally important to take corrective action against negative behavior.

A time-out is a way to call out your puppy for bad behavior by removing him from the immediate surroundings that are causing it. Then take him to another room or confined area and leave him there. If he calms down or starts showing positive behavior, you can remove him from that area after a couple of minutes.

Usually leaving him alone in the bathroom for a few minutes works. However, do not initiate time-outs in outside, open areas as the puppy may mistake it as a reward for appropriate behavior.

6. Tackle attention deficit issues:

Sometimes the dog may cause an unnecessary ruckus by barking just to garner your attention. Do not pay heed to and completely ignore the dog, if you feel that he is acting with the sole motive of gaining attention.

Ideally, also try to tackle the root cause of the issue. It is important to pay an adequate amount of attention to your dog so that it feels desired. If your dog is suffering from severe separation anxiety, you may need to consult a vet.

It is also important to ensure that your German shepherd pup gets an adequate amount of exercise so that its raw energy is not channelized into destructive and attention-seeking ways.

Conclusion

The initial months of the German shepherd pup training set up the tone for its future course. It is thus important to put our best foot forward in this preliminary phase itself.

If you have any doubts regarding this, it is advisable to seek a professional opinion rather than regret it later. For further tips on moving forward on German shepherd training, read German shepherd training: The paradigms of age-appropriate and proper training methodologies.

The post Simple Ways to Train/Discipline a German Shepherd Puppy: To begin from the beginning. appeared first on Purrfect Paws.

German Shepherd Training Age Timeline

1. The Training Inception

The German shepherd training begins with your choice of the puppy itself. Just like humans, puppies are born with their own individualistic temperaments. Thus selecting a puppy that will complement your temperament, in the long run, can be a tedious task. A good breeder can help you with this as they have the privilege to observe the puppies since their conception.

Once you bring the puppy home, their training begins. However, a strategized training protocol starts as the puppy turn 8 weeks old.

2. The Onset Of Training (8-16 WEEKS)

The first training period specifically targets the age range from 8 to 16 weeks. The primary aim of the onset training is to socialize the dog. Another goal is to familiarize them with the surroundings they will grow up to be part of as adults. At this stage, a German shepherd puppy is highly impressionable and receptive to changes. Thus a training started well is a training half well done.

Socialization: German shepherds are dogs that are known to be extremely protective of their human families. It is hence important to drill into their psyche that not all strangers are dangerous. After all, you will not want your dog to tear into your child’s tutor the first time she comes around with the assessment report.

This socialization training thus incorporates familiarizing them with different people and sounds as they are growing up. German shepherds are great at sensing your emotions towards other people and thus modifying their behavior accordingly.

Hence, you need to be extra cheerful with people that usually frequent your house so that your puppy picks onto those emotions (unless you don’t want them to visit too often, in which case your German shepherd friend might come handy as well). Pet the puppy and then pet the children at home to help the dog feel a certain amount of camaraderie and common connection with the kids.

Also, play small two minutes games with it while familiarizing it with different sounds in the surrounding. This helps the dog develop a certain amount of self-confidence. It also reduces his nervousness while encountering unfamiliar and unchartered territories. A confident German shepherd puppy can turn out to be an awesome asset in its adulthood.

The Grooming approach: German shepherds require adequate grooming as they shed a lot of hair. They thus need a frequent brush through their thick coat as well as regular baths at reasonable time lengths. A German shepherd hence needs to familiarize itself with its grooming kit so that it does not throw a tantrum if you wish to clip its nails later.

The Crate Training: We all wish that we can spend every minute of our waking period with our dogs. But unfortunately, we have jobs to report to and errands to run. And a German shepherd unaccustomed to staying alone may have to deal with separation anxiety.

That is why we should prepare our dog for periods of alone time with crate training from the early onset.

The dog should be encouraged to spent time inside its crate, especially when the owner is performing its daily chores. This will help it overcome separation anxiety. This can also be done by feeding the dog while it is inside the crate so that it starts associating it with a place of comfort. It will also encourage it to associate the crate with positive feelings.

2. The Secondary Stage Of Training (3 to 9 Months)

3 to 9 months old German shepherds are in the adolescence of their youths-not a puppy anymore, not yet a dog. Hence, they should be carefully trained to follow commands with regular positive reinforcements and treats. It is important not to yell at them or forge a negative connection with them.

Their training begins with few minutes at times and should be slowly increased to a maximum of twenty minutes at a stretch. The training can go on throughout the day in specific phases.

It is important to spend quality time in their training during this period. It should usually start with only one family member presiding over the training sessions. Once our teen dog gets the hang of the training rules and starts obeying commands, other family members can also start pitching in.

You can also get a professional trainer to help you if you seem to be facing any difficulties.

Obedience training: This is a very important part of the German shepherd training. German shepherd dogs are excellent learners and are able to grasp commands much faster than other breeds.

However, just like a bored teenager, a German shepherd that is not engaged in proper training may get deviated and channelized its energy into destructive activities. Hence it is important to spend ample time teaching him commands like ‘sit’ and ‘stand’.

Correct execution of such commands should be rewarded with a treat of its choice. However, it is important to keep in mind that ample time should not lapse between the dog performing the task and you fetching him the treat. Otherwise, the dog will not be able to form a positive correlation between the two. The treat will then just add to its calorie count, without providing it with any mental stimulation.

Also ‘Recall’ command is an important part of the dog command training. The dog should be able to run up to you when you call its name. This will play an important part in its adulthood that will allow it to protect you against unwelcome strangers. On the other side, it will also help you to protect it should you foresee any danger in the surroundings.

Tuning in the treats: Treating the dog with snacks as positive reinforcement is an important part of the training process. Feeding time can indeed become an important component of the training process. However, it is equally important to know when to hold on to the treats.

While treating the dog with treats and snacks, it is important that it does not become its prime motivation. Hence, intermittently you can stop giving it snacks or at least decrease its frequency. You may do this once you are confident that it has begun to understand and execute a certain command properly.

Also, Grade the snacks into three categories. Give him a simple snack if it performs a simple command and a middle-level snack for a slightly complex task. For a task done exceptionally well, you can reward the dog with its favorite treat so that it knows that it has performed brilliantly.

Also, while dishing out these snacks, keep a check on the calorie count depending on the dietary requirements of the dog.

The Food Aggression Dilemma: Dogs at this age of 3 to 9 months may suffer from food aggression. This is a phase where they become overly possessive about their food and began to keep a close watch on their food bowl.

To make your dog overcome this food aggression, remove the food bowl and start feeding it with your hands. This makes him realize that you are a friendly presence who is not after its diet.

After it becomes comfortable eating out of your hand, introduce an empty bowl to him and still keep feeding with your hands.

Then start dropping food in his bowl and allow him to eat from it. This way he develops an assurance with regard to your presence. He also in this manner starts forging an emotional bond with you.

3. The Culminating Phase Of Training (9 to 24 Months)

This is the age when our German shepherd embraces adulthood in its full vigor.
The Impulse Training: Impulse training ideally should begin from the secondary stage itself. However, in this stage of his, training, it needs to be emphasized and refined even further.

The German shepherd dog should be taught to control its impulses both with and without the leash. This is especially true when they come across unfamiliar noises or even other aggressive dogs.

German shepherds have natural instincts as dogs of prey. In the state of domestication, they relive it by chasing cars in traffic. These impulses need to be controlled both by positive and negative reinforcements. It is thus a round-the-year Halloween for you playing “Trick or Treat” with your dog with doggie snacks and dog collars.

Other Command training also needs to be simultaneously continued and upgraded. Other activities like scent tracing and tracking also need to be incorporated. The dogs trained for incorporation in the military are of course trained at a much higher level.

The Pre-Trained Dog: If you adopted an untrained adult german shepherd, chances are, you have to retrain it. This may require some extra patience from your side. However, the good news is that German shepherds are excellent learners and their eagerness to learn is even more in adulthood.

However, if your German shepherd has been trained particularly badly, you might require professional help from a qualified trainer.

It is said that a man’s learning phase runs corresponding to his life. The same holds true for all dogs in general and German shepherds in particular. The blessing here, of course, is that a German Shepherd’s thirst for learning is something that cannot be easily quenched.

Summing Up,

Training and teaching a German Shepherd is thus both a fun experience and a huge responsibility. He has an eager mind that cannot be allowed to stay at rest for long. An amateur trainer needs to continuously upgrade their learning from professional trainers, experienced friends with pets, or any other source they may happen to come across. And while you learn, train, and learn; you might end up gaining insight or two on life’s varied perspectives as well.

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Training a dog is an important life ritual that all dog owners have to undertake with their pets to help them break into the ways of human-canine cohabitation. True, long gone are the ‘spare the rod, spoil the child’ days, and positive reinforcement is the new age mantra of both child-rearing and dog breeding.

However, the need for dog collars is still very much present. Not only do they act as an identification card for the dogs as well as a medical record of their vaccination needs, but they also are an indispensable requirement of the training process, at least in the initial stages.

The need for a dog leash also to an extent depends on the individual dog nature. If you have happened to lay your hands on a relatively gentle German shepherd, good for you. However, if you have befriended a particularly snarky German shepherd variety whose possessiveness level matches your former lover’s, you might want to leash it up for the sake of others around you.

Also, it is not a ‘one leash fits all’ theory. You might need a set of two or three leashes for different purposes. Remember, no matter how comfortable those shorts are for jogging, you cannot end up in your office party in them. Hence your ‘piss-training outside the house’ leash might be different from ‘let’s train it to chase away all the thieves and thugs’ collar. You can also consult your dog trainer for your pet’s various collar requirements.

List of the most commonly used dog collars for training

1. Flat collar

Flat collar is a standard collar, which is also one of the most commonly used dog collars. It has an easy snap-open mechanism through a buckle or plastic snap that allows it to be easily snapped on and removed off from around the dog’s neck.

It can be used while taking the dog out for a light walk. The best part about it is that it fits comfortably around the dog’s neck and there is minimal chance of it choking the dog. Of course, it is always important to ensure that at least two of your fingers can snug in through the collar.

Also, it is available in a wide variety of materials and colors, so maybe can color coordinate with your pet in one of those ‘show-off your awesome dog’ carnivals.

2. Martingale collar

The Martingale collar is like the ‘Mother Teresa’ of dog collars and is the most humane approach to leashing on a dog. It is made of two loops. The smaller loop tightens the larger loop if the dog tries to wriggle out of the collar. However, the larger loop is mostly made of Nylon or Neoprene material and not a metal chain. This way, the chain is constricted in a limited manner and does not put pressure on the dog’s trachea.

This collar is especially suited for dogs that have smaller heads. It is also recommended for your German shepherd if he likes to pull a lot at its collar. Also, if your German shepherd is a fan of swimming, you might want to put him in a martingale collar made of Neoprene. It is the same material that is used in swimsuits, so you don’t have to worry about the damp smell every time your German shepherd gets wet.

3. Head collar

Head Collar is visualized on the basis of a horse’s halter. One of its straps wraps around the neck and sits on the dog’s head near the ears while the other strap is wrapped around the dog’s muzzle. This gives the handler of the leash an ample amount of control over the dog’s movements and this is exactly the reason why it is recommended for large and over-enthusiastic dogs.

This is a collar you get to use when your dog keeps jumping into the heavy traffic and you have to take a near-death plunge every time. The strap on the dog muzzle hinders the leash pulling potential of the dog and grants you both extra years on Earth.

This is a widely used collar on German shepherd dogs as well when they are at their playful best. A well-adjusted Head Collar rarely harms the dog. However, an ill-adjusted one can constrict too close to the eye and damage the blood vessels nearby. It is thus important to ensure proper adjustment of the collar straps.

An advantage of the Headcollar is that the dog’s mouth is free for a quick treat or a round of playing fetch. The drawback is that it is also free to chew out anything that is discomforting to it. Do note that the Headcollar should not be used for longer periods, as dogs might just manage to find a way to move out of the muzzle strap. You might end up buying a new head collar to replace the chewed-out one.

4. Elizabethan collars

Wounds and scratches are a part of the training process. And a dog trainer does like to display his wounds as battle-won medallions.

The dogs, on the other hand, like to scratch and fester the wound into a bigger infection zone. That is why we have cone-like Elizabethan collars or E collars that cover up the wound site to allow it to heal in peace. They are available in a wide variety of shapes and sizes and allow the dog to move around without impacting the infected area.

5. Aversion collars

We also have a set of aversion collars, which rely heavily on providing discomfort to the dog. However, they are steadily losing popularity in favor of Positive reinforcement techniques. These collars may suppress negative behavior temporarily, but they do not end up teaching the dog the correct behavior. They may also weaken the emotional bond between the dog and the owner. After all, nobody likes an abusive father.

However, if your dog is particularly unruly and stubborn, your dog owner may recommend them from time to time as a form of punishment and behavioral adjustment technique. Some of the aversion collars are:

5.a) Shock collars: Shock collars transmit a shock to the dog through electric currents which range from a very low-intensity itchy feeling to a significant intensity shock to the dog. These may form a part of the training process and may also be used to prevent the dog from leaving the designated area.

The electric shocks are often preceded by a warning signal to the dog. A variation of the shock collars which are the milder vibration collars may also be required in the training of deaf dogs.

Shock collars need to imbibe in the training process in a cautious manner. This is because their constant use can hamper the emotional intelligence of the dog and make him constantly nervous. You also have to remember that electric collars which produce a shock on the dog leaving a designated area, do the same when it enters it as well. This is a risk your dog might not be willing to take if it has somehow crossed this invisible fence to the other side.

5.b.) Chock chain collars: These are made up of metal links and are primarily aimed at controlling the dog by tightening the collar around his neck. However, in the hands of an inadequately experienced trainer, it can cause significant nerve damage, rupture blood vessels and damage the tracheal and esophageal walls.

They should ideally not be used on small dogs.

These choke collars again need to be used in a cautious manner as they may have an adverse effect on the physical, mental and psychological health of the dog on long-term use. The dog may also end up forming negative associations with it which might be counterproductive to the entire training process.

5.c.) Prong or Pinch collars: They are also known as Herm Sprenger collars. They are an adaption of martingale collars where the control loop is made up of metal chains and has fang-shaped metal links or prongs attached from the inside. It is used to control an overly energetic dog or a dog in front of another aggressive dog. They may also be used to help your dog avoid distractions during a training session, to train them to heel, and also teach them to not pick up unwarranted items from the ground.

The important point to keep in mind while applying a prong collar is that it should be placed higher up the neck, near the dog’s ears where nerve endings are less padded. Also, they should never be worn inside out, with the fangs facing outside, as it may lead to the dog injuring its other body parts.

6. Special Purpose Collars

There are other special-purpose collars designed to cater to the specific training needs of dogs.

1. Bark Control Collars: They are designed to prevent excessive barking among dogs. They can be the Spray type which releases a jet of air or citronella spray which interrupts the dog when he is on a barking spree. Then there is the Ultrasonic type which emits an ultrasonic sound which is beyond the human hearing range and only dogs can hear it.
2. Chemical collars: They are collars that are worn additionally in case your dog is suffering from a flea or tick infestation and they have chemicals in them that are slowly released on the dog’s body surface. However, you need to strictly adhere to the manual while using them.
3. 3-in-1 Harness collars: These collars have front leash attachment on the harness which allows you to walk in front of the dog, a back leash attachment once it stops pulling and a seat belt strap for its car rides to the doggy snacks shop.
4. GPS Collars: We also have a GPS or Global Positioning Satellite Collar which will help track down your dog if you are afraid of losing it to the wilderness. It is especially useful for our German shepherd friends who have a curious little wandering soul entrapped in their large bodies.

Dog collars are undergoing modifications and getting regular updates as people are developing more awareness about dog training and maintenance. Today, we have the Hands-free leashes that have a belt to be worn by the owner around the waist to keep the dog close as well as the Retractable leashes, which allows the dog to move at a greater distance from the owner to go for a long walk and at the same time allows the owner to retract the leash back. Then we have the fur saver collars that have longer and fewer links so as to not damage the luscious fur coat of your dog.

The revolution does not end here as the materials used for dog collars are also being regularly updated. Nylon has given way to neoprene as it was causing allergic reactions on certain canine skins. Now, leather is the latest in trend as owners are not afraid to dash out a few extra bucks for their dog’s comfort. At the same time, aversive collars are being called out at various animal rights forums for the harm they may end up causing.

It is thus truly an era of liberation, where dogs are being given the love and respect that is due to them as a man’s best friend.

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